Firestone to dump IndyCar and Indy Lights?
01/04/11 Firestone also sponsors and supplies tires for the Indy Lights series, so one would assume that series would be looking for new tires and a new sponsor as well. The best company to replace Firestone would be Michelin. The USA is their biggest market and with no F1 in their portfolio, one would think IndyCar, which is a bit international, would be a good fit.
01/04/11 “Firestone is evaluating all their marketing assets right now but we’re currently in negotiations," said IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard. “We talked again today and I’m optimistic that we’re making progress." Terry Angstadt, president of the commercial division, and Bernard traveled to Memphis a few days before Christmas to try and persuade Firestone to stay through 2012 reported SPEEDTV.com's Robin Miller.
01/04/11 One of the Izod IndyCar Series' best partners could be leaving the sport. Firestone, which has been the series' sole tire supplier since 2002 and a key promoter of the drivers and their races, is in the final year of its IndyCar contract. It is in negotiations to determine an exit strategy.
IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard admitted Tuesday that he is "definitely concerned."
"No doubt; definitely concerned," he said.
Bernard said Firestone officials have told him "what we're willing to do 'if' we come back."
Bernard would not reveal particulars of that offer, but Firestone is particularly supportive of the teams and has an impeccable safety record in Indy-car racing. A resolution could come by the end of the week.
Al Speyer, the executive director of Firestone's parent company, Bridgestone Americas Motorsports, could not immediately be reached for comment. Firestone's deadline to renew its contract was Dec. 31. USA Today