IRL: Texas: Firestone preview

Firestone Firehawk Fast Facts
Indy Racing League
Boomtown 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas
June 6-8, 2002

Race Distance: 500 kilometers or 312 miles - 200 laps on the 1.5-mile oval.

Firehawks Supplied: The Firestone Racing program brought 1,348 tires to Texas Motor Speedway for the Boomtown 500, enough to provide eight sets per car as determined by Indy Racing League officials.

The tires were produced at the Bridgestone/Firestone Technical Center in Akron, Ohio. The right-side tires are identical to those used at California Speedway; the left-side tires are similar to those used at California, but have a more durable compound.

This Weekend's Event: This weekend will mark the 62nd consecutive IRL event for the Firestone Racing program. Firestone is the only tire brand to have appeared in all IRL races conducted thus far, and at every IRL contest in 2002, Firestone will present a $10,000 bonus check to the driver leading at the lap number coinciding with the number of IRL events conducted. For leading at lap 61 in the May 26 Indianapolis 500, Red Bull Cheever Racing driver Tomas Scheckter will receive a $10,000 check during Saturday's pre-race ceremonies for the Boomtown 500.

Quote from Firestone Motorsports Executive Director Al Speyer: "With its unique banking, Texas Motor Speedway delivers some of the Indy Racing League's most exciting action. While the competition is thrilling, it is also a very severe test for tires. The high speeds and g-force loadings demand much from the Firehawks. At the last IRL race in Texas, there was plenty of side-by-side and even three-abreast racing, which says a lot about the confidence IRL drivers have in our tires. We're proud to contribute to such good racing, and are looking forward to another barn burner at TMS Saturday night."

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