Bridgestone named title sponsor of GP of Monterey.

The Bridgestone Motorsport programme has made numerous appearances with other series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but has never visited here as part of CART competition.

That changes June 7-9 with the Bridgestone Grand Prix of Monterey featuring the Shell 300 when, in addition to providing tyres to every CART FedEx series driver in that event, the Bridgestone programme will also be highlighted as title sponsor.

"We're very proud to put our name on an event of this calibre," said Bridgestone motorsport executive director Al Speyer, "To be affiliated with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for a CART race is a special pleasure for us. This very upscale area of California - long recognised for its love of fine automobiles and great motorsports action - is a perfect place for us to showcase the internationally known Bridgestone brand. Since many of the world's top performance, luxury and exotic vehicles have rolled off the assembly line on Bridgestone tyres, it just made a great fit for Bridgestone be the title sponsor of the CART race here.

"In conjunction with track management, we've initiated efforts to attract more people to the Bridgestone Grand Prix of Monterey, ensuring fans from the peninsula and surrounding areas have an opportunity to see the excitement of CART competition up close. This is going to be an outstanding event, and we want to make sure fans have an opportunity to experience it."

A focal point of promotional efforts for the Bridgestone Grand Prix of Monterey is free general admission coupons for Friday and Saturday practice/qualifying sessions. The coupons are available at nearly 60 Bridgestone/Firestone retail outlets in the area, with no purchase required. Approximately 56,000 will be available through the promotion, on a first-come, first-served basis, with each person allowed to pick up four.

"It's great to partner with a sponsor that is working so hard to attract more fans and help put on a good show," said Gill Campbell, general manager of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, "We've seen the quality of Bridgestone tires in many successful events, so we're confident the CART FedEx competition here the weekend of 7-9 June will be a tremendous success. When you combine great tyres, great cars, great drivers and a great track, you can only expect one thing: A great race."

The Bridgestone Grand Prix of Monterey is the fifth of 20 CART events scheduled for 2002, and the second conducted this season on a permanent road course. The 2.3-mile track is nestled among beautiful rolling hills, with Pacific breezes sweeping across the facility. And while it is known for it scenic appeal and atmosphere, it also has its tough side.

"As beautiful as this track is, it can be a monster for someone not prepared for its many challenges," Speyer said, "We approach it with great respect, knowing drivers will need tires with exceptional grip and strength to handle the rigorous competition here. And since we race rain or shine on CART's road and street courses, we're bringing a supply of both treaded and slick Bridgestone Potenzas for the weekend. We're confident the tyres will perform as planned, contributing to another great event at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca."