SUPER GT victory for Yokohama-shod 911
In Japan, a car shod with Yokohama Advan racing tyres finished first in the GT300 class in Round 8 (the final round) of the SUPER GT held on October 28 at Twin Ring Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture, reversing the series point standings to win the 2012 series championship. Vehicles equipped with Yokohama tyres have won the series championship in the GT300 class for the last four years.
The winning vehicle was the “ENDLESS TAISAN 911” driven by Kyosuke Mineo and Naoki Yokomizo of “Team TAISAN ENDLESS.” With a “Porsche 911 GT3 R” newly employed from this season, the team placed second in the first round and had consistently finished in a top position thereafter. It was in third place overall, nine points out of first, prior to the final round.
Team TAISAN ENDLESS started the final round in second position and, driving in wet conditions, Yokomizo grabbed the lead at a hairpin curve on the eighth lap taking advantage of the tyres’ excellent wet-grip. Another crucial point was the decision during a pit stop on the 33rd lap not to change tyres – this time based on confidence in the Advan’s proven wear resistance. Mineo took over the driving from Yokomizo and kept the lead to take the chequered flag.
SUPER GT is the most popular motor race series in Japan. Including factory teams from major manufacturers, there is a high level of competition every year. Vehicles are specially modified from those commercially available and are divided into two groups, GT300 (about 300 horsepower) and GT500 (about 500 horsepower). The two groups race together but compete for points and titles separately.
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