IndyCar extends Firestone race tire contract

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 17, 2017) — The organizers of the Verizon IndyCar Series and Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations L.L.C. have extended Bridgestone's contract to supply the series with Firestone racing tires beyond the 2018 season, the partners disclosed today.

The partners did not disclose the length of the extension, calling it a "multiyear" contract extension. Financial terms also were not made available.

In 2012, Bridgestone and IndyCar extended the contract through the 2018 season, continuing a partnership between the two entities that began in 1996.

"Firestone is part of the fabric of IndyCar and its commitment to evolving performance, innovation and safety in the Verizon IndyCar Series has been remarkable," said Jay Frye, IndyCar president of competition and operations.

"The Firestone brand has been part of our sport for more than 100 years and continues to be an integral partner in the growth of IndyCar on and off the racetrack."

Lisa Boggs, director of motorsports, Bridgestone Americas, said, "This partnership is integral to our marketing initiatives as it allows us to engage with fans via the unique, multi-faceted platform that the Verizon IndyCar Series provides, and we look forward to building upon the brand's time-tested racing legacy."

This season, following discussion with Verizon IndyCar Series teams, Bridgestone and IndyCar have agreed to increase the overall tire allotment at each event to add to the amount of on-track activity during practice sessions. Additionally, teams will be permitted to run one set of alternate (red-sidewall) Firestone Firehawk tires during Friday practice sessions at all road/street course events to better evaluate their capabilities for qualifying and the race.

Firestone also is a key partner in the marketing and promotion of the Verizon IndyCar Series, engaging in sponsorship of key race events, on-site fan engagement via the IndyCar Fan Village and a national advertising campaign that spans television, radio and print/digital media outlets.

The 2017 Verizon IndyCar Series season begins with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 12. The race will be broadcast live on ABC-TV starting at noon EST.