Bridgestone to Continue as Official Tire Sponsor of LBGP
The company, which traces its sponsorship of the legendary 33-year-old street race back to 1979, will have a major presence at the April 13-15, 2007 race, including Bridgestone signage on the pedestrian bridge between Turns 9 and 10 on the 1.97-mile course. In addition, Bridgestone will entertain dealers and clients during the race weekend and will once again participate in a special promotional program on Friday, April 13.
"The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is the marquee event on Champ Car's North American schedule, and it is situated in a very important market for us," said Al Speyer, Executive Director of Motorsports, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). "We have had a great relationship with the race for 11 consecutive years now, and we couldn't be happier to confirm that we will continue as the event's Official Tire well into the future."
"Bridgestone Firestone has been a loyal sponsor of our event and we are delighted to continue this long-standing relationship," said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. "We're very proud that they, like many of our other loyal sponsors, continue to realize the value of association with America's premier street race."
This announcement comes on the heels of Bridgestone's multi-year extension of its relationship with the Champ Car World Series as Official Tire and exclusive tire supplier. Champ Car is the headline race event at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.