Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that on February it will release racing kart tires officially certified by the Commission International de Karting-FIA (CIK–FIA). YOKOHAMA karting tires have received CIK-FIA certification for 2014-2016. The tires will be available in 10 sizes ranging from 4.5×10.0-5 to 7.1×11.0-5 and at open-market prices.

The lineup includes four dry-type tires, including the ACM (CIK-FIA grade KF Prime; equivalent to the former Medium grade for use with KF karts), the ACH (KF Option, equivalent to the former KF Hard), the ACB (KZ Prime; equivalent to the former Medium grade for use with KZ karts) and the ACC (KZ Option, equivalent to the former KZ Hard). The new tires are divided into two major categories, one designed for use with the mainstream KF karts and the other with the recently popular KZ karts. As such, the tires' designs are now more optimized for use with the two standards for racing karts. In addition, completely revised shapes and compounds enable the tires to clear new standards for abrasion resistance and operate safely under high- and low-temperature conditions. The wet-type ACW employs a new pattern that raises its performance on wet surfaces. The tire also features a newly developed compound that provides superior grip performance from the tire's first run and delivers high performance across the full range of wet racing conditions, from downpours to mildly damp conditions.

The new tires complement Yokohama Rubber's lineup of JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) certified kart tires, including the SL07, SL83, SLJ, and SL03, as well as the ED for rental karts and the all-weather YRA2. Yokohama Rubber will continue to develop a full lineup of kart tires.

Kart racing has long been the first step on the way to a career in motor sports, with many of the world's top drivers, including F1 drivers, having started in kart racing. As kart racing does not require a driver's license, it is popular with all ages, from children to adults.