The partnership between Team Associated and Yokomo goes back as far as 1972. However, it was the relationship in the early 80s with Yokomo's YZ-10 that represents a significant chapter in the history of RC racing.
In the world of remote-controlled car racing, the 1989 IFMAR Worlds in Australia marked a pivotal moment. Team Associated and Yokomo emerged as a dominant force, with drivers Cliff Lett, Masami Hirosaka, Jay Halsey, and Butch Kloeber showcasing their prowess in 4-wheel-drive with the YZ-10 and ruling the course in 2-wheel drive with Team Associated's RC10s, setting the stage for a great partnership between the two companies.
Fast forward to the 1991 IFMAR Worlds, where Masami Hirosaka stunned the racing world with a last-minute arrival of a revolutionary prototype--the Yokomo Works '91. This cutting-edge model was meticulously crafted and featured a slew of advancements derived from the winning YZ-10. From its innovative chassis, 2mm fine pitch drive belts, the Works '91 IFMAR victory led by Cliff Lett, epitomized Team Associated's and Yokomo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of 4WD RC car design.
The partnership between Yokomo and industry legend Mike Reedy further solidified the brand's reputation for excellence. Reedy's expertise in motor tuning and Yokomo's engineering prowess forged a formidable alliance that lasted well into the era of brushless motors. And while the Works '91 never saw an official release in the U.S., its legacy endured, leaving an indelible mark on the world of RC car racing and cementing Team Associated's and Yokomo's statuses as trailblazers in the field.
The partnership between Team Associated and Yokomo lasted for years. The Yokomo YZ-10 was the 4WD competition race buggy of choice.
