Firestone gets IRL extension deal.

After recent rumours suggesting that Goodyear were poised to make a return to American open-wheel racing in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series, current suppliers Firestone re-affirmed their status as exclusive suppliers to the IRNLS and the recently unveiled Infiniti Indy Pro Series with an extension to their current deal that will now last until 2005.

Firestone, the only tire to have competed in every Indy Racing League event since the series began nearly six years ago, will continue its involvement with the league through 2005, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. and Indy Racing officials announced on Friday.

In addition to continuing as the exclusive tire for the Indy Racing Northern Light Series and the Indianapolis 500, Firestone also will be the exclusive tire for the new Infiniti Indy Pro Series, an Indy Racing League driver development series that will debut in 2002. A Firehawk Cup will be established as part of that commitment.

"There have been 55 Indy Racing League events, thus far and Firestone tires have been on the track in every one," said Tony George, Indy Racing League president and CEO. "The Firestone Racing program has consistently demonstrated it can supply the quality tires needed for our high-speed, oval track competition.

"We're very appreciative of the steadfast support from Firestone, not just in providing great tires, but also in helping the Indy Racing League put on great shows for fans at the Indianapolis 500 and other events across the United States.

"With Firestone's continuing involvement, we believe our series will continue to grow and prosper, and that we'll have some tremendous competitions in the years ahead. We wanted one tire supplier for safety and cost-control benefits, and we're pleased Firestone is going to be that supplier."

Firestone has been the exclusive tire supplier in the Indy Racing League since 2000. Goodyear participated in the series from 1996-99 but withdrew before the 2000 season.

With 52 victories at the Indianapolis 500, Firestone has won the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" more times than any tire company in history. Firestone drivers also have won or shared the Indy Racing season championship five times in the six-year history of the league.

"The continuing relationship with the Indy Racing League underscores our strong commitment to the Firestone brand, to maintaining its historical place in motorsports, and to building enhanced consumer confidence in our tires," said Shu Ishibashi, executive vice president of Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. and president of the company's U.S. Consumer Tire Group. "We've worked very hard to provide world-class race tires and support services to the IRL. We're quite proud the IRL acknowledged our loyalty, our past performance and our potential for future contributions to great racing action by making Firestone the official tire of the Indianapolis 500 and the Indy Racing League.

"Our desire to continue in the IRL and the Indianapolis 500 emphasizes our company's commitment to strengthen Firestone, a brand that has been in service for more than 100 years. We felt there was no better place to showcase the brand known as 'America's tire since 1900' than at the greatest American race, the Indianapolis 500. It presents a major challenge to any tire maker, but also tremendous rewards."

As part of its continuing relationship with the Indy Racing League, Firestone will use the series to investigate new technologies, provide training for its engineers and strengthen its marketing programs. Firestone will also maintain its role as a Promotional Partner, boosting visibility of the league and its participants. Other opportunities for joint marketing programs are being discussed.

"Since the first IRL race in 1996, we've promoted the league's activities and personalities through our advertising and marketing programs," said Al Speyer, Bridgestone/Firestone motorsports director. "That was an important consideration for the IRL as they evaluated tire supply for future IRL events. In our recent discussions with the league, we focused on an integrated package that involves print and television advertising support, and tire supply.

"We intend to keep on earning the IRL's faith in Firestone by being the best tire supplier it could ever have.

"When the 2002 IRL season kicks off March 2 at Homestead, we'll be ready. We're looking forward to that competition and to many more great IRL events in the future. We're also very excited about the Infiniti Indy Pro Series: We believe that is an important career ladder step for the drivers of tomorrow and a great new competition for open-wheel racing fans. In both arenas, we'll demonstrate the technology of Firestone tires and the talents of our people."