Goodyear statement regarding tire procedures

Goodyear statement regarding tire performance and procedures
From Stu Grant, general manager of global racing
Sept. 24, 2003

Goodyear's NASCAR tire program continues on target

"The overall performance of our Goodyear's Eagle racing radials in NASCAR's top three series this season is right on target. The cornerstone of that program is the design and production of a safe, high-quality tire that meets NASCAR's criteria for demanding racecars and diverse tracks, and provides the broadest possible compatibility with the particular driving styles of all 43 Winston Cup drivers on any given race weekend. To ensure absolute fairness, the tires are distributed at random to teams under strict guidance of NASCAR officials

"Goodyear's reputation for race tire quality is well grounded. Every Winston Cup tire produced in our Akron, Ohio, Technical Center Manufacturing facility undergoes rigorous quality control procedures before it leaves the plant.

"Our company takes that responsibility very seriously. For the last year, we have even placed a fulltime race tire engineer at the NASCAR R&D center in Concord, NC, to ensure that Goodyear and NASCAR work together seamlessly as the sport evolves.

"Last weekend, Dover race winner Ryan Newman described the Goodyear tires as "awesome," after running the same set through the final 106 laps.

"However, also at Dover after finishing third, Tony Stewart voiced his displeasure with our product. While we appreciate that he is a dedicated, passionate driver, we don't take such comments lightly and we fully intend to investigate his concerns.

"This week, our engineers will be talking with him and his team to get into the actual data.