Firestone will continue to serve as the sole tire supplier to
the IZOD IndyCar Series through 2013. The two parties had
previously announced that they would allow the tire maker's
sponsorship and supply contract to expire following this
year's racing season.
“IndyCar called a meeting to inform the team owners of
Firestone’s departure,” reports Dennis Reinbold, owner of
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. “When we learned of this, we
encouraged IndyCar to check with Firestone to see if there
might be any chance to continue.”
He goes on to note that “we feel that it is important to
maintain continuity with their excellent tires as we
transition to the new car for 2012. The team owners are
collectively very relieved that Firestone had an open mind and
that they were able to reach this agreement with IndyCar.
Firestone racing tires are not only important from a safety
and reliability standpoint, but they contribute greatly to the
wheel-to-wheel competition for which our sport is
famous.”
“At the end of last week, we had reached the deadline where
both organizations had to make a decision regarding the future
to prepare our individual operations for the long-term,”
recounts Randy Bernard, IndyCar’s CEO. “This is one of those
decisions that it is imperative that you have the team owners
100 percent behind you. Early this week we called a meeting to
walk the team owners through the process and hear their input.
I’m happy to say we walk as one with Firestone,” he
adds.
“We feel that this new supply agreement will benefit everyone.
It provides a proven safe and reliable Firestone product for
the transition to the all-new cars for 2012. We have to thank
everyone at Firestone for working with us to help ensure the
best for the long-term growth of our sport,” says
Bernard.
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“We are pleased that we were able to reach this agreement with
IndyCar,” says Al Speyer, executive director of Firestone
Racing.
“As we prepare to celebrate our involvement in the 100th
anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 Mile race, we are
also focused on the future and the great opportunities that
lie ahead. While we’ve reached the pinnacle of success in the
IndyCar racing, we’re happy to extend our relationship with
the IZOD IndyCar Series through 2013, and to continue our
winning partnership,” he says.
The company has supplied tires to the circuit since 1996. The
new accord does not include Firestone Indy Lights, the
developmental series for drivers and teams striving to reach
the top level of open-wheel racing: Firestone will end its
role as title sponsor and tire supplier after this
season.
For more information, visit www.bridgestone-
firestone.com.
