Firestone creates Indy 500 tire design commemorating its winners

Firestone Racing unveiled a special tire sidewall design for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil that honors the drivers who contributed to the brand's 66 victories at the world's most renowned race.

Firestone has carried more drivers to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway than all other tire manufacturers combined - starting with Ray Harroun in the first race in 1911 and continuing through Juan Pablo Montoya's victory last year.

"The Firestone brand solidified its place in motorsports history at the first running of the Indianapolis 500 with driver Ray Harroun," said Lisa Boggs, director of Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. "More than a century later, we are honored to celebrate all of the legendary drivers who have taken Firestone to victory circle at the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing,'

"From the beginning, Harvey Firestone believed in the power of motorsports and the Indianapolis 500 as a showcase for our company's performance, innovation and technology. That legacy is at the core of everything we do and we are proud to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime event."

The special sidewalls feature the names of every driver who won the Indianapolis 500 on Firestone tires. Also displayed on the sidewall is the 100th running logo and customary Firestone brand markings, including red and white Firestone "F shield" logos unique to the Indianapolis 500 tire because they identify the right- and left-side race tires, respectively.

The tires for the Indy 500 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 tires to be used in May for practice, qualifying and the historic race.

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