Firestone Racing

FIRESTONE FIREHAWK FAST FACTS

Race Distance: 300 miles/482.803 kilometers (200 laps on the 1.5-mile/2.414-km superspeedway oval).

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live – Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, the IMS Radio Network, XM Radio 94 and Sirius Radio 212.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:

* Each entry receives 10 sets (40 total tires) for the race weekend; 1,500 total tires are available.

* Firestone is bringing the same tire specification for Las Vegas that was used at the Kentucky Speedway race two weeks ago. This Firehawk spec features the same tire body construction run at Texas’ 1.5-mile oval in June, paired with new tread compounds at all four tire positions intended to provide similar grip and performance characteristics as the Texas race tires. Teams testing recently at Las Vegas ran this updated tire spec.

* Tire stagger: A single stagger of approximately 0.45 of an inch is available. Stagger is measured by the diameter difference between the right rear and left rear tires, with the right rear larger by design to make a racecar naturally want to turn left.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “Here we go again with the IZOD IndyCar Series championship going down to the final race, and we could not be more excited about it. Dario Franchitti and Will Power have battled all season long and we expect the title duel could well be decided again on the final lap. Whoever wins will be a worthy champion and fine representative of the series. There will be other noteworthy competitions in the race as well – for rookie of the year, those aspiring to finish in the coveted top 10 in points and, of course, Dan Wheldon’s challenge to drive from last to first that could earn a $5 million prize. As the drivers take on these challenges, they can take comfort in the fact they will do so on a proven race tire. The identical Firestone tire specification was used two weeks ago at Kentucky, where nearly the whole first half of the race ran under wide-open green-flag conditions, and the entire field was pushing it to the limit in the thrilling closing laps. Plus, a number of teams have run successful tests on this same spec in recent weeks at Las Vegas, so we feel confident that the Firehawk tires will yet again do their part to assist in the breathtaking racing that the IndyCar Series so often displays on the 1.5-mile ovals. Whatever the outcome, it’s been a sensational season and Firestone Racing has been proud to be part of it.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: Following each IZOD IndyCar Series race in 2011, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best utilized their Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com in the days after the race and vote for the nominee they believe made the most “Tire-ific” move, with the top vote-getter claiming the honor. The $10,000 prize from the Kentucky Indy 300 at Kentucky Speedway on Oct. 2 goes to Ed Carpenter for his nail-biting last-lap pass at the finish line to claim his first IndyCar Series win. Carpenter will be presented the check Sunday in IZOD INDYCAR World Championships pre-race ceremonies.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Firestone Racing

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

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live – Sunday, June 19, at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, IMS Radio Network, XM Radio 94 and SIRIUS Radio 212.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:
Each entry receives nine sets (36 total tires) for the race weekend; total of 1,104 tires available.

The Milwaukee tire specification is based off of our 2009 Milwaukee race tire, with further refinement taking place at our New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Loudon) tire test in September of 2010. This is the same tire that nearly all the IZOD IndyCar Series teams tested with on June 1st and 3rd at The Milwaukee Mile.

Tire stagger: A single stagger of about 0.50 of an inch is available. Stagger is measured by the diameter difference between the right rear and left rear tires, with the right rear larger by design to make a racecar naturally want to turn left.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “After a one-year hiatus, it is great to see the IZOD IndyCar Series return to a tradition that is both a driver and fan favorite – racing on The Milwaukee Mile. Short ovals like Milwaukee are a great test of driver skill and are also challenging from a tire perspective. This is a relatively flat track, and it requires tread compounds with a high level of grip. Unlike Iowa next week, which we approach more like a superspeedway track from a tire perspective, Milwaukee and Loudon are true short ovals that require a unique tire specification. As this summer is heating up, so is the competition on track in the IZOD IndyCar Series season. Coming off of the fantastic centennial running of the Indianapolis 500 and two incredibly fast races at Texas Motor Speedway last weekend, we can’t wait to see what’s in store as the drivers continue to ta ckle this oval-centric portion of the schedule. Rest assured that the Firestone Firehawk tires will be there for the drivers to rely upon every lap of the way.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: Following each IZOD IndyCar Series race in 2011, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best utilized their Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com in the days after the race and vote for the nominee they believe made the most “Tire-ific” move of the race, with the top vote-getter earning the honor. Both of the two $5,000 prizes from the Firestone Twin 275s at Texas Motor Speedway will go to EJ Viso for driving from his 19th place starting position to finish seventh in race one, and for moving from the 29th starting spot to finish 10th in race two. They will be presented the checks in pre-race ceremonies Sunday afternoon.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Firestone Racing

FIRESTONE FIREHAWK FAST FACTS

Race Distances: Two races, each is 171 miles/275.198 kilometers (114 laps around the 1.5-mile/2.414-km superspeedway).

Television/Radio Broadcas: Live – Saturday, June 11, at 8 p.m. ET on VERSUS, the IMS Radio Network and SiriusXM Radio 94. Qualifying show airs at 6 p.m. ET Friday, June 10 on VERSUS.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:

* Each entry receives nine sets (36 total tires) for the race weekend; total of 1,248 tires available.
* Firestone selected a proven tire specification for Texas. It is the same formula used last year at Kentucky, Chicagoland and Homestead. It is also scheduled to be run in 2011 at Kentucky and Las Vegas.
* Tire stagger: A single stagger of about 0.45 of an inch is available. Stagger is measured by the diameter difference between the right rear and left rear tires, with the right rear larger by design to make a racecar naturally want to turn left.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “We’re coming off a historic event in the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 that truly lived up to its billing with thrills and drama. Now we’re ready to make a little more history with the Firestone Twin 275s, the first two-race event since the IZOD IndyCar Series debuted 15 years ago. As title sponsor, we at Firestone are very excited to see how it all unfolds. We’re also looking forward to the unique plan that Eddie Gossage and his Texas Motor Speedway staff have for determining the starting order for the second race. The IndyCar races at Texas are traditionally some of the most breathtaking each season, and now we’re going to get double the intense, nail-biting, tire-to-tire racing action to the checkered flags. The drivers will be making those bold maneuvers on a race-proven Firestone Firehawk tire specification that was widely praised in the three 1.5-mile o val events where it competed last season. Having that familiar ‘friend’ carrying them around TMS at better than 200 miles an hour this weekend should give the drivers that added boost of confidence to make both of the Firestone Twin 275s exciting and memorable from start to finish.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: Following each IZOD IndyCar Series race in 2011, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best utilized their Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com in the days after the race and vote for the nominee they believe made the most “Tire-ific” move of the race, with the top vote-getter earning the honor. The $20,000 prize from the Indianapolis 500 – double the amount awarded at other races – goes to Graham Rahal for advancing the most spots from 29th starting position to finish third. Rahal will be presented the check in pre-race ceremonies Saturday night. Since there are two races in the Firestone Twin 275s, there will be separate on-line votes for each race next week, w ith each winner earning $5,000.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

In The Pits with Scott Dixon - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Carburetion Day practice temperatures: Track ranged from 58°-59° F (14°-15° C) and ambient was a constant 69° F (21° C).

Firestone Carburetion Day highlights: More than 1,400 laps were turned in a busy final practice session before Sunday’s centennial anniversary running of the Indy 500. That brings the total laps turned this month to 10,265 or 25,662.5 miles – all, of course, on Firestone tires. Firestone returned to Indy in 2011 with the identical tire specification as run here and widely praised by drivers last year. Response has been overwhelmingly positive again this May, and today’s long runs solidified teams’ confidence in their Firehawks for race day.

From Scott Dixon, #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “The Firestone tires were good today. We did two full stints on two sets of tires. The wear was great and obviously they were very consistent. It was nice.”

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “It was good to see so many teams take advantage of today’s practice session to run full stints after we’ve been so limited on track time these past couple weeks with the rainy weather. We were confident that the Firestone Firehawks would once again provide great durability and consistency throughout the stints, but it’s always good to see it validated on track. Now we can all focus on Sunday’s highly anticipated race. Conditions are expected to be vastly different then, and the teams and drivers that make the proper adjustments will be those who prevail. As usual, we’ll also see the unexpected here. But, after today, we’re more confident than ever that the Firestone tires will once again perform reliably and consistently, and help make the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 a race for the ages.”

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Firestone Shows Off a Century of Indy 500 Race Tires - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Forty-six years later, thanks to Firestone Racing, the last piece of the conservation is complete as Firestone today presented Henry Ford Museum with a special set of replica “Indy” tires that will be on the car when it makes a historic return to the track as part of pre-race ceremonies for Sunday’s centennial running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.

Al Unser Sr., one of only three men to have won the Indy 500 four times, will be behind the wheel of the car when it takes a historic lap of the Speedway on Sunday. The Lotus-Ford 38/1 was chosen to represent the 1960s era of cars.

The Clark Lotus-Ford 38/1 is considered a paradigm-changing car in Indy racing history, becoming the first rear-engine winner, and a car that was purpose-built to win Indianapolis. That would be the only race in which this Lotus would compete.

“Being steward of this car at Henry Ford Museum has been an incredible journey for us,” said Christian Overland, Executive Vice President, The Henry Ford. “We had the chance to reinvent history and bring this historic car back to life by conserving it, using all of the original materials and all the original parts.

1965 Indianapolis 500-winning Jim Clark Lotus-Ford - Photo Credit: Catchfence Open Wheel Editor: Paul Powell

Part of the innovative nature of the car was the tires that Firestone provided for the race. They were
specially-built for the car, and went the entire 500 miles without having to be changed. In order to make the car’s conservation authentic and complete, Firestone Racing worked with Coker Tire to produce the replica tires from that era.

“We uncovered some of the original drawings of the 1965 Firestone ‘Indy’ tire and Corky Coker’s group based the remanufactured tire molds from them,” said Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing. “They did an amazing job in producing the replica tires that look so much like the originals. To be able to outfit this history-making race car with the Firestone tires on this historic centennial anniversary weekend here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is something very special for us.”

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing, stands with the evolution of Firestone tires that have competed at the Indianapolis 500. Replica tires, from left to right, are: the 1911 Firestone "Gum-Dipped" used on the Marmon Wasp; the Firestone "Balloon" Tire of the 1920s-'30s; the Firestone "Deluxe Champion" used from the late 1930s into the early '60s; the 1965 Firestone "Indy" Tire used on Jimmy Clark's victorious rear-engine Lotus; and the current Firestone Firehawk racing radial. (Photo by Dennis Ashlock/Firestone Racing)

To help commemorate the centennial anniversary of the first Indianapolis 500, Firestone is showing off its unique IMS legacy at the Firestone display garage next to the entrance to Gasoline Alley. A group of replica race tires that span Firestone’s history at the Brickyard are on exhibit for public view.

“This one-of-a-kind tire display truly encompasses the entire Firestone history at the speedway, dating to the very first Indy 500 in 1911,” said Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing. “Ray Harroun won that initial race on Firestone tires, and with it began a winning tradition that continues for the Firestone brand 100 years later. We’re proud to say that every competitor in this year’s event is competing on the newest generation of Firestone race tires, and that when the checkered flag waves on May 29, Firestone will celebrate its 62nd Indy 500 victory. This is the most technologically advanced and sophisticated tire to carry cars around IMS. It is the finest Firestone product at the speedway in the 100-year history of the race.”

Replica tires, produced from exacting measurements of the originals by Coker Tire, include:

* The Firestone “Gum-Dipped” fabric ply tire used by Harroun’s Marmon Wasp to win the 1911 race;

* The Firestone “Balloon” tire popular in the 1920s and ’30s;

* The Firestone “Deluxe Champion,” a speedway staple for more than two decades into the early ’60s;

* The 1965 Firestone “Indy” tire that ushered in a new era of p urpose-built race tires with the rear tires larger than the fronts;

* The present-day Firestone Firehawk racing radial on which all drivers race today.

“It’s fascinating to see these tires side-by-side,” Speyer said. “That visual drives home just how much tires have changed over the years, going from a tall, narrow construction to today’s significantly wider, much lower profile tires. We thought that race fans would enjoy seeing this important component of Indianapolis 500 history.”

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Firestone Racing

FIRESTONE FIREHAWK RACE REPORT
IZOD IndyCar Series – Itaipava São Paulo Indy 300
Sambodrome/Streets of São Paulo – São Paulo, Brazil
Monday, May 2, 2011 – Round 4 of 17

Top-5 Finishers: 1. Will Power; 2. Graham Rahal; 3. Ryan Briscoe; 4. Dario Franchitti; 5. Oriol Servia.

Race Temperatures (Monday only): Ranged from 69°-73° F (21°-23° C) track and from 67°- 68°F (19°-20°C) ambient.

Firestone Tire Performance Recap: The Firestone rain tires were used nearly exclusively in the race for the first time this season, and performed well. In wet and sometimes drying conditions, the Firehawk wets provided the grip necessary in treacherous conditions. (A chart detailing tire use in the race is attached.)

From race winner Will Power, #12 Verizon Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “It was an interesting day. We took the green (for today’s restart) on (Firestone alternate) reds, but then straight in the pits for the wets. The tires held up great, really good in the wet, spray wasn’t too bad today and I’m really happy for the Verizon car to be P1 again. I had to chop through the field there at the end and that’s what won us the race, being quite aggressive and getting past people. It’s really tough to do that in the rain, but the tires held up well for me.”

From Joe Barbieri, Manager, Firestone Racing: “We’re disappointed for the fans in Brazil with the poor weather the past two days, but we’re proud of the drivers to put in that effort today to finish the event. The conditions were difficult again with early rain, some drying, more rain, more drying. But the Firestone rain tires performed well throughout the changing environment. Numerous drivers like Takuma Sato, Will Power and Simona de Silvestro made bold passes they never would’ve considered if they didn’t have the confidence in their Firehawk wets to hold on for them. The season is shaping up to be very competitive once again, and now we head to the biggest race on the schedule in Indianapolis. We’re ready for some oval racing action.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: This $10,000 prize is awarded after each IZOD IndyCar Series race to the driver who best utilizes his or her Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. This race’s nominees are: Graham Rahal, for his recovery from a spin to finish second; Takuma Sato, for his brilliant pass for first place on lap 26 and going on to lead 23 laps in the wet; and Mike Conway, for advancing from 20th place to finish sixth in today’s race resumption. Fans can vote this week at www.indycar.com to determine the recipient.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Firestone Racing

Race Distance: 195 mi./313.82 km (75 laps on the 2.6-mi./4.184-km temporary street course).

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live – Sunday, May 1, at noon ET on VERSUS, IMS Radio Network, XM and SIRIUS Channel 94.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:
* Primary (black-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 748, each entry gets six sets (24 total tires);
* Alternate (red-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 336, each entry gets three sets (12 total tires);
* Wet-condition (rain) tires with grooved tread pattern: 436, each entry has five sets of the street-course rain tire available this weekend.

Firestone’s alternate tire program, part of the IZOD IndyCar Series since 2009, calls for a second tire specification at a road- or street-course race weekend using the same body construction as the primary specification, but with a softer tread compound to provide more grip and faster lap times while trading off compound durability in exchange for those shorter-term advantages. Firestone’s alternate tires are easily identified by their bright red sidewalls.

The Firehawk dry-condition tire specifications for Brazil will be familiar to the teams competing. The black-sidewall primary tire is the identical spec as has been used in the first two street-course events this season at St. Petersburg and Long Beach. The red-sidewall alternate tire is the same spec as was run at St. Petersburg.

Per series regulations, all cars must use at least one set of primary tires and one new alternate set during the race, each for a minimum of two green-flag laps. Otherwise, teams are free to use their tire allotment as they see fit, though a new rule for 2011 limits cars to one set of tires (team choice of primary or alternate) for each qualifying segment.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “The IndyCar Series received an enthusiastic welcome to São Paulo a year ago, so we’re excited to return again. The course is well designed with great viewing locations and opportunities to pass, the fans are fervent and we’re sure it’s a thrill for the Brazilian drivers to be racing in their homeland. The Firestone tires should bring no surprises since both dry specs have been used already this season. But as we saw last year in Brazil, Mother Nature can conjure some surprises of her own and conditions can change rapidly. Just in case, we’ve also brought along the reliable Firehawk rain tires. It was an electric weekend of racing in São Paulo last year and we expect more of the same this time around.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: After each race in 2011, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best used their Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com following the race and vote for the nominee they believe made the most “Tire-ific” move. Mike Conway, whose brilliant passes of Dario Franchitti and Ryan Briscoe at Long Beach propelled him to the lead and win, was the leading vote-getter in the April 17 race and will be presented the $10,000 check in pre-race ceremonies Sunday.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Firestone Racing

Race Distance: 167.28 mi./261.211 km (85 laps on the 1.968-mi./3.167-km temporary street circuit).

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live – Sunday, April 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on VERSUS, IMS Radio Network, XM Radio 145 and SIRIUS Radio 212.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:

* Primary (black-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 770, each entry gets six sets (24 total tires);
* Alternate (red-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 350, each entry gets three sets (12 total tires);
* Wet-condition (rain) tires with grooved tread pattern: 436, each entry has five sets of the street-course rain tire available this weekend.

The alternate tire program, part of the IZOD IndyCar Series since 2009, calls for a second tire specification at a road- or street-course race weekend using the same construction as the primary specification, but with a softer tread compound to provide more grip and faster lap times while trading off compound durability in exchange for those shorter-term advantages. Firestone’s alternate tires are easily identified by their bright red sidewalls.

The dry weather tires are the Street Course Primary, which is a new spec for 2011, and has been track proven at St. Pete earlier this year. This same primary spec will also be used at Brazil. Making its debut this weekend, the Street Course Alternate is also new for 2011 and is planned to be used again at Toronto.

Per series regulations, all cars must use at least one set of primary tires and one new alternate set during the race, each for a minimum of two green-flag laps. Otherwise, teams are free to use their tire allotment as they see fit, though a new rule for 2011 limits cars to one set of tires (team choice of primary or alternate) for each qualifying segment.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “What else is there to say about Long Beach, other than we’re looking forward to once again being the Official Tire of this legendary event that is entering its 37th year? Great fans, great weather, and a full field of talented drivers in beautiful IZOD IndyCar Series cars – it doesn’t get much better than that. Firestone Racing engineers have developed new street course primary and alternate tires for 2011. The primary tire was used a few weeks ago in St. Pete, and the difference between the two specs made for some exciting racing, particularly between Simona de Silvestro and Tony Kanaan in the closing laps. We’re looking forward to another great show this weekend.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: Following each race in 2011, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best used their Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com following the race and vote for the nominee they believe made the most “Tire-ific” move. Tony Kanaan, who advanced 18 positions to finish sixth (including moving up 10 spots on the first lap), was the leading vote-getter for the April 10 race at Barber Motorsports Park and will be presented the $10,000 check in pre-race ceremonies Sunday.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

INDYCAR LOGO

Today’s IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights headlines:

1. Dragon Racing, Tracy to debut at Long Beach

2. Gen. Colin L. Powell Announced as Grand Marshal for Baltimore Grand Prix

3. IZOD Presents Hot Wheels Fearless at the 500

4. Team E signs Mitchell for Long Beach

5. Carpenter, Fisher launch in Laps for Literacy

1. Dragon Racing, Tracy to debut at Long Beach: Jay Penske, former co-owner of de Ferran Dragon Racing and Luczo Dragon Racing, today announced the formation of Dragon Racing, a new team created to compete in the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series.

Dragon Racing will begin the 2011 program with a start on April 17 at the Long Beach Grand Prix, and has secured the services of veteran Paul Tracy as the driver for Dragon Racing’s No. 8 entry. A total of five races are planned with Tracy during in the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season, including Long Beach, Texas, Toronto, Edmonton and Sonoma. In addition, the team will enter a car in the Indianapolis 500 with a driver yet to be named.

“We are very excited to be returning to the IZOD IndyCar Series and delighted to have a driver like Paul Tracy piloting the race car,” Penske said. “Paul is an outstanding driver and we are confident this partnership will become the building blocks for something longer term. After discussing available options with my former co-owners, and with their full support, I decided to take a different path and as a result I am extremely pleased to continue the Dragon name with a team that is substantially the same as our 2010 lineup managed by 21-year-veteran John Cummiskey.”

Tracy, now in his 21st season of Indy car racing, has compiled an impressive career. He’s listed among the top 10 in almost every statistical category, including wins (tied for seventh with 31), poles (ninth with 25) and laps led (sixth with 4,238). Tracy earned 75 career podium finishes, 102 top-5 finishes and captured the Champ Car World Series championship in 2003. Tracy has won at Long Beach four times.

“It’s great to be racing again, and I’m excited to be working with Dragon Racing,” Tracy said. ”I explored several options for the 2011 season, and partnering with Jay Penske makes it that much more special for me. I’ve known Jay for many years, since my time with Penske Racing. After just a few discussions I realized we shared the same vision and that the newly formed Dragon Racing team was the best fit for my extended return to the IndyCar Series. We’ve been working hard to bring this partnership to life, and I look forward to competitive runs at a number of tracks I’ve had success in the past.”

Added Penske: “Even though we are initially only running a limited schedule, the team is very realistic and understands we will face challenges together during the season. However, with Paul’s talent, and our crew’s collective racing experience of over 150 years, I feel that we can be competitive at any race we compete in and may even surprise a few people along the way.”

Ralphs Grocery will join Dragon Racing as the primary sponsor for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach in a retailer partnership that includes support from PepsiCo, FritoLay, Berringer Wine and Rockstar Energy Drink. Motegi Racing and Wheel Pros will provide extended sponsorship support for all Dragon Racing events in the 2011 season.

“Motegi and Wheel Pros have a strong association with racing, and we are thrilled to join with Dragon Racing in support of Paul Tracy this season,” said Jody Groce, President of Wheel Pros. ”We have been a long-time sponsor of Paul and to be a part his new partnership with Dragon is just great for our brands and associates throughout the organization. We look forward to helping bring the team back to prominence within the IZOD IndyCar Series.”

The team will have additional sponsor news, to be announced soon.

2. General Colin L. Powell Announced as Grand Marshal for Baltimore Grand Prix: The Baltimore Grand Prix announced today that former Secretary of State, Gen.Colin L. Powell, will be the honorary Grand Marshal for the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix to be held Sept. 4.

As Grand Marshal, General Powell will give the command to “Start Your Engines” to the field of IndyCar drivers at the start of the 80-lap event which will be televised live on VERSUS. Gen. Powell will also be given the opportunity to take a 180 mile per hour tour of the 2.0 -ile temporary street circuit in downtown Baltimore from the passenger seat of the famed INDYCAR Racing Experience two-seater.

“I’ve always had a passion for racing and a passion for the city of Baltimore,” said General Powell. ”The opportunity to be Grand Marshal for the inaugural grand prix is an honor as it will showcase the city of Baltimore and the beautiful Inner Harbor to a worldwide audience and I’m very happy to be a part of that, and I must admit, I’m really looking forward to my 180 mile per hour tour of the city.”

Baltimore Grand Prix President and CEO, Jay Davidson, was enthused by the General’s acceptance of the Grand Marshal role. ”The city of Baltimore has a long history with the United States Armed Forces and to have General Powell in our city to experience this inaugural event is an absolute honor,” said Davidson. ”We are planning a number of activities surrounding the Baltimore Grand Prix that will thank and celebrate the role and sacrifice that members of the military have given to our country.”

3. IZOD Presents Hot Wheels Fearless at the 500: Since the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500 in 1911, men and women have risked their lives chasing speed and glory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On May 29, a Team Hot Wheels member will attempt both in the IZOD Presents Hot Wheels Fearless at the 500.

The masked driver will attempt to break the world record distance jump of 302 feet in a four-wheeled vehicle preceding the 100^th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. The driver will sit atop a 10-story frame, speed down a 90-foot ramp and soar across an infield section in Turn 4 at the Speedway.

The stunt brings to life the iconic Mattel Hot Wheels V-Drop track set that youngsters have attached to their bedroom doors for years, and is part of an overarching brand campaign designed to extend the Hot Wheels experience to fans of all ages.

“The essence of this multi-year, multi-platform campaign is all about taking the feelings you experienced when playing with Hot Wheels as a kid and bringing them to real life in full scale,” said Simon Waldron, vice president of marketing for Hot Wheels. “Featuring an epic vehicle stunt at this year’s centennial anniversary of the Indy 500, we are engaging fans with a jaw-dropping moment in a way that only Hot Wheels can.”

The jump will be attempted by the Yellow Racer from Team Hot Wheels – professional stunt drivers spanning four vehicle disciplines: rally (green), drift (blue), off road truck (yellow) and freestyle motocross (red). The driver’s identity will be revealed following the world record attempt. A 30-minute documentary-style special is in the works to air on Race Day.

The experiential marketing campaign includes a sweepstakes – with prizes including a VIP trip to the Indy 500 – and social media applications.

Fans can engage with Team Hot Wheels branded content at www.hotwheels.com/videos and become a fan on www.facebook/Hot Wheels to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes training and stunt videos.

Through April 30, fans can go to www.hotwheels.com/forreal for a chance to win a VIP trip to the Indianapolis 500 or thousands of other prizes.

“It’s all about evolving Hot Wheels,” Waldron said.

4. Team E signs Mitchell for Long Beach: Texan Rusty Mitchell will make his Firestone Indy Lights debut at the Long Beach 100 with Team E.

Mitchell is the latest up-and-coming driver to join the Florida-based Firestone Indy Lights team. The Star Mazda graduate earned his seat in the No. 17 Team E/Motorola/ Petro Communications entry after impressing the crew and Team Owner Neil Enerson recently in private testing at Firebird International Raceway.

“Team E is happy to be back on track again this season with Rusty Mitchell,” said Enerson. “Rusty, although a rookie to our series, is not a rookie to racing. Rusty ran his own Star Mazda team. His understanding of the owner and driver side of the business at this level is rare. We look forward to him competing at Long Beach.”

Based in Midland, Texas, the 28-year-old Mitchell has had plenty of success in his racing career.

He captured four IKF regional championships, one WKA divisional championship and a SKUSA Long Track National championship in go karts before making the move to cars.

Mitchell captured both the SCCA Southwest Division National Formula Enterprises title and the FormulaCar Magazine FE Championship Midwest/Southwest crown in his first season of action.

Mitchell raced in the Star Mazda championship the past two seasons, earning one pole position, one podium position, four top-fives and 14 top-10s with a privateer effort. Prior to joining Team E on the streets of Long Beach, the Texan has made the transition to sports car competition this season, co-driving an Intersport Racing LMP Challenge entry in the American Le Mans Series.

“I can’t wait to compete at one of the most prestigious events in North America with such a great team,” said Mitchell. “Neil and all the guys at Team E have shown they have the personal and equipment in place to win races in the (Firestone) Indy Lights series. I think this is a great opportunity for myself, as well as my sponsors to get our feet wet in the series, and hopefully put together a multi-race package later in the season, and possibly a full year in 2012. I want think my sponsors Motorola and Petro Communications, as well as Neil Enerson and the guys at Team E for getting this deal put together in such a short amount of time.”

5. Carpenter, Fisher launch in Laps for Literacy: IZOD IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter and team owner Sarah Fisher have started a program entitled “Laps for Literacy” developed by Heather Carpenter and supported by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

“I am very excited to finally start our ‘Laps for Literacy’ program,” Carpenter said. “We have all been working very hard to put this together, and I especially have to thank my wife, Heather, for heading this program. I can’t wait to meet all of the kids and talk to them about our sport and the importance of reading and education in everyday life. Leading into the Centennial 500, I can’t think of a better way for our team to serve the kids and schools of our state.”

In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 in May, the duo will be visiting 100 classrooms across Indiana.

“I’m really honored to have the support from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for our first annual ‘Laps for Literacy’ program,” Fisher said. “Developed by Heather Carpenter, it shows the strength in Ed’s family and speaks highly in regards to the type of people they truly are. It will be a tremendous opportunity to share our sport with kids and schools which otherwise might not get to see Indy, and an even better opportunity to help them with some of their needs.”

For more information on the ‘Laps for Literacy’ campaign or to view a detailed schedule of school visits, visit www.sarahfisherracing.com/laps.

***

The 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series continues with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 17 on the Streets of Long Beach, Calif. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 3:30 p.m. (ET) by VERSUS. The race will air live on the IMS Radio Network, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 212 and www.indycar.com. The 2011 Firestone Indy Lights season continues April 17 on the Streets of Long Beach, Calif. with the Long Beach 100. The race will be telecast live in High Definition at 2 p.m. (ET) by VERSUS.

- INDYCAR, Series

Top-5 Finishers: 1. Dario Franchitti; 2. Will Power; 3. Tony Kanaan; 4. Simona de Silvestro; 5. Takuma Sato.

Race Temperatures: Track ranged from 118°-127° F (48°-53° C) and ambient from 84°-86 °F (29°-30°C).

Firestone Tire Performance Recap: Firestone’s new primary and alternate tire specifications for St. Pete both performed well, but the red-sidewall alternate Firehawks were the preferred choice on a gorgeous, warm day. Seven of the top eight finishers had a choice of which spec to run on their final stint; six of them opted for the alternates. (A chart of tire use in the race is attached.)

From race winner Dario Franchitti, #10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “The grip with the Firestone reds is phenomenal, I said that yesterday. Today we made them last a full stint, so not only were they fast but they were consistent, too. We liked the way the car was a little more on (the alternates), so we went back to them at the end. Balance-wise, this was the first time we really got both the reds and blacks working well. The car was good on Firestone reds and Firestone blacks, so it was a good day.”

From runner-up Will Power, #12 Verizon Team Penske Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “The red tires were awesome, really sticky and they lasted. All around, Firestone does such a good job, I think we’re very privileged to have them onboard and have them for the future as well.”

From third-place Tony Kanaan, #82 Geico/KV Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “We didn’t raise our voice to keep them in the series just because we like Firestone. They are the best tires in the world. Black tires are supposed to be harder and red tires are supposed to be softer, and I think we proved that at the end, me having the black tires and Simona having the red tires. That’s how to make the racing exciting. I’m just glad to have Firestone as my race tire and have them in the family.”

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “With driver quotes like these, I have nothing left to add.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: This $10,000 prize is awarded after each IndyCar Series race to the driver best utilizing his or her Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Nominees from today’s race are: Simona de Silvestro, for a savvy drive to move up 13 spots and finish career-best fourth; Tony Kanaan, for driving to a podium finish less than a week after joining his new team; and Raphael Matos, who also joined his team late and improved nine positions to finish seventh. Fans can vote this week at www.indycar.com to determine the winner.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Firestone Racing

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 4, 2011) – Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO) announced today that it has mutually agreed with INDYCAR to allow its Firestone brand sponsorship and supply contract with the sanctioning body’s IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights to expire at the end of the 2011 season.

The partnership between the Firestone brand and INDYCAR has been one of the most successful in all of motorsports. And while this was a very difficult decision, it is in line with the company’s goal of ensuring the long-term growth of its business and its brands, including Firestone.

“During our long history in racing we have met or exceeded all of our motorsports goals,” said Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing. “So now it’s time to set new goals – for ourselves and our brands. Companies that strive to achieve the highest levels of brand loyalty and recognition must continue to find ever more effective ways to communicate their brand messages. This is part of our process to ensure that we are doing the best we can to support and further strengthen our brands. The Firestone brand has been, is now and will be an extremely important part of our business. We’re very excited about our future prospects to grow the Firestone brand.

“I would like to express our deep appreciation for the support we have received from INDYCAR, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the participants in the sport and our passionate fans. We want to commend INDYCAR on the recent positive momentum with new engine manufacturers and other corporate partners coming on board and wish the series continuing success,” Speyer concluded.

The Firestone brand’s strong connection to the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race began in 1911, when Ray Harroun won the very first Indianapolis 500 on Firestone tires. The Firestone brand’s current open-wheel era began in 1991 with title sponsorship of the Indy Lights series. Firestone Racing made its return to the Indianapolis 500 in 1995, and Firestone tires were on the winning car of the very first INDYCAR (then IRL)-sanctioned race in 1996. Firestone is the only tire manufacturer to have participated in each and every INDYCAR event. Of all the wins, championships and milestones achieved throughout the years, perhaps the most noteworthy and the company’s most cherished is that Firestone tires will have equipped 62 of 95 Indianapolis 500-Mile Race winners – more than all other tire manufacturers combined – after this year’s centennial event.

“Even though we’ve announced our decision to retire from INDYCAR competition, I want to assure our drivers, teams and fans that Firestone Racing is committed to maintaining the highest standards of performance and support through the 2011 season,” Speyer continued. “We are also developing plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, and are looking forward to celebrating our winning partnership and honoring our decades-long relationship as part of this milestone.  Finally, I’d like to personally thank all of the hard-working individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into making Firestone Racing’s endeavors such a successful and rewarding experience over the past 21 years.”

About Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world’s largest tire and rubber company. Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company’s Latin American tire operations; the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses; the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses; and Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC, which operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world. BATO develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in the Amer icas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.

About Firestone Racing:
The Firestone brand has appeared in world-class motorsports events across the globe since its first documented victory in the inaugural Indianapolis 500-Mile Race(r) in 1911. Since 2002, Firestone has served as the official tire of the IZOD IndyCar(r) Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race(r), which has been won by a Firestone-equipped driver 61 times in its 94-year history.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Race Distance: 300 miles/482.803 km (200 laps on the 1.5-mile/2.414-km superspeedway).

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live – Saturday, October 2, at 6 p.m. ET on VERSUS, IMS Radio Network, XM Radio 145 and SIRIUS Radio 211. Championship preview/qualifying shows air at 4 p.m. ET Friday, October 1 on VERSUS.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:
* Each entry receives eight sets (32 total tires) for the race weekend; total of 1,020 tires available.

* Tire stagger: A single stagger of about 0.45 of an inch is available. Stagger is the diameter difference between the right rear and left rear tires, with the right rear larger by design to make a racecar naturally want to turn left.

* The Firestone tire specification for Homestead is making its third race appearance of 2010. Developed in tire testing at Chicagoland Speedway in June, this Firehawk tire combination has received universal praise from teams and drivers for its performance at the Chicagoland and Kentucky races within the past five weeks.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “Once again, the IZOD IndyCar Series championship comes down to the final race, and may well again be decided on the final lap. And once again Firestone Racing will help fans follow the excitement by supplying ‘championship ring’ Firehawk tires, with the special white sidewalls to more easily identify the two contenders. We are also showing our support of Sarah Fisher’s ‘On Track for a Cause’ breast cancer awareness initiative with pink-sidewall tires for her pink race car. Whether the Firestone tires this weekend have white, pink or traditional black sidewalls, they all hail from the same tremendous tire specification that went a long way in making the racing so thrilling at the last two domestic ovals. Now that the teams are well versed with this Firehawk tire spec’s strengths, we expect the competition to intensify that much more this weekend, whether it’s bat tling for the championship or chasing the win in the final race of the season.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: Following each IZOD IndyCar Series race in 2010, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best utilized their Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com in the days after the race and vote for the nominee they believe made the most “Tire-ific” move of the race, with the top vote-getter earning the honor. The $10,000 prize from the September 19 event at Twin Ring Motegi goes to Danica Patrick, for driving from 12th starting position to finish fifth. Patrick will receive her check in pre-race ceremonies Saturday at Homestead.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

Helio Castroneves Wins IZOD IndyCar Series' Indy Japan 300 at Motegi - Photo Credit: Firestone Racing

Race Temperatures: Track ranged from 112°-128° F (28°-29° C) and ambient from 84°- 85° F (44°-53° C).

Firestone Tire Performance Recap: Firestone Racing engineers brought an all-new, unique tire specification to Twin Ring Motegi.  The tire is based on superspeedway (Chicagoland Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway) construction, paired with compounds designed to mimic the grip levels found in the Firestone Firehawk racing tires used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The tires held up very well, as after the first round of regular stops, they only showed 50 percent wear.

From race winner Helio Castroneves, #3 Team Penske Dallara/Honda/ Firestone: “Let me tell you – the Firestone Firehawk tires were UNBELIEVABLE.  Honestly, we ran the last stint on the qualifying tires.  From the first of the stint to the end, honestly, we ran with almost exactly the same lap times as when we were on new tires.  So, Firestone, thank you so much for the tires.”

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “Congratulations to Helio and Team Penske for a dominating performance today.  Our engineers came up with a great tire specification for this event, and I am extremely pleased with the tire performance from the beginning to the end.  The conditions here were unusually hot, but the tires held up with no problems.  This is always a special event for Firestone Racing because of its proximity to our parent company Bridgestone’s Tokyo headquarters.  We all enjoyed a great day at the races, and are looking forward to coming back next year.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: This $10,000 prize is awarded after each IndyCar Series race to the driver best utilizing his or her Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Nominees from tonight’s race are: Helio Castroneves, for a dominating performance culminating in his second consecutive win; Danica Patrick, for a great drive from 12th to finish fifth; and Graham Rahal, for fighting from his 16th place starting position to finish eighth. Fans can vote this week at www.indycar.com to determine the winner.

- Firestone Racing, Press Release

FIRESTONE FIREHAWK FAST FACTS
IndyCar Series – Honda Indy Toronto
Streets of Exhibition Place – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
July 16-18, 2010 – Round 10 of 17

Race Distance: 148.75 miles/239.390 km (85 laps on the 1.75-mile/2.816-km street circuit).

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live – Sunday, July 18, at 12:30 p.m. ET on ABC, IMS Radio Network, XM Radio 145 and SIRIUS Radio 211.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:
* Primary (black-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 750, each entry gets six sets (24 total tires);
* Alternate (red-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 366, each entry gets three sets (12 total tires);
* Wet-condition (rain) tires with grooved tread pattern: 468, each entry has five sets available.

Per series regulations, all cars must use at least one primary set of tires and one new alternate set during the race, each for a minimum of two green-flag laps, unless rain tires are used – then teams are free to use their tire allotment as they see fit. The primary specification for Toronto is new in 2010, while the alternate spec is making an encore performance at the venue. The alternate spec was also used earlier this season at St. Petersburg and Long Beach. The primary spec features new compounds and a slight tire construction change from the ’09 Toronto spec, but is designed to mirror the performance of the Firestone primary spec used at the previous street-course races this season. The alternate tires are identical in construction to the primaries but contain a softer tread compound to provide more grip and faster lap times, yet will trade off compound durability in exchange for those shorter-term advantages. The Toronto wet-tire spec is the “softer” rain, and is the only rain tire Firestone is using for the 2010 season.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: “We head to the last true temporary street course of the season this weekend for what is always an exciting and well-received event in Toronto. The fans there are knowledgeable and passionate, and they have seen great racing over the years at Exhibition Place. Tire development for this circuit can be challenging, with the bumps inherent on any public street course and the numerous surface changes throughout the lap – and each surface demanding varying grip levels. Firestone has done a very good job over the years designing tires to accept that challenge and we’re confident the new Firehawk primary spec for Toronto is up to the task. As we’ve seen in the past here and at other tracks this season, proper tire management is a key to success; particularly with the Firestone alternates that are speedier but designed not to last as long as the primary tires. It will be fascinating to see how that strategy plays out again this weekend.”

Firestone “Tire-ific” Move of the Race: Following each race, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best utilized their Firehawk tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com and vote for the nominee they believe made the most “Tire-ific” move of the race. Dan Wheldon, who recovered from an early spin to finish sixth two weeks ago at Watkins Glen, was voted the “Tire-ific” winner for that race and will receive his $10,000 prize in Toronto pre-race activities on Sunday.