TOKYO (Feb. 19, 2014) — Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. is getting its racing kart tires certified by the Commission International de Karting-FIA, primarily for distribution in Japan.
Yokohama karting tires have received CIK-FIA certification for 2014-16 and will be available in 10 sizes at open market prices, the firm said. The lineup includes four dry type tires and is divided into two major categories—one designed for use with the mainstream KF karts and the other for KZ karts.
The new tires complement Yokohama's lineup of Japan Automobile Federation-certified kart tires, the tire maker said.
It appears the product release will have little, if any, impact on North America.
“Although the kart tire market is very different in the U.S. than it is in Europe and Asia, we will evaluate all opportunities through existing supply channels,” said Duane Sampson, Yokohama Tire Co. motorsports manager.