Bidding War for NASCAR

Goodyear currently supplies tyres to NASCAR’s top three professional series through an exclusive contract the tyre manufacturer has until 2007. However there are reports that Bridgestone/Firestone and BF Goodrich are keen to launch a competitive bid for the contract when Goodyear’s agreement runs out.

According to an American news source Bridgestone is expected to start testing tyres in the course of 2005 and the suggestion is that the car will be supplied by Toyota, which is planning its own NASCAR bid in 2006. It is also believed that Michelin will join the bidding war through its subsidiary BF Goodrich.

In an interview with The Charlotte Observer, NASCAR spokesman, Mike Zizzo, is reported to have said: “We have a great relationship with Goodyear. It’s very satisfying and a continual benefit to the sport.”