Same tires as last year for Belle Isle

Firestone Racing engineers have elected to bring the same tire specifications to Belle Isle as were used last season. The dry slicks are a step more durable in compound formula than the street-course tires used at St. Petersburg in April, but with the same sidewall construction. The Belle Isle tire spec has not been used in 2008 race competition, but was run at the Sebring, Fla., open tests and will be used again at Surfers Paradise, Australia, in October. The tread-patterned rain tires selected are the softer "street-course rains."

From Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: "It's a special weekend for Firestone in several ways. Once again, Firestone is the presenting sponsor for the IndyCar Series race and the Penske promotional group has done another terrific job getting us sensational brand exposure through signage around the facility. We'll help keep the focus on the championship battle as the remaining contenders, Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves, will both ride on the 'Magic Rings' Firehawk tires to make them easily identifiable to the fans. Finally, when the checkered flag waves Sunday, it will produce Firestone's 150th race victory in IndyCar Series competition. It's a feat that is the result of much hard work and an accomplishment in which we'll take great pride."