Back to racing after horrific crash!

Takuma Aoki

The Yokohama Rubber Co. announced that it will support the team led by Takuma Aoki participating in the “19th Asia Cross Country Rally” the largest FIA-certified cross country rally held in Asia.

The “Geolandar” tyres for the team’s car and “Medi-Air” air-cell cushion will reduce the burden on the lower body of the driver, Takuma Aoki, who is a paralyzed from the waist down.

Takuma Aoki was injured in a crash during a motorcycle race practice run. Forced to retire from rider, Aoki took up the challenge of racing four-wheel vehicles and has been active on the overseas racing field. He has participated in the Asia Cross Country Rally every year since 2007, finishing third in 2011, sixth and 11th in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

This year’s race will start in Pattaya, Thailand, on 9th August and run through 15th August with the goal line in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Asia Cross Country Rally was begun in 1996 to promote international goodwill and friendship among countries in Asia. Held annually in August, the rally is run through mountainous terrain, jungles, coastal areas, plantation lands, and a race car circuit.

Takuma Aoki's Isuzu