MONTEREY, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2004) — Bridgestone/Firestone's Bridgestone Potenza brand is returning as the title sponsor and official tire of the Bridgestone Grand Prix of Monterey Sept. 10-12.
The brand will be displayed prominently in locations around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for the race, which is headlined by Round 11 of the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford. The event marks the 22nd successive year of champ car racing on the Monterey Peninsula.
Gill Campbell, general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, said the Nashville, Tenn.-based tire maker “has always been an active sponsor, providing the Grand Prix with a strong retail promotion via their network of Bridgestone dealers. But this year they've become even more involved with the Bridgestone Champ Car Night street party on Friday night of race week.”
Bridgestone Champ Car Night is scheduled for 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, and will take place on Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey, adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf. The event features driver appearances and autograph sessions, live music, race car displays and interactive elements, and other Bridgestone Grand Prix of Monterey-related entertainment.
BFS said area Bridgestone retailers will participate in a promotion leading up to Grand Prix weekend. They will offer race fans a voucher book that includes a coupon redeemable at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for free admission on Sept. 10 and another coupon redeemable at the track for a free Bridgestone Motorsport cap. The free book—available at participating Bridgestone retailers beginning Sept. 1 while supplies last—also includes coupons toward discounts on products and services at Bridgestone outlets.
Al Speyer, executive director of motorsports for Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire L.L.C., called the Grand Prix of Monterey “a marquee event for our company. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is known for being one of the most unique circuits anywhere and Bridgestone is proud to be associated with the event once again.
“The Monterey Peninsula market is important to us as well, and the Bridgestone store and dealer network in the area is showing its support for the event with its 'free Friday' coupon book promotion.”