Milwaukee: Firestone preview

IndyCar Series – ABC Supply Co. Inc./A.J. Foyt 225
The Milwaukee Mile – West Allis, Wis.
May 30-31, 2009 – Round 5 of 17

Race Distance: 225 miles/362.102 km (225 laps on the 1-mile/1.609-km oval).

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live – Sunday, May 31, at 3:30 p.m. EDT on ABC, IMS Radio Network, XM Radio 145 and SIRIUS Radio 211.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:
* 912 dry-condition slicks; each car receives eight sets (32 tires) for the race weekend.

The Milwaukee tire is a new tire on both right and left sides. Compared to the Milwaukee tire from last year, this tire has a new left side compound, with a new front tire construction both left and right side in an attempt to reduce understeer. This tire was developed at our Richmond test at the end of 2008.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: "Firestone Racing is looking forward to once again following the Indianapolis 500 with a trip up to the historic Milwaukee Mile. After a long month that culminated in yet another exciting event in Indy, it is great to carry that momentum into another race with a great tradition and long history. Short ovals present unique challenges to Firestone Racing engineers, but we tested at the three-quarter mile track at Richmond last year and identified a few areas in which we can improve our short oval tire specification. The drivers really seem to love racing on the 1-mile flat oval at Milwaukee, and an improved tire spec designed to produce less understeer should increase their enjoyment of the experience."

Firestone "Tire-ific" Move of the Race: This $20,000 prize (increased by $10,000 for the Indianapolis 500 only) will be awarded after each IndyCar Series race to the driver who best utilizes his or her Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. It could be relying on the Firehawks' great grip to execute a daring pass, or having the confidence in the tires' durability to run an extra stint on a set to improve position. After each race, Firestone Racing officials will submit the top three "Tire-ific" candidates to www.indycar.com, where fans will be able to cast their votes during the ensuing week to determine the winner. The winner from last week's Indy 500 (nominees are Helio Castroneves, Townsend Bell and Will Power) will be named in pre-race ceremonies Sunday.