Now It's Official (Unfortunately)

Two months ago, the word got out that Firestone was looking to leave their position as the sole tire supplier to the IndyCar Series at the end of this upcomming season. After INDYCAR made an intense, last-ditch effort to get them to stay, both sides announced this past Friday that Firestone's contract will be allowed to expire on Dec. 31.  

This puts the search to find a suitable replacement at the top of Randy Bernard's priority list for 2011. The INDYCAR CEO has already held discussions with Goodyear, Pirelli, Continental, Hoosier & Cooper, among others. "We have to put this on a fast track," he told reporters.

Firestone's exit will come after twenty-two years with the series, and at a crucial time in it's history; just as a new chassis is being put into competition.