Goodyear to test 2 days at Brickyard

Goodyear will conduct a NASCAR tire test Sept. 22-23 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, continuing its development of a racing tire for the 2009 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

This initial test on the 2.5-mile oval will feature one NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car equipped with technology to gather data that will be used to construct tires for a major NASCAR Goodyear tire test Oct. 6-8 at IMS that will feature up to 14 cars.

"We're pleased to see Goodyear's commitment to building a tire that will help to create the competitive racing that our fans at IMS expect for the 2009 Allstate 400 at the Brickyard," said Joie Chitwood, IMS president and chief operating officer. "This test is just the first step in a joint effort between NASCAR, Goodyear and IMS to create a first-class race next July."

The 16th Allstate 400 at the Brickyard is scheduled for Sunday, July 26, 2009 at IMS. Tire-wear issues in the first "Car of Tomorrow" race at IMS prompted NASCAR to call six competition cautions at this year's event.

"We've set a very aggressive schedule to come up with the right tire recommendation for the 2009 race at IMS," said Stu Grant, Goodyear's general manager of global race tires. "This is the first test of two we have scheduled for this fall, and our intention is to return again in the spring."