New ADVAN Neova AD08 R to debut in Formula Drift

July 17, 2013

Veteran drifting competitor Michael Essa is taking Yokohama Tire Corporation’s  newest ultra high-performance tire – the ADVAN Neova AD08 R – for a spin…and then some.

The YTC-sponsored driver will debut the AD08 R during the Formula Drift event at the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington, July 19-20.

Essa, who won Formula Drift’s recent race in Palm Beach, Florida and is currently in third place, will switch-out his regular ADVAN Neova AD08s on his GSR Autosport E46 BMW M3 for the next-generation version, which went on sale to the public on July 1.

‘The regular AD08s were very fast and offered a lot of grip, but I’ve tested the AD08 Rs and they are even better,” said Essa. “Yokohama’s known for its high-performance tire technology, and the new AD08 Rs should really help me and the team to achieve the best results possible.”

The AD08 R is designed with a specialized compound featuring YTC’s orange oil technology for enhanced traction and road surface adhesion. The compound also includes micro silica and extra carbon to further improve dry grip, and a macromolecule-blended polymer for greater rigidity and resistance to wear.

“The AD08 R uses the best of our race design and technology for improved grip in both wet and dry conditions,” said Matt Johnson, YTC performance marketing supervisor. “I’m looking forward to see what Michael does on the new Neovas. He’s an extremely talented driver, and he and his team have been able to build a very competitive vehicle that really helps demonstrate the performance of our tires.”