Nashville, Tennessee – Firestone will remain the sole tyre supplier for all IndyCar racing under a long-term agreement between Bridgestone America and Penske Entertainment.
The term of the agreement announced Thursday was not specified. However, the agreement will preserve Firestone as the exclusive tyre supplier for all IndyCar races, the INDY NXT developmental series, and the Indianapolis 500. Firestone is in its 25th year as IndyCar’s tire provider, with the season finale on Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway.
Firestone Remains Indycar’s Tire Supplier Under Bridgestone And Penske Deal
Bridgestone America’s executive chairman and CEO, Paolo Ferrari, stated that Firestone has been a part of world-class racing since winning the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911.
“We believe motorsports are the ultimate challenge for premium performance and a proving ground for advancing in our goals towards sustainable innovation,” according to a statement from Ferrari. “Our relationship with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has been a critical part of these efforts, and we are proud to keep driving forward together.”
Bridgestone has tested and developed new materials through its Firestone brand, the IndyCar Series, and other partnerships. The company employed components from hard-to-recycle plastics and palm oil waste leftover for tires used in the last two Indianapolis 500s. Natural rubber has been used in the sidewalls of alternate race tires for the past two seasons.
Remains Indycar’s Tire Supplier Under Bridgestone And Penske Deal
Roger Penske, chairman of the Penske Corporation, stated that Firestone has been a basis for racing since its inception and that this agreement extends their “long-term partnership” into the future.
“Our relationship with the team at Bridgestone continues to set an industry standard for success and innovation,” Mr. Penske added.
SOURCE | AP
