Firestone Racing IndyCar technical manager Page Mader retiring

Page Mader has logged an impressive career with Bridgestone Firestone that spans 40 years, the last 33 as a leader in the racing division. He’s been behind the development of great Firestone race tires in drag racing, sprint cars, modifieds, sports cars, Firestone Indy Lights and the IZOD IndyCar Series, among others. To say Mader has cast a long shadow over the Firestone Racing program would be proper.

Now the general manager of race tire development for Firestone Racing, Mader is hanging up his pyrometer (which measures tire temperatures), headset and uniform following tonight’s season finale, the MAV TV 500. In a joint effort to commemorate his “tire"-less efforts, INDYCAR and Firestone Racing have arranged for Mader to throw the checkered flag on his career in the most appropriate manner – by waving the checkered flag to conclude his last race.

Mader normally oversees the staff of Firestone Racing pit-lane engineers and technicians from the group’s timing stand. Tonight, he will leave that post late in the race and head to the flag stand to wave the checkers for what could well decide the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series champion.

“Page has been a cornerstone of the Firestone Racing program for decades, so he undoubtedly is deserving of this honor and recognition as he heads into retirement," said Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing. “He has always brought a tremendous passion for the sport and his insight has been invaluable regarding the design and development of what we believe are the finest race tires anywhere. We cannot think of a better way for Page to close the final chapter of his racing career than by waving the checkered flag at his final race."

Beaux Barfield, Chief Steward for the IndyCar Series, agreed. Barfield spearheaded the effort within the sanctioning body to clear the way for Mader to be climb the flag stand for the memorable occasion.

“All of us at INDYCAR feel this is an excellent way to show how much Page means to us," Barfield said. “We wish him nothing but the best in retirement and know that he has nurtured a fine staff under him that will keep up the great work at Firestone Racing that we’ve become accustomed to during Page’s tenure."