Watkins Glen: Firestone Racing preview

Race Distance: 202.2 mi./325.409 km (60 laps on the 3.37-mi./5.423-km permanent road course).

Firestone Firehawk Race Tires Supplied:
* Primary (black-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 730, each entry gets six sets (24 total tires);

* Alternate (red-sidewall) dry-condition slicks: 353, each entry gets three sets (12 total tires);

* Wet-condition (rain) tires with grooved tread pattern: 452, each entry has five sets available as needed.

Per series regulations, all cars must use at least one primary set of tires and one new alternate set during the race, each for a minimum of two green-flag laps, unless rain tires are used - then teams are free to use their tire allotment as they see fit. Both the primary and alternate specifications were used in 2009 at this venue. The rain is the "softer" rain, and is the only rain tire we will be using for the 2010 season. The primary spec is Firestone Racing's most durable road course compound and construction, designed to withstand the high speeds encountered on the IZOD IndyCar Series' longest permanent road course. The alternate tires are identical in construction to the primaries but contain a softer tread compound which will provide more grip and faster lap times, yet will trade off compound durability in exchange for those shorter-term advantages.

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: "Firestone Racing is looking forward to returning to Watkins Glen. This track has managed to offer up a few surprises over the past couple of years, and that really keeps things interesting for the fans. Firestone Racing engineers have opted to return to Watkins Glen with the same primary and alternate tires that produced a thrilling race last year. The primary spec is the 'hardest' tire in our road/street course arsenal, and the alternate tire is about mid-range in our lineup, so there is quite a bit of differentiation between the two specs. Over the length of this picturesque road course, that difference in grip and durability can really add up to varying lap times. We're looking forward to fireworks both on and off of the race track on the Fourth of July."

Firestone "Tire-ific" Move of the Race: Following each race, Firestone Racing nominates three drivers who best utilized their Firestone tires to make a bold, dramatic move during the event. Fans can go to www.indycar.com to vote for the nominee they believe made the most "Tire-ific" move of the race. The winner from Iowa was EJ Viso for a great drive to finish third. He will receive the $10,000 prize in Sunday's pre-race activities.

-source: firestone racing