Starting back in 1954, the success of Yoshimura as one of the world’s largest performance aftermarket sportbike exhaust companies didn’t happen overnight. Founded by Hideo Yoshimura, or “Pops”, as he was known, he started out with a few dedicated employees working in a small race shop. The shop was quick at pumping out fast race car and bike motors, the reputation of “Yoshimura-built” motors grew and he soon created a cult-like following among racing enthusiasts. With this momentum, Pops turned his attention to the U.S.
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| Yoshimura Trade Mark |
In the mid 70’s, Yoshimura R&D of America Inc. was up and running and the new American division was building a reputation just as strong as its parent company had in Japan. In the early days of Yoshimura R&D, legendary tracks such as Daytona and Louclon were the proving ground for the “new kids on the block.” The granddaddy of them all, Daytona, was where the Yoshi crew staked its claim. The bikes held up to the punishing high banks of Daytona and the power was there!
Senior Vice President, Don Sakakura, has been running the racing efforts for many years now. Starting as a mechanic, Don rose through the ranks to the level where today he is running one of the largest racing efforts in America. Don oversees the day to day operation of the Team Yoshimura Suzuki Road Race Team with riders Tommy Hayden and Blake Young. Don also oversees Yoshimura’s Motocross and Supercross collaboration with Rockstar Makita Suzuki, Team Honda and various other racing groups. Don has been instrumental in the many championships that Yoshimura has won over the years and there are many more to be won on the horizon.
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