INDY 500 TIRES REVOLUTIONIZE WITH RECYCLED PLASTICS IN RUBBER COMPOUND

In a groundbreaking collaboration between Firestone and Shell, the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is making strides towards sustainability. A total of 4,500 race tires have been provided to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for the month's practice, qualifying, and the highly anticipated 500-mile race. While the Firestone Firehawk tire maintains its construction and compound design from last year's Indy 500, a small yet impactful change has been introduced, featuring a slightly softer compound with enhanced grip, along with a crucial element of sustainability.

The Indy 500-specific race tire now incorporates a synthetic rubber that utilizes ISCC+ certified recycled butadiene. This particular monomer is produced using recycled post-consumer plastic waste, including used shopping bags, films, stretch wraps, and other flexible polymer packaging. The innovative tire has been developed in partnership with Shell, the brains behind the 100% Renewable Race Fuel, another new addition to North America's premier open-wheel championship in 2023.

Cara Krstolic, Director of Race Tire Engineering and Manufacturing, as well as the Chief Engineer of Motorsports at Bridgestone Americas, explained the significance of this advancement. While certain compounds in tire production need to remain consistent, the inclusion of butadiene, sourced from recycled materials, does not affect the tire's performance. Krstolic emphasized that the use of recycled butadiene, as a monomer, is a fundamental building block that maintains the tire's integrity, regardless of its source.

The updated tire featuring recycled components was also tested during last month's Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, showcasing its capabilities. Although the shift to recycled sourcing pushed back Indy 500 tire production to January, Krstolic noted that it was a seamless transition for Firestone.

The commitment to sustainability extends further with Firestone's guayule tire, which utilizes an eco-friendly natural rubber compound derived from the guayule shrub. This alternate tire is used exclusively during street circuit events throughout the season. While the guayule tire made its debut at the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville last year, it will be gradually introduced to more street races in the future. Firestone remains fully dedicated to this project and aims to eventually incorporate guayule rubber into not only INDYCAR tires but also passenger tires.

The tire innovations in the Indy 500 reflect a shared vision of environmental responsibility and technological advancement, making a positive impact on the racing industry and beyond.

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