P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Why IndyCar’s Nashville finale is a unique challenge for Firestone tires
Last month, the IndyCar Series announced that the final race on September 15 will move from downtown Nashville to the 1.33-mile oval in Lebanon, Tennessee. This marks the first time since 2014 that the season will end on an oval track. The change has put Firestone, the exclusive tire supplier for IndyCar, under pressure to develop tires suitable for the unique demands of the concrete oval. Cara Krstolic, Firestone’s Executive Director of race tire engineering, emphasized the challenges of creating tires for Nashville due to its abrasive surface and high tire wear. To address these challenges, Firestone has scheduled a tire test with the hybrid on June 14, amidst an intensive racing schedule. The tire development process for a new track typically spans around a year and a half, requiring thorough testing and analysis. The company is working tirelessly to ensure the tires meet the specific requirements of the Nashville oval for a successful season finale.
