Yokohama Tire Extends Support for High Fives Foundation into Fourth Year
Tiremaker partners with the nonprofit to advance adaptive motorsports programs like Return to Dirt, helping disabled off-roaders get back behind the wheel.
Yokohama Tire is once again helping disabled off-roaders “return to dirt” through its partnership with the High Fives Foundation. Now in its fourth consecutive year of support, Yokohama continues to supply its GEOLANDAR® truck and CUV/SUV tires to Return to Dirt – High Fives’ adaptive motorsports program that provides specialized equipment, instruction and access for individuals with mobility impairments to explore backcountry terrain.
Return to Dirt hosts various driving experiences – from frozen lake surfaces to dense forest trails. At these events, athletes have the opportunity to drive specially adapted, hand control-equipped Polaris RZRs, outfitted with modified GEOLANDAR M/T® G003 SxS tires.
Off-road racing veteran and Team Yokohama member Kristen Matlock recently went to a Return to the Dirt event and was moved by what she experienced. “I came to Return to Dirt thinking I would inspire adaptive athletes,” Matlock said. “Instead, they changed me. Watching them face every challenge with courage, determination, and genuine joy was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. They didn’t ask for sympathy, they simply showed up, pushed forward, and reminded everyone around them what true strength looks like. I left with a full heart, a renewed perspective, and a deep gratitude for the reminder that our greatest limitations are so often the ones we place on ourselves.”
“Yokohama fully supports and aligns with High Fives Foundation’s vision of creating a universal shift in adventure sports that expands what is possible for those who have faced life-changing injuries,” said Melissa Aguirre, Yokohama’s manager of brand marketing. “We’re pleased to be a part of High Five’s athletes’ on- and off-road experiences through their Return to Dirt program.”
“We value partnerships with like-minded brands and Yokohama is a brand that totally aligns with our core values,” said Roy Tuscany, CEO and founder of High Fives. “Yokohama supports the entire mission of the organization and helps us achieve the vision of being the safety net of the outdoor sports community.”
In addition to supplying tires for Return to Dirt’s fleet, Aguirre noted that Yokohama also provides tires for High Fives’ towing trucks and supports the nonprofit’s fundraising efforts by engaging sales teams and customers at local High Fives events across the country. “Having Yokohama on-board lets us deliver experiences to our adaptive drivers that are unprecedented,” said Tim Burr, Return to Dirt’s program manager. “We drive on ice with studs, access high mountain terrain in dirt and share desert experiences on rocks all thanks to Yokohama.”