Introduction
Firestone joined IndyCar competition at the inaugural event in 1996 and has been there ever since. Following four years of competition with Goodyear, Firestone has been the sole series tire supplier since 2000, supplying approximately 23,000 tires to the series every year.
Structure
Firestone Racing engineers must develop numerous precise tire construction and tread compound specifications to meet the unique demands of the IndyCar Series – one of the most diverse and challenging schedules in world motorsport. Firestone Firehawk race tires must perform on super speedways, short ovals, permanent road courses and temporary street circuits.
Bead Area - The bead acts as an anchor to hold the tire on to the rim. The bead can be either steel or high tensile composite material. The rubberized bead is stretched over the rim to ensure that the two components are tightly secured together.
Sidewall Area - The sidewall is the side of the tire between the bead and the tread. The main purpose of the sidewall is to protect the tire carcass from damage that could lead to punctures.
Shoulder Area - The tire shoulder connects the main tread rubber with the sidewall, an area that is loaded particularly heavily during the course of a race. The shoulder is vital as it helps maintain as large a contact patch as possible when a vehicle is cornering.
Tread - The tread is the main part of the tire that comes into contact with the road. The tread is made of a rubber compound which generates grip through hysteresis (the absorption of energy during the deformation of the rubber) and adhesion.
Belts - The belts are a core component within Firestone Firehawk tires as they control the behaviour of the contact patch with the road, using the strong hoop shape the belt provides. The belts may be steel, nylon, polyester or other materials and are arranged in a secret combination to provide strength, side force and puncture resistance
Inner Liner - Positioned below the carcass, the liner ensures the tire is air tight. The inner liner is produced from a specifically formulated rubber compound.
Carcass - The carcass supports the mass of the car using the tension on the carcass cords that is provided by the pressure of the air inside the tire. The carcass provides the tire with stability.
Compound
For the 2008 season each driver will have available to them Dry Slick and Wet Weather tire.
Dry Weather Tires - Within the Indy Car series all drivers use dry slick tires as provided by Firestone. A slick tire is a treadless tire that provides maximum contact with the track surface and superior traction on dry tracks.
Wet Weather Tires - A wet weather tire is one that has been designed for use on a wet or damp track.
Regulations
Regulations are the rules or conditions that govern procedure. The sporting and technical regulations for the IndyCar Series are drawn up by Indy Racing League, the sanctioning body of the predominantly American based championship.