Firestone, a brand under Bridgestone Tires, unveiled a special tyre honoring the drivers who contributed to the brand’s 66 combined victories at Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.
As the Official Tire of the Indianapolis 500, Firestone has carried more drivers to victory circle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) than all other tyre manufacturers combined.
The special sidewalls, which feature iconic Firestone-shod drivers like Ray Harroun, the winner of the first Indy 500; Louis Meyer, the first driver to drink milk in victory circle; Mario Andretti, the “driver of the century;” and many more, have been designed to engage and educate both avid and casual fans about the brand’s rich history at IMS.
Also displayed on the sidewall is the 100th Running logo and customary Firestone brand markings, including red and white Firestone F-Shield logos. These F-Shields are unique to the Indianapolis 500 tyre as the red and white logos are used to identify the right and left race tyres, respectively.
Firestone used the tyre test at IMS in August 2015 to evaluate possible tyre specifications for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Using the performance data gleaned, Firestone engineers adjusted the construction and compound on this year’s Firestone Firehawk
Indianapolis 500 race tyres to improve driver feel and, in turn, the race experience for fans.
The tyres feature an updated right-front construction designed to improve driver confidence in the corners, a softer left-rear construction to add overall grip, and a more heat resistant left-side compound. Firestone will produce more than 5,000 tyres featuring the commemorative Indy 500 sidewall, all of which will be used during practice, qualifying and the race.
Fans can first see the commemorative Firestone Indy 500 race tyres in action beginning with practice on Monday, May 16 and during the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29.