OREANDA-NEWS. November 06, 2012. The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that a vehicle equipped with its "ADVAN" racing tires 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 tires 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.

 Under wet conditions, the leading team began the final round in the pole position with "Team TAISAN ENDLESS" starting second. Yokomizo said he had confidence in the team’s chosen tires. True to his words, he grabbed the lead at a hairpin curve on the eighth lap taking advantage of their excellent wet-grip. Another crucial point was the decision during a pit stop on the 33rd lap not to change tires - this time based on confidence in YOKOHAMA tire’s proven wear resistance. Mineo took over the driving from Yokomizo as rivals fought fiercely to close the gap. Maintaining the lead, he took the checkered 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.