Bridgestone throws another option into tire mix at Long Beach

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Bridgestone Motorsport: "This weekend is certainly going to be a bittersweet one for Bridgestone Motorsport. While we will be saying farewell to the Champ Car World Series, we will also be welcoming back some familiar faces and long-time Bridgestone supporters who are hopping into cars to send the series off in style. Seeing 20 Champ Cars on track for the series' final event will be a special moment. Bridgestone has enjoyed many successful years at Long Beach, first with CART and then with Champ Car. From our perspective, we are thrilled to be continuing that tradition for 2008 and beyond with the IndyCar Series. You can rest assured that we won't miss a beat at the Beach! As for this year's tire supply, we are implementing some new rules and specifications that will enhance the on-track competition. We have widened the gap between our primary and alternate tires and are requiring teams to employ one unused set of alternates during the race, which is essentially like adding a third compound into the mix. Tire strategy and more cars should lead to lots of on-track excitement, which will provide a fitting tribute to the Champ Car World Series."