Naoto Matsukura and Yokomo part ways

[mes]

Confirmed by Uwe Rheinard, TC only. Maybe he'll continue to run the Yokomo buggys in this crucial season.

[fastinfastout]

I doubt he will run yok offroad. Why would anyone run the chassis maker who just dumped you....even though no one will ever know the real reason why he departed. Could be trf offered him more $$.

I would think he will run tamiya offroad as well.

[skyaflake]

Yeah that's why they threw Lee Martin out. First idea would be Naoto running offroad for Tamiya, but that would make no sense of throwing Lee out.. Only thing is that Naoto is also a winner in onroad and Lee isn't.

[mes]

Originally Posted by fastinfastout

Why would anyone run the chassis maker who just dumped you...

Sticking to something you are used to instead of learning how to drive with a new platform from yet another manufacturer could be a good reason. Naoto is extremely familiar with the track at which the worlds will be held and the Yokomo buggies were developed. I doubt there could be a better package for him and a TC only deal would not decrease his chances by demanding to run buggies that are currently not to be considered state of the art. It would make sense, but that's just speculation.

[xfactor]

Be interesting what NEW buggy TRF come up with in 2wd. Maybe a blue TRF yokomo........ MMM will be interesting to see what Tamiya do now with the off road side.......

[mes]

We have a winner! Kyosho for off-road...

[Neil Skull]

Originally Posted by skyaflake

Totally not expected, especially when the worlds are being held at Yatabe. But yeah, I can understand, 10 years at Yokomo is a while. My guess would by Kyosho or Team Associated. More AE than Kyosho, as AE also does 12th scale. Or maybe split contracts, who will know?

Who will replace him? Maybe Neumann, he has driven Yoko before. Or maybe no replacement and go with Martin.

Kyosho make a 12th Scale!!! Japanese championship winner in 2013!!!!
The Plazma, Kyosho been making 12th scale a very long time!!!!

[skyaflake]

Thanks for the information!!!!!! Be he drives Tamiya for onroad!!!!!!!

But maybe Kyosho as well in the future, they make great cars too!!!!!!!!

[Neil Skull]

He's not agreed anything on 12th it seems.
He is just signed for 10th offroad and 1/8th offroad!!!

Its interesting to me people don't know about the Kyosho Plazma as its a very good car, just no top drivers to promote!

[mes]

Would not be surprised to see him go to CRC for 1/12th scale like Marc Rheinard.