A long-term contract extension between Bridgestone and Penske Entertainment means Firestone will continue to be the exclusive tire supplier for all IndyCar racing. Firestone will supply tires for the IndyCar series, the Indy NXT and the annual Indianapolis 500. The brand is currently its 25th consecutive season as the exclusive supplier for the IndyCar series.
“At Bridgestone, motorsports are our passion – always have been and always will be. This is particularly true for our Firestone brand, which has been part of world-class racing since winning the first Indy 500 in 1911,” said Paolo Ferrari, executive chairman and CEO, Bridgestone Americas.
Through Firestone, Bridgestone has worked closely with the IndyCar series and partners across the paddock to help advance developments in sustainable racing. As a result, the Japanese tire giant has incorporated materials made from plastics and palm oil waste residue in Indy 500 race tires in the last two years. The company has also used natural rubber in the sidewall of alternate race tires for the past two seasons.
Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, said, “Firestone has been a foundational partner for our sport, from the very first Indy 500 to now, playing an integral role in the development of the NTT Indycar series and its highly competitive racing. We’re extremely proud to carry this long-term partnership forward into a very exciting and productive future together.”
The agreement also renews Firestone’s status as official partner and tire supplier of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. All Firestone Firehawk race tires are designed and manufactured at the Bridgestone Advanced Tire Production Centre in Akron, Ohio.
