There are indications that the new, merged version of the Indy Racing League may already have more clout in the business community. Tire manufacturer Firestone announced that it will be the title sponsor of the IRL's developmental circuit, now to be dubbed "Firestone Indy Lights."
Firestone had been the title sponsor between 1991 and 2001, but dropped out as a sponsor. IRL re-named the circuit the Indy Pro Series.
"This is a fresh start driven by tradition," said Al Speyer, Executive Director of Motorsports, for Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. "Our company has a long history of supporting the development of talent in the open-wheel ranks; this will be our 18th consecutive year doing so. With the unification of open-wheel racing, we thought it the perfect time to merge the excitement of the IRL's growing support series with the rich history of Firestone Indy Lights."
The IRL's season starts Saturday with the Indy Car Series' Gainsco Auto Insurance Indy 300 from Miami-Homestead Speedway. The race will be broadcast live at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. The Firestone Indy Lights series also starts at Miami-Homestead with the Miami 100 race that afternoon.
