The NTT IndyCar Series and tire supplier Firestone have executed a contract extension that will see both companies partner through the 2025 season. The Bridgestone-owned brand will continue to serve as IndyCar’s sole supplier, with 2019 marking the 20th year of exclusivity for Firestone in the series.

“Champions have relied on Firestone tires for more than a century, and racing has always been the ideal proving ground for new technologies that help us evolve and advance our company’s passenger tire offerings,” said Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations CMO Philip Dobbs.

“As the NTT IndyCar Series continues gaining momentum, we are introducing new fans to the Firestone brand and strengthening our relationship with the drivers who use our durable, dependable Firestone tires.”

With IndyCar representing the pinnacle of Firestone’s competitive endeavors, investment in a brand-new facility was also announced where future race tire production will take place in Akron, Ohio.

“Firestone has long been a great INDYCAR partner and is making a huge investment to the NTT IndyCar Series with its new facility in Akron,” INDYCAR president Jay Frye said. “This extension also reflects Firestone’s commitment to helping to shape INDYCAR’s paddock-wide, five-year plan.”

Racing icon Mario Andretti, whose relationship with the brand reaches back more than a half-century, welcomed the news.

“I started driving on Firestone tires 55 years ago, and they were on my car for the 1969 Indianapolis 500 when I took the checkered flag,” he said. “The trust I have always placed in Firestone was cemented that day 50 years ago when I drove on the same right rear tire for the whole race – and it never let me down. Firestone has always been a dependable partner, and I am excited to see its partnership with INDYCAR continue.”