Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) and INDYCAR are pleased to announce that the Firestone brand will remain the IZOD IndyCar Series' Official Tire through at least 2014, and the Firestone brand will also serve as Title Sponsor and Official Tire to Firestone Indy Lights through the 2012 season. As part of this agreement, negotiations are already underway to extend the IZOD IndyCar Series sponsorship and supply contract beyond 2014.The Firestone brand has competed in every IZOD IndyCar Series race since the series' inception in 1996, and it has been the Official Tire and sole supplier since 2000. In March, 2011, BATO and INDYCAR agreed on a two-year extension that secured Firestone's Official Tire status for the 2012 and 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series seasons. The Firestone Indy Lights contract was set to expire at the end of 2011, but included in the new agreement is a provision for Firestone to continue as the Official Tire of the development series for an additional year.
"As the IZOD IndyCar Series ushers in a new era of competition in 2012 and beyond with the new Dallara DW12 and engine diversity, Firestone Racing is pleased to continue supplying our world-class racing tires to each and every car on the grid for at least the next three years," said Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing. "And, as we look to identify the next generation of IZOD IndyCar Series stars, Firestone Indy Lights drivers will continue to hone their craft on Firestone Firehawk race tires for another season.
"Our company has actively supported INDYCAR with more than just race tires," Speyer added, "and we'll continue to remain highly visible through our promotional activities and marketing initiatives around the series. It has been great to have the support of INDYCAR and the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights teams throughout this process as we have extended our long-term, successful partnership for the second time in one year."
In addition to its responsibility as Official Tire of INDYCAR, Firestone will continue to support the series through broadcast, digital and print advertising; at-track hospitality; title sponsorship of the Firestone 550k at Texas Motor Speedway; and Official Tire designation at events. Additionally, with this new agreement, Firestone will also have an enhanced presence at the IZOD IndyCar Series Fan Village, an entertaining, interactive experience for spectators at race events.
