Bridgestone Remains Tight Lipped on Firestone IndyCar Plans

In light of rumours regarding Firestone’s departure from motorsport, Bridgestone Americas has released a statement explaining its position, yet the tyre maker’s official words clarify little. Speculation that Bridgestone will dump the IndyCar Series after the 2011 season has existed after it failed to renew its tyre supply contract before the December 31 deadline.

As part of its commitment to the growth and success of all its brands, Bridgestone Americas says all its sponsorship programmes “are continually under review as we search for the most effective ways to communicate our brand messages.” As to its plans for IndyCar, the tyre maker comments that due to the confidential nature of its business relationship with IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway it is “not in a position to make any comment or respond to speculation regarding our motorsports partnerships.”

The Indianapolis Star newspaper reports IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard as saying he is “definitely concerned” about the situation. Bernard also told Speed.com that “Firestone is evaluating all their marketing assets right now but we’re currently in negotiations. We talked again today and I’m optimistic that we’re making progress.” As for word from Bridgestone, it is said to be keeping its lines of communication with the race series organiser open. “We’ll leave it an open book,” said Al Speyer, executive vice president of motorsports for Bridgestone Americas, without making further comment.

The Firestone brand has been the exclusive and sole tyre for the IndyCar series since 2000.