Several media reports Tuesday indicated IndyCar may be searching for a new tire partner after the 2014 season, when its current contract with Firestone will end.
A report from MotorSport Magazine in the UK said IndyCar is actively looking, and a name mentioned in a report from the Indianapolis Star of another manufacturer is Continental – currently the sole supplier to Grand-Am's Rolex Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge.
With its proven track record, history of safety and as open-wheel racing's sole supplier since 2000, Bridgestone Firestone has been one of IndyCar's key partners and widely respected within the industry.
A statement from IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard stopped short of any confirmations, only hinting IndyCar might be open to exploring another partner if it does not choose to re-up with Firestone.
“While IndyCar generally does not comment on the specifics of ongoing negotiations, IndyCar is always exploring what's best for the sport for both the short and long term,” he said. “It is the series' goal to have partners that will provide safe, reliable and high-performance products that are designed to meet and exceed the on-track demands of our sport while creating a platform to leverage and grow the sport through aggressive activation.
“Because the current contract with Firestone to supply tires for the IZOD IndyCar Series will expire following the 2014 race season, IndyCar has been seeking and continues to seek a tire partnership for 2015 and beyond. As the current and historical tire supplier, Firestone has been and continues to be a part of the consideration.”