Firestone is set to introduce a newly engineered right-front tyre at IndyCar Series events at Phoenix Raceway, with the same specification scheduled for use later this season at World Wide Technology Raceway.
The revised tyre forms part of an extensive superspeedway development programme undertaken by the American manufacturer. Following a series of dedicated tests, Firestone has produced a right-front tyre that differs markedly from any previously raced in North America’s leading open-wheel championship. Most notably, the tyre features a wider tread than the current right-front specification, coupled with distinctive construction characteristics. The increased width is designed to enhance lateral grip, offering improved cornering stability under the sustained loads typical of high-speed ovals.
Speaking during the recent pre-season test at Phoenix, Cara Krstolic, Executive Director of Race Tyre Engineering and Production at Firestone, confirmed that the tyre will make its competitive debut during the March 6–8 race weekend, which shares the bill with NASCAR. She further indicated that its performance profile makes it well suited to Gateway’s 1.25-mile oval, formerly known simply as Gateway and located just outside St Louis, Missouri.
Both Phoenix’s one-mile tri-oval and Gateway’s egg-shaped layout place considerable stress on the right-front tyre. Sustained cornering speeds and heavy lateral loads demand robust construction and consistent grip levels. According to Krstolic, the similarities in load characteristics between the two circuits make it logical to carry the new specification forward.
In addition, Firestone intends to adapt the same design philosophy for Nashville Superspeedway, where a denser, harder compound will be required for the July 19 event. A dedicated test is scheduled for 7 April to refine the compound and construction ahead of its competitive introduction.
By contrast, Milwaukee Mile is expected to retain a more conventional short-oval tyre specification. Its comparatively flat configuration creates different handling demands, and Firestone anticipates maintaining the same tyre parameters previously established for that venue.
Planned Tyre Allocations for Key Oval Events
| Circuit | Length | Tyre Specification Plan | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Raceway | 1.0 mile | New wider right-front tyre (debut) | High lateral load |
| World Wide Technology Raceway | 1.25 miles | Same new right-front specification | Similar load profile |
| Nashville Superspeedway | 1.33 miles | Similar design, harder compound | Demands greater durability |
| Milwaukee Mile | 1.0 mile | Existing short-oval specification retained | Flatter layout |
Firestone’s latest development underlines the increasingly technical approach to tyre construction in modern IndyCar competition, where marginal gains in grip and durability can decisively influence race strategy and performance.