Don't Change The Tires Just Yet...
By Andrew Cutler
March 11 2011
Just a few days after announcing that they would be leaving their position as the sole tire supplier to the IndyCar Series after this year, Firestone has reconsidered. Now they are promising to stick around through the 2013 season (at the least?).
After being proded by the team owners to make one final overture to Firestone, INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard was able to secure an extension of the current contract for a further two seasons. This will - hopefully - make the transition to the 2012 spec cars go that much more smoothly, as well as give INDYCAR time to persue future tire supplier options in a much less rushed & 'panicked' state.
“We are pleased that we were able to reach this agreement with INDYCAR,” Firestone Racing executive director Al Speyer said. “As we prepare to celebrate our involvement in the 100th anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, we are also focused on the future and the great opportunities that lie ahead."