IRL: Richmond: Firestone preview

Race Distance: 187.5 miles (250 laps on the 0.75-mile, D-shaped oval)

Firehawks Supplied: The Firestone Racing program brought 1,124 Firehawk tires to Richmond International Raceway for the SunTrust Challenge, enough to provide seven sets per car as determined by Indy Racing League officials.

The tires were produced at the Bridgestone/Firestone Technical Center in Akron, Ohio. The tires feature a slightly softer compound than was used at the June 16 event at Pikes Peak International Raceway, but the construction is the same.

This Weekend's Event: As the shortest track hosting an Indy Racing League event in 2002, RIR presents a substantial challenge for the Firestone Racing program. Tire-to-tire competition is virtually ensured for the majority of the race and high grip is a coveted commodity for all drivers as they maneuver in the close confines. Firestone engineers and chemists are bringing a Firehawk with impressive grip that should be a genuine asset as drivers work their way around the three-quarters-mile oval.

Quote from Firestone Motorsports Executive Director Al Speyer: "Racing at Richmond's three-quarters-mile oval provides a great challenge for teams and drivers, who are looking for an advantage to maneuver efficiently in the inevitable traffic. At this weekend's competition, Firestone engineers will work closely with all teams, making sure they make the most of their Firehawk racing radials. A change of just a pound or two in the inflation pressure on any tire can dramatically affect a car's handling and performance. When you're racing as closely as we expect cars to run this weekend at Richmond, you want the best handling possible; you NEED the best handling possible. Our engineers will do their part to make sure the Firehawks contribute to some really impressive racing for the Richmond fans."

Firestone History at Richmond:
Year IRL pole winner on Firestone tires: IRL race winner on Firestone tires: 2001 Jaques Lazier (160.417 mph) Buddy Lazier (97.435 mph)

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