Exit Firestone?

By Andrew Cutler
January 8 2011

Uh oh: After a year that saw several peices of good news for the future health of the IndyCar Series in terms of manufacturer relationships, 2011 looks to be starting out with a major bump in the road - or maybe a 'flat tire' would be a better analogy. Firestone Tire and Rubber, the American divison of Bridgestone, may be ending it's fifteen year relationship with IndyCar after the upcomming season.

Firestone has been making tires for IndyCar since 1996, and has been the sole supplier to the series since 2002.

The nominal deadline to renew the contract between Firestone and IndyCar was December 31st, but both sides are still in negotiations about what an extension might entail. Nethier side is talking specifics to the press, but the general sense of it is that Firestone wants to leave and persue other endevours.

INDYCAR boss Randy Bernard admits that he is "definitely concerned" about what might happen if Firestone leaves. While one might like to think that another major tire company would jump at the chance to step into Firestone's spot, it might not be that simple. Goodyear already gets plenty of exposure from it's participation in NASCAR. Pirelli will no doubt be focusing all of it's energies on F1. Michelin has been gradually backing away form motorsports involvement over the past few years, and is currently only in ALMS. 'Smaller' tire companies like Cooper and Hoosier might lack the wherewithall to handle a contract of this scale.

Final word on the Indycar/Firestone negotiations could come any day now: I'll keep everyone posted.

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Sorry about letting this site go dormant for a few days: My computer was in the shop.