AKRON, Ohio — Officials with Bridgestone Americas Technical Center made a “significant announcement” in Akron on Wednesday morning.
"Together with IndyCar, Bridgestone Americas is excited to announce a five-year partnership extension for Firestone to remain the exclusive tire supplier for the NTT IndyCar series and the Indianapolis 500 through 2025," said Cara Adams, chief engineer, Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. "Additionally, in support of this extended commitment to the sport, we're proud to announce plans to build a new, state-of-the-art race tire manufacturing facility right here in Akron, Ohio."
It will be located across the street from Bridgestone Americas Technical Center in Akron.
Construction will begin on the new plant this summer, but additional details aren't being released at this time.
"It will be less than a mile from where the NTT IndyCar series tires are built today," Adams said.
Two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. was a special guest at the announcement.