Yokohama Tyres becomes the 2026 AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship naming rights partner

Yokohama Tyres will expand its support of the AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship by becoming the naming rights partner for the 2026 season.

To be known as the Yokohama Tyres AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship, it marks a major step up in its support of local motorsport’s key development class.

Yokohama has been the control tyre supplier of Australian Formula Ford for the past 10-years, with the likes of Will Brown, Jayden Ojeda, Jordan Boys, Aaron Cameron, Cooper Murray and Hunter McElrea learning their trade on A048 semi-slicks.

Andrew McCathie from Traction Tyres is the appointed Yokohama motorsport distributor for Victoria and Tasmania. Traction Tyres is joint sponsor with Yokohama for the series. Andrew enjoys a more than three decade relationship as a supporter of Formula Ford.

The Yokohama Tyres AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship enters a new era in 2026 by competing under the Australian Auto Sport Alliance. It will be one of the showcase categories to feature at all six rounds of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series and two further events at the AASA Short Track Nationals.

For those interested in contesting the Yokohama Tyres AASA Australian Formula Ford Championship, call the AASA Hotline on 0475 428 543 to receive all the required information.

A 20-car field is expected at the opening round of the Yokohama Tyres AASA Formula Ford Championship when it begins at The Bend as part of the Hi-Tec Oils Super Series on March 13-15.

QUOTES

Marcos Ambrose - AASA Competition and Commercial Director

“Yokohama has been supporting Formula Ford and it’s the perfect tyre for the category,” said Ambrose.

“Not only did Yokohama support Formula Ford through its lean years, but now it’s backing us up and reinvesting to take the category back to its former glory.

“Yokohama’s support makes a big difference as it keeps the entry fees low, increases the brand awareness through activations, raises the professionalism of the category, we’re offering more prizes and increased social media, which doesn’t happen without its backing.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have a great brand in Yokohama and Andrew from Traction Tyres keeping an eye on what we were trying to achieve and jump onboard to help us deliver it. It’s been very special.

“We’re expecting this season to be an exceptional one for Formula Ford. There are a bunch of new young drivers coming in, a few champions from other categories moving to compete in Formula Ford because it is the perfect environment to become a professional driver.

“We’ve re-invigorated the class, there’s a big season ahead and we’re very thankful to Yokohama for being the naming rights sponsor.”

Andrew McCathie - Founder and owner, Traction Tyres,  Yokohama Tyres Motorsport Distributor

“We go back 34-years as one of Yokohama’s motorsport distributor and been involved with Formula Ford as a control tyre supplier for 27 of those,” said McCathie.

“We introduced Yokohama as the control tyre 10 years ago and it’s an incredible time for us to expand our support. 

“The reason why I came in jointly with Yokohama and wanted this to happen is because the category is the proper training ground for young drivers. The category is professional and it not only promotes, but creates great racing.

“To be involved as a naming rights sponsor at this level is a branding awareness in a corporate and professional manner, which is what the brand is to perfectly compliments the category.

“I couldn’t be more excited this year with Yokohama to get the series back to where it should be.”