Now that it has walked away from Formula One racing, will Bridgestone Corp. dump the Indy racing circuit?
That is the hot rumor shooting through the IndyCar Series after Bridgestone Americas failed to renew its tire supply contract with the open wheel race series by the Dec. 31 deadline. Firestone brand tires will be used in the IndyCar Series and Indy Lights Series for 2011.
IndyCar Series officials say they have been in negotiations with Bridgestone Americas, and IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard told the Indianapolis Star that he is “definitely concerned. No doubt, definitely concerned.”
Bernard later told Speed.com that, “Firestone is evaluating all their marketing assets right now but we’re currently in negotiations. We talked again today and I’m optimistic that we’re making progress.”
Bridgestone Americas has invested heavily in non-motorsport sponsorships and may desire to concentrate on those activities, which include sponsoring the NFL and the Super Bowl halftime show, the NHL and its Winter Classic outdoor games, MLB and golf.
Al Speyer, executive vice president of motorsports for Bridgestone Americas, told other media that the tiremaker and race series agreed to keep the lines of communication open. “We’ll leave it an open book,” he said, but he offered no other comment.
The Firestone brand has been the exclusive and sole tire for the series since 2000. Should Bridgestone Americas walk away from the 2011 season, likely candidates to fill the tire void could include Hankook, Goodyear, Michelin, Cooper, Kumho and Pirelli.
