Firestone Racing has announced that they are bringing 1600 race tires for this weekend’s Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America.
The primary and alternate tire construction for this weekend’s event is the same as was supplied for the 2022 Road America event. The primary compound is the same as that which was used for 2019 Road America race, while the alternate compound is the same as the 2018 Indianapolis road course primary compound. This weekend’s rain tires are the same constructions and compounds as those released in 2018.
Each driver will receive the following tire allocation:
- Primary (black): 7 sets per entry*
- Alternate (red): 4 sets per entry
- Rain (gray): 5 sets per entry
*Rookies will receive one extra set
Cara Krstolic of FIrestone Racing spoke about the NTT INDYCAR SERIES saying:
Road America is historically INDYCAR’s fastest road race accompanied by an elevation gain of about 211 feet per lap which totals a climb of 11,600 feet in the 55-lap race. To help tackle the elevation gain on the 4-mile-long natural terrain road course, Firestone modified its standard road course tires with slightly less tread gauge and lower thickness to assist with load changes and generate more temperature through turns. With the newly paved surface, both primary and alternate tires will be more heat resistant with improved wear.
INDY NXT presented by Firestone teams will receive the following tire allocation:
Each INDY NXT by Firestone entry will receive the following Firestone Firehawk race tire allocation:
- Primary: 4 sets per entry
- Rain: 2 sets per entry
Cara Krstolic Notes on INDY NXT tires commented saying:
The INDY NXT tire for Road America is similar to the other road and street course tires but with a lighter gauge and a more durable compound to adapt to the high speeds of the natural terrain road course.
The track action at the newly paved Road America gets underway on Friday. The teams are expecting increased grip levels given the fresh paving.