Yokohama is continuing its commitment to short-course racing in a big way, returning as an official sponsor of the Championship Off-Road Series for the sixth consecutive year. The 2026 season kicks off May 1 through 3 at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, setting the stage for another year of high-intensity, wheel-to-wheel competition.
Widely regarded as North America’s premier short-course truck racing series, Championship Off-Road delivers tight, action-packed racing across dirt tracks that push drivers and equipment to the limit. With classes ranging from PRO4 and PRO2 trucks to Pro-Lite, Pro-Spec, and SxS vehicles, the series draws thousands of fans who come to watch jumps, close racing, and all-out battles from green flag to checkered.
For 2026, Yokohama-backed drivers will once again rely on the brand’s GEOLANDAR tire lineup throughout the eight-race season. The partnership goes beyond just tire support. Yokohama will continue its involvement in key race-day programs, including the Sportsman 170 SxS Hard Charger Award, Top Qualifier Awards for PRO classes at most events, and Holeshot Awards during Crandon race weekends.
Candace Cogan, Director of Product Marketing for Yokohama Tire Corporation, emphasized the value of the series as a proving ground for performance.
“Championship Off-Road represents one of the most competitive and authentic platforms in North America,” said Cogan. “It allows us to support racers across multiple classes while showcasing the durability, versatility, and off-road heritage of the GEOLANDAR line.”
That real-world testing element remains a major driver behind Yokohama’s continued involvement. Short-course racing demands consistency, speed, and toughness in brutal conditions, making it an ideal environment to validate tire performance under pressure.
The Yokohama roster for 2026 features a mix of proven winners and rising talent. Andrew Carlson returns in PRO4 competition, while Johnny Holtger moves into the PRO2 class following his 2025 Pro-Lite championship season. Ricky Gutierrez, who finished third in PRO2 points last year, is back in the hunt, joined by drivers like Dave Mason Jr. in PRO Buggy, Cole Mamer in PRO4, and Gray Leadbetter in Pro-Lite.
From the series side, Championship Off-Road leadership continues to highlight the impact of Yokohama’s involvement both on and off the track.
Series President Carl Schubitzke noted that the partnership goes beyond competition results, pointing to Yokohama’s ability to elevate the overall fan and team experience through activation and marketing efforts. He also emphasized how many teams rely on GEOLANDAR tires not only to compete, but to win.
That connection extends to fans as well. The same tires used on track are widely used by everyday drivers on trucks, SUVs, and SxS vehicles, reinforcing the link between racing performance and real-world application.
As the 2026 season gets underway, Yokohama’s continued presence in Championship Off-Road underscores its long-term investment in the sport and its role in pushing performance forward where it matters most.
