SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 12, 2025 – In an electrifying display of speed, skill, and tire performance, the UNI-ROBO BLUEGRASS FERRARI, riding on YOKOHAMA’s global flagship ADVAN tires, surged from the back of the grid to claim a stunning victory in the GT300 class of the 2025 AUTOBACS SUPER GT Series Round 2 at Fuji Speedway.
Racing fans witnessed a masterclass in endurance and determination as drivers Yoshiaki Katayama and Roberto Merhi Muntan piloted their way from 27th position to 1st over the course of a grueling three-hour race. Their car, supported by the high-performance ADVAN tires, delivered flawless traction and handling throughout the event, highlighting the ADVAN brand’s competitive edge in the world of motorsport.
A Triumph Built on Tire Performance and Teamwork
The victory wasn't just about speed—it was about strategy, perseverance, and the unsung hero under every car: the tires. Merhi's aggressive first stint laid the groundwork for Katayama to push hard and gain critical ground mid-race. The seamless teamwork continued when Merhi returned to the wheel for the final stretch.
With just 10 minutes left on the clock, Merhi held second place, trailing a car that seemed untouchable. But in a twist that captured the drama of motorsport, the leading car suffered a mechanical failure on the final lap. Seizing the moment, Merhi crossed the finish line first, delivering VELOREX its long-awaited maiden SUPER GT victory.
“ADVAN tires were a key to our success,” the team noted, celebrating the pivotal role Yokohama Rubber played in their comeback win. Another high-performing ADVAN-equipped car, the CARGUY FERRARI 296 GT3, also impressed by finishing in fourth place.
More Than Just a Race—A Statement of Excellence
This victory underscores Yokohama Rubber’s bold ADVAN CHALLENGE initiative, part of the company’s broader 2024–2026 strategy, Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026). At the heart of this strategy is a commitment to growing consumer trust in high-value, high-performance tires like ADVAN—tires engineered for both the racetrack and everyday roads.
ADVAN’s proven performance on the track is more than a motorsports win—it’s a powerful testament to the quality consumers can expect in their own vehicles. Whether navigating highways or chasing weekend adventures, drivers can experience the same grip, control, and confidence that powered a Ferrari to victory.
Where You Can Experience ADVAN Performance
Consumers eager to experience this championship-winning technology for themselves can explore the ADVAN line at authorized Yokohama retailers worldwide. The brand includes options for sports cars, sedans, and luxury vehicles, all designed to deliver elite-level performance in real-world conditions.
Yokohama continues to expand the ADVAN series, as well as its GEOLANDAR and winter tire lines, making world-class innovation accessible to drivers everywhere.
Unleash the Champion Within
For VELOREX, this win was history in the making. For drivers everywhere, it’s inspiration on four wheels. ADVAN tires are engineered not just for the podium but for everyday performance, giving consumers a taste of racing excellence on their own journeys.
Learn more at https://www.yokohamatire.com