Firestone will maintain its position as the exclusive tire supplier for all IndyCar racing through a long-term agreement between Bridgestone America and Penske Entertainment. 

While the specific duration of the deal, announced on Thursday, was not disclosed, it ensures that Firestone will remain the sole tire provider for all IndyCar events, including the INDY NXT developmental series and the prestigious Indianapolis 500. This year marks Firestone's 25th consecutive year as the tire supplier for IndyCar, culminating in the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway this Sunday.

Paolo Ferrari, executive chairman and CEO of Bridgestone America, highlighted Firestone's longstanding legacy in world-class racing, dating back to its victory in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911. 

“Motorsports represent the ultimate test for premium performance and serve as a platform for our sustainable innovation goals,” Ferrari stated. “Our collaboration with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has been essential to these initiatives, and we are excited to continue this journey together.”

Bridgestone has leveraged its Firestone brand, along with the IndyCar Series and other partners, to innovate and test new materials. Recently, the company has incorporated hard-to-recycle plastics and palm oil waste residue into tires used in the last two Indianapolis 500 races, while natural rubber has been utilized in the sidewalls of alternate race tires over the past two seasons.

Roger Penske, chairman of the Penske Corporation, remarked that Firestone has been a cornerstone of racing since its inception, and this agreement extends their “long-term partnership” into the future. 

“Our collaboration with the Bridgestone team continues to establish an industry benchmark for success and innovation,” Penske noted.