Watkins Glen: Firestone preview

FIRESTONE FIREHAWK FAST FACTS

IndyCar Series - Camping World Grand Prix at the Glen
Watkins Glen International - Watkins Glen, N.Y.
July 4-6, 2008 - Round 10 of 18

Race Distance: 204 miles/328.3 km (60 laps on the 3.4-mi./5.47-km permanent road circuit).

Television/Radio Broadcast: Live - Sunday, July 6, at 3:30 p.m. EDT on ABC, IMS Radio Network and XM Radio channels 144 and 145.

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:

* 1,184 dry-condition slicks; each car receives 10 sets (40 tires) for the race weekend. Firestone Fast Six qualifiers receive one additional set of slicks for that session only.

* 560 wet-condition grooved tires; each car receives four sets (16 tires) of rain tires.

Both the Firehawk tire specifications are new and making their race debuts this weekend at Watkins Glen. The dry slicks are among the more durable in the Firestone road-course inventory and feature a new compound formula designed to increase that durability. This tire spec will only be used at Watkins Glen this season. The treaded rain tires selected are the more durable "road-course rains" that have also been updated since last year.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: "If June was short-oval month for the IndyCar Series, then July is definitely road-course month since three of the four events take place on circuits calling for the Firestone road-course tire inventory. This weekend we visit Watkins Glen International, one of the most historic and renowned permanent circuits in the United States. The racing is always exciting on this long, winding track with many elevation changes. Being so long and so fast, the Glen is also demanding on tires, which is why Firestone is bringing an updated version of our more durable road-course tire this weekend. We believe the new Firehawk spec will give the drivers the added durability they desire, while still providing the necessary grip to attack this challenging and legendary racetrack."

Firestone "Tire-ific" Move of the Race: This $10,000 prize will be awarded after each IndyCar Series race to the driver who best utilizes his or her Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. It could be relying on the Firehawks' great grip to execute a daring pass, or having the confidence in the tires' durability to run an extra stint on a set to improve position. After each race, Firestone Racing officials submit the top three "Tire-ific" candidates to www.indycar.com, where fans can cast their votes during the ensuing week to determine the winner. The "Tire-ific" winner from last week's Richmond race (nominees are Marco Andretti, Jaime Camara and Helio Castroneves) will be named in pre-race ceremonies Sunday.

-credit: firestone