Andrettis to appear at Bridgestone function

Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc., the exclusive tire company of the Chicago Auto Show, will be using its booth to showcase its products and new technologies. This marks the second of a three year commitment by the company to participate in North America’s largest consumer automotive show. The show opens to the public Feb. 9.

Bridgestone America's booth will showcase vehicle systems and tire design and will have interactive tire displays and racing display cars including an IndyCar, a Formula 1 car and an exact replica of the car driven by racing legend Mario Andretti when he won the 1967 Daytona 500 40 years ago this month.

Along with top level Bridgestone Americas executives, Mario Andretti and his grandson Marco Andretti, current driver for Andretti Green Racing in the IndyCar Series, will be making appearances at the company's booth.

“Over the years, the Andretti name has become synonymous with Firestone Racing," said John Gamauf, president of Consumer Tire Replacement Sales, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC. “More so than anyone else, Mario and Marco are qualified to talk about our quality and commitment to excellence. We are very proud that Mario won so many important races –- including the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 –- on Firestone tires," Gamuaf concluded, “and now his grandson is collecting victories on our tires, carrying on that family tradition."

Mario will appear in the Bridgestone Americas booth on Friday, Feb. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where he will be signing autographs for fans and will be available for brief media interviews.

Marco, 2006 IndyCar and Indianapolis 500 Rookie-of-the-Year and son of former IndyCar champion Michael, will be at the Saturday morning session. Marco also will be available for autographs in the booth from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11.