US offroad race King of the Hammers won on Yokohama Geolandar tyres

Kyle Chaney won the 4900 Can-Am UTV race on Yokohama Geolandar off-road tyres at the off-road King of the Hammers race in California, 4-11 February. The season opening event for the year-long Ultra4 National Series racing tour combines desert racing and rock crawling, and is considered the one of the toughest off-road races in the world. At this year’s King of the Hammers, Yokohama Rubber supplied its Geolandar tyres to more than 30 vehicles, with models including the Geolandar M/T G003 mud terrain tyres including race-versions, and its Geolandar SD tyre for global off-road racing.

In addition to the 4900 Can-Am Pro Stock Turbo UTV class in which Chaney was entered, the King of the Hammers’ 4900 Can-Am UTV race has multiple classes combined and features vehicles from several 4900 Can-Am classes. Chaney finished first among all classes.

In his post-race interview, Chaney commented that “While other competitors suffered punctures and sidewall tears, we had no flats the entire race. We are confident in the performance and durability of the Geolandar in any conditions.” In another event race, the 4WP Every Man Challenge, Duane Garretson finished third in his 4500 Yukon Gear and Axle Modified class vehicle running on Geolandar tyres.

Yokohama Rubber’s three-year (2021–2023) medium-term management plan centres the tyre manufacturer’s Geolandar SUV and pick-up range of tyres alongside its flagship Advan ultra-high performance series for performance cars, and various cold weather products as its most important product lines. The company wants to maximise the sales ratios of these high-value-added tyres. It views motorsport as “crucial” in the development of new tyre technologies that will further strengthen these brands. The tyre maker participates in a wide variety of motorsports events in Japan and around the globe, from top-category to grassroots events.