Firestone changes tire spec for Pocono

Race Distance: 400 miles/643.74 kilometers (160 laps on the 2.5-mile/4.023-kilometer triangular speedway oval).

Broadcast: Live – Sunday, July 7, at noon ET on ABC, IMS Radio Network, Sirius/XM Channel 211 and inydcar.com.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:

· The Pocono tire specification features the same left-side tire specification used at Indianapolis in May, combined with the same right-side tire spec run at Texas in June. This is a change in specification from what was run at the June 25 manufacturer/team test at Pocono. Following analysis of data from the testing, it was decided a more durable right-side tire specification is necessary for the race weekend. A total of 1,828 tires are available.

· Each entry receives three sets (12 total tires) for the July 4 open test.

· Each entry receives 13 sets (52 total tires) for the race weekend. Rookie drivers and those outside the top 10 in points receive an additional set for the first practice session only.

· Tire stagger: A single stagger of approximately 0.33 of an inch is available for all teams. Stagger is created by molding the right rear tire with a larger diameter than the left rear and helps racecars turn more naturally and smoothly on oval tracks.

From Dale Harrigle, Chief Engineer, Firestone Racing: “I am proud of the way everyone at Firestone Racing reacted so quickly to make this change of tire specification. The decision was made to provide our best tires possible to adapt to the track and conditions expected on race weekend. The Pocono open test this week will give teams an opportunity to try out the race set-up, so that they are familiar with its performance characteristics before the official event weekend commences."

Firestone Racing/Pocono Raceway Fact: While IndyCars have raced at Pocono as recently as 1989, Firestone Racing has not competed there in nearly four decades. Firestone raced at the first four Pocono events under U.S. Auto Club sanctioning from 1971-1974, with Joe Leonard driving his Vel’s/Parnelli Jones “Super Team" car to victory on Firestone tires in 1972. Firestone PR