Firestone brand to exit Indycar

The Indycar series is held in equal high esteem by US motor racing aficionados as Formula One is in other parts of the world, and as has been the case for the Bernie Ecclestone run championship, vehicles racing in Indycar have been fitted with tyres produced by Bridgestone companies for a good number of years. But the similarities do not end there; more than a year after the withdrawal from Formula one was announced, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) stated it has “mutually agreed” with Indycar to end the sponsorship and supply contract for its Firestone brand – a partnership it describes as “one of the most successful in all of motorsports” – at the end of the 2011 season.

In announcing what Bridgestone calls “a very difficult decision” but one in line with its goal of ensuring the long-term growth of its business and brands, Firestone Racing executive director Al Speyer said: “During our long history in racing we have met or exceeded all of our motorsports goals. So now it’s time to set new goals — for ourselves and our brands. Companies that strive to achieve the highest levels of brand loyalty and recognition must continue to find ever more effective ways to communicate their brand messages. This is part of our process to ensure that we are doing the best we can to support and further strengthen our brands. The Firestone brand has been, is now and will be an extremely important part of our business. We’re very excited about our future prospects to grow the Firestone brand.

“I would like to express our deep appreciation for the support we have received from Indycar, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the participants in the sport and our passionate fans. We want to commend Indycar on the recent positive momentum with new engine manufacturers and other corporate partners coming on board and wish the series continuing success,” Speyer added.

The Firestone brand’s connection to the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race began in 1911, when the very first race was won on Firestone tyres. The brand’s current open-wheel era began in 1991 with title sponsorship of the Indy Lights series. Firestone Racing made its return to the Indianapolis 500 in 1995, and Firestone tires were on the winning car of the very first Indycar (then IRL)-sanctioned race in 1996. Firestone is the only tyre manufacturer to have participated in each and every Indycar event.

“Even though we’ve announced our decision to retire from Indycar competition, I want to assure our drivers, teams and fans that Firestone Racing is committed to maintaining the highest standards of performance and support through the 2011 season,” Speyer concluded. “We are also developing plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, and are looking forward to celebrating our winning partnership and honouring our decades-long relationship as part of this milestone.  Finally, I’d like to personally thank all of the hard-working individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into making Firestone Racing’s endeavours such a successful and rewarding experience over the past 21 years.”