2009 Racing Media Guide

Table of Contents

Goodyear Racing Staff ______4 Goodyear Firmly Committed to Racing ______6 NASCAR: Goodyear’s Marketing Vehicle ______7 Fast Moving and Constantly Changing: Racing and Goodyear ______8 From the Track to the Street, Authentic Track-to-Street Innovation ______10 Venue Groupings for Goodyear Eagle and Wrangler Racing Radials ______11 Anatomy of a Tire Test ______12 Race Tire Sticker Data, NASCAR Tire Cutaway, Passenger Tire Cutaway ______15 Goodyear Keeps Drag Racing up to Speed ______16 The Big Streak in Pro Stock______18 D2550 Drag Tire: Goodyear Unveils Another Winner ______19 Sports Cars: Different Cars, Different Applications, Same Great Results ______20 Short Track: Goodyear’s Long Reach on Short Tracks ______22 Dirt Track Racing: Crowd-Pleasing Action on Goodyear Tires______24 Fast Facts ______26 2008 Goodyear Racing Champions ______27 Third Gold Car for Jimmie Johnson ______27 Key Points In Goodyear’s Racing History ______28 Rain Tire Makes a Splash______30

NASCAR Racing Drag, Sports, Dirt & Short Track Mike Siberini Lee Elder P.O. Box 943, Harrisburg, NC 28075 2144 Almanor Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93036 Cell 704-905-3309; Fax 704-454-5448 Phone 805-981-8678; Fax 805-981-8690 e-mail: [email protected] Cell 805-377-3537 e-mail: [email protected] Mike Siberini started working with Goodyear in 1999 as a PR rep with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, followed by a move to Lee Elder, a 1979 graduate of San Diego State University with a Sprint Cup in 2001. He also does freelance production work with FOX, degree in journalism, has worked with the Goodyear Racing public ABC/ESPN and TNT. Prior to his PR start with NASCAR in 1997, Siberini relations team since 2001, where he focuses on PR for a variety of also plied his trade with several professional soccer franchises. racing venues. He had been sports director of two radio stations, sports editor of two newspapers and spent six seasons as media coordinator for NASCAR’s Southwest Tour.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, 1144 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44316 Photography available upon request, or by visiting the Goodyear website at www.goodyear.com/media or www.racegoodyear.com or at CIAstockphoto.com (username: goodyearmedia; password: racetires); Produced 2-09 by Goodyear Global Communications Department, Akron, Ohio © Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, 2009 Goodyear Racing Staff

Stu Grant – General Manager, Global Race Tires Dave Auffenberg – Project Leader, Iowa State (1972); Joined Goodyear: 1972 Tire Development, Drag, Sports, Dirt Purdue University (1985); Joined Goodyear: 1985 Stu joined Goodyear after graduating from Iowa State with a degree in chemical engineering…After a year Dave joined Goodyear in 1985 in dirt racing and with aircraft tire development, he moved to Formula One after graduating from Purdue University Goodyear’s racing division in 1973 as a racing tire with a degree in chemical engineering…Dave moved to engineer…Named chief compounder in 1978…In 1983, the stock car group in 1987, where he worked for three Stu was named manager of racing tire development years during a tire war…Dave worked with the CART programs, where he worked until transferring to series starting in 1990, was made group leader of dirt, passenger tires in 1991 and then to Kelly-Springfield drag and bias-ply tires in mid 1993, then was named as marketing manager of light truck tires…Stu chief engineer over stock car, sports radial, supercar returned to racing in 1994 as director of racing tire and bias-ply tires in 1997...Dave’s focus as project sales and marketing…In February 1996, he was manager in 2009 remains on drag, sports and dirt tires. named general manager of global race tires. Carolyn Ashbee – Sales Account Manager, Greg Stucker – Director, Race Tire Sales Drag Racing Vanderbilt University (1979); Joined Goodyear: 1979 University of Akron (1977); Joined Goodyear: 1972 Greg joined Goodyear in 1979 following his Carolyn joined Goodyear in 1972 as a high school graduation from Vanderbilt University with a degree senior and worked in Goodyear Racing while pursuing in mechanical engineering…After a year on the technical a degree in data processing at the University of squadron, he joined the racing division in 1980, Akron…Carolyn worked in various positions in the moving from short track and NASCAR tire development racing group, including covering the SCCA and IMSA to group leader for Indy cars in 1983...In 1986, Greg sports car series...In 1994, Carolyn transferred to the was named chief engineer in racing…Following three NASCAR stock car group, handling the Busch Series years in original equipment passenger tire engineering, and the Northwest and Southwest tours...In 2002, he returned to racing in October 1998 as manager of Carolyn took the reins of drag racing. race tire product development…Greg was promoted to director of race tire sales and marketing in Mark Canankamp – Lead Engineer, October 2000 and director of sales in 2007. Tire Development, Drag, Sports, Dirt University of Akron (1988); Joined Goodyear: 1988 Justin Fantozzi – Marketing Manager, Racing Mark graduated from The University of Akron with a University of Cincinnati (1998); Joined Goodyear: 1998 degree in mechanical technology and started at Justin joined Goodyear’s Racing division after Goodyear in Akron Technical Center Manufacturing, graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a moving through several assignments there including degree in chemical engineering...Named marketing area manager in race tire building…In October 1992, manager in 2007…Prior positions include field sales Mark moved to the tire test division as a performance manager for stock cars, as well as dirt and asphalt test driver...Mark transferred to the original short track racing...His racing career also includes tire equipment accounts group in 1997 as a tire designer, compounding and tire design in the sportscar, dirt, then worked as lead engineer for the European group, and open-wheel venues…Justin received an MBA in before transferring to the Chrysler team in 2002… marketing from The University of Akron in 2002. Mark joined race tire development as the lead engineer for dirt racing in mid 2004 and added responsibility Rick Campbell – Project Manager, for drag and sports tire development in 2007. Tire Development, NASCAR College of Wooster (1979); Joined Goodyear: 1979 Chad Fletcher – Sales Account Manager, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Rick joined Goodyear race tire development after NASCAR Touring Series’ graduating from the College of Wooster with a degree University of Virginia (1991); Joined Goodyear: 2002 in chemistry…His early tire experience includes stock cars and Formula One…As group leader for stock cars Chad graduated from the University of Virginia in 1987, Rick was instrumental in Goodyear’s success with a degree in business and public administration through two tire wars in 1988-89 and in 1994…Named and communications…His first assignment after chief compounder for all of Goodyear’s motorsports joining Goodyear in 2002 was marketing manager for programs in 1996 and, in 1997, he was named chief the NASCAR Busch Series and Touring Series operations… engineer for the IRL series…Rick went back into Chad added the Camping World West Series in 2003, NASCAR as team leader in 2000 and broadened his the Camping World East Series and Mexico Corona responsibility in 2008 to project manager tire Series in 2006, and the Canadian Tire Series in development, NASCAR. 2007…In 2008, Chad’s responsibilities transitioned to the Camping World Truck Series and continued with the NASCAR Touring Series.

4 2009 Racing Media Kit Leaders in Race Tire Technology

Paul Lauritzen – Sales Account Manager, Sprint Dirt Racing Kent State (1967); Joined Goodyear: 1967 Paul came to Goodyear with a degree in chemistry from Kent State University...After three years in passenger tire development, Paul joined the racing group in 1971…Paul was named chief compounder in 1974, moved to Wolverhampton, England, as manager of the European Racing Division in 1978 and was named field manager of sprint cars in December 1979…In 1985, Paul became sales manager and took on additional duties in 1996 as marketing manager, then operations manager for the Indy Racing League… Since the 2000 season, Paul has handled dirt racing.

Chris Mileti – Lead Engineer, Advanced Engineering Rick Heinrich – Sales Account Manager, University of Akron (2000); Joined Goodyear: 2000 Sprint Cup Series Chris joined Goodyear Racing’s drag racing group as a Western Illinois University (1985); Joined Goodyear: 1985 tire designer after graduating from the University of Rick joined Goodyear after graduating from Western Akron with a degree in mechanical engineering...In the Illinois University with a degree in business market- fall of 2003, Chris transferred to the racing division’s ing…After working at a Goodyear Auto Service Center advanced engineering group to work on technology for five years, Rick moved to Goodyear in Akron as an development programs...Chris was named lead engineer accountant in 1990…After three years, he moved to for advanced engineering in the spring of 2004. operations manager for the commercial tire centers, followed by seven years in commercial tire systems… Steve Rigot – Sales Account Manager, Rick joined Goodyear Racing in 2002, where he managed NASCAR Nationwide Series the distribution and service of race tires for NASCAR’s Gardner-Webb University (2004); Joined Goodyear: 1996 top three divisions...In 2008, he became sales account Steve joined Goodyear in 1996 and since then has held manager for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. various positions at Goodyear’s Statesville plant, including mold technician, crew leader, manufacturing Scott Junod – Sales Account Manager, planner/scheduler and business team leader...In 2005, Short Track Racing after earning a degree in business administration from Iowa State (1985); Joined Goodyear: 1982 North Carolina’s Gardner-Webb University, Steve was Scott joined Goodyear after graduating from Iowa promoted to mold plan coordinator for all consumer State University with a degree in industrial engineering and race tire molds and moved to Akron...In 2007, he and started his Goodyear career in medium commercial became team leader of the Applied Physical Metrology truck sales and marketing…Scott held various positions lab...Steve joined the Goodyear Racing team in 2008 in human resources and industrial engineering, and as Sales Account Manager with responsibility for the has worked in several production facilities…Scott NASCAR Nationwide Series. joined Goodyear Racing in 2007 as sales account manager for short track racing…Scott also holds a Bob Shaffer – Sales Account Manager, Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Sports Car Racing Akron and is a member of the Ohio Bar Association. University of Akron (1967); Joined Goodyear: 1967 Bob joined Goodyear in 1967 after graduating from Mark Keto – Lead Engineer, Stock Car Racing the University of Akron...In 1971, he was named Penn State University (1996); Joined Goodyear: 1996 assistant field manager for sports car racing and has Mark joined Goodyear’s racing group to work with the since held field manager positions in drag, motorcycle sports car tire development team after graduating and sports car racing...Presently, Bob is responsible from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in for Goodyear’s marketing efforts surrounding sports chemical engineering…By early 1997, he shifted to the car racing. NASCAR group, working as a tire compounder...In October 2001, Mark was named lead engineer of the NASCAR group.

5 Goodyear Firmly Committed to Racing

Auto racing in general – limited in popularity. As the sport and NASCAR in particular – has has grown, Goodyear has continued experienced an explosion of growth to play an important role. in popularity over the past decade. The investment we have made Much of the growth coincided with over the past 50 years has been a robust American marketplace. more than financial. The time, However, the recent eco- effort, engineering and research nomic downturn has had that have gone into developing and an effect on all sports, racing included. It Much of our commitment affects fans, teams and sponsors alike, all comes with how we view of whom have had to our relationship... We view face difficult financial decisions. ourselves as a supplier Naturally, some have wondered what this of performance products means for Goodyear. I’m Rich Kramer, necessary for great racing. President happy to say that all of us Goodyear North at Goodyear remain firm in American Tire our commitment to motor manufacturing great tires for all sports, especially NASCAR forms of racing is not something and NHRA. We’ve been a proud part we’re ready to relinquish. And it’s of NASCAR for more than 50 years certainly not something we’ll turn and we intend to stay with them far our backs on when times get tough. into the future. In fact, as racing has evolved, Much of our commitment so has Goodyear. For example, last comes with how we view our year we introduced a new rear tire relationship. We’ve never looked for NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car at ourselves as a traditional sponsor. dragsters. The D2550 got great We view ourselves as a supplier of reviews from drivers and teams. smaller series for which we supply performance products integral to We’ve worked closely with NASCAR racing tires. great racing. and its Sprint Cup teams on tire So when you see Goodyear’s While we certainly look for tests with the “Car of Tomorrow,” name in big gold letters, whether opportunities to take advantage now the universal platform for all at a Sprint Cup track, an NHRA drag of our position in sales, marketing racing in NASCAR’s top series. strip, a dirt track or another local and other promotional areas, our Nobody places greater demands racing venue, remember that the relationship is more strategic than on our engineers than they do name represents more than a tire tactical. Racing is part of who we themselves. While everyone sees company. It stands for a group are; it’s part of the fabric of “Goodyear” on the sides of our of talented, passionate Goodyear. Within these pages, you’ll racing Eagles and Wranglers, we people who are committed see examples of how we’ve made see more than just a company. We to delivering great products developments for the track come to see the name as representing our for exciting performance life in our consumer tires. reputation, our experience and on the track, both now and That’s been true ever since Lee our dedication to making tires that for many years in the future. Petty bolted on a set of Goodyear deliver great racing every time out. Police Specials and began using That holds true not just for the them to win stock car races. Sprint Cup, Nationwide or Camping Goodyear was a part of the sport World circuits, but for all sorts of when it was small, regional and racing, including many of the

6 2009 Racing Media Kit NASCAR: Goodyear’s Marketing Vehicle

Goodyear’s involvement with that recognition and turning it primary customer-base – the dealers, NASCAR is not a typical racing into preference when they need or the “people behind the counter.” sponsorship. Instead, the company to purchase new tires for their Goodyear Marketing works to is a “performance product supplier,” vehicles. People tend to think rev up dealers about Goodyear and without whom the competition about tires only when they need its products by taking them through would not be possible. That role them every few years, so it’s behind-the-scenes garage tours at creates a marketing vehicle up to us to communicate NASCAR events and providing them that allows Goodyear to what our involvement in with promotional information, training, receive its return on NASCAR means as it relates and opportunities to win NASCAR investment in the to the tires we produce tickets. forms of research and for their vehicles. “The garage tours, in particular, development break- Goodyear engineers help us showcase Goodyear’s throughs, market reach use the knowledge dedication to NASCAR as well as the and brand preference. gained from NASCAR tire best qualities about our products. We “We race every day development and translate also get to show them that Goodyear to sell tires every day,” that into innovative is not just a tire supplier, but works said Justin Fantozzi, technologies which go into closely with NASCAR to get the drivers Goodyear racing Kris Kienzl, tires people use every to the finish line,” Kienzl said. marketing manager. Goodyear NASCAR day. We’re constantly The value of the Goodyear brand “All the different venues Marketing Manager evolving with this sport, and a team mentality shines through we compete in bring and I think that’s really the racing division’s customer- opportunities to leverage global important to the development of oriented marketing efforts. And, if you consumer tire sales.” According our consumer products.” look around, you’ll notice Goodyear to Fantozzi, the two primary Goodyear marketers work through Racing’s and NASCAR’s influence functions of the racing division’s many different channels to develop on promotions in many other marketing activities are: and implement effective marketing departments across the company. • Supporting sales managers in communications and promotional One theme Goodyear Racing tries selling race tires and delivering plans. Kienzl works to grow consumers’ to emphasize is its track-to-street them to the end users, whether it affinity for the Goodyear brand by innovations. To promote this idea, is for a NASCAR Sprint Cup series maximizing the company’s NASCAR marketers work with Goodyear race or a smaller racing venue, and sponsorship in the marketplace. This engineers to help build brand • Supporting North American Tire work involves not only televised affinity by linking the company’s and other global regions with advertising during race broadcasts, new consumer product technologies consumer tire sales. but also activities at tracks and with some of the latest race tires. In an effort to achieve Goodyear’s with local retailers. When NASCAR requested a new marketing goals, NASCAR marketing “There are approximately rain tire that could run at a manager Kris Kienzl uses relationship 45 million to 75 million people in Nationwide series road course in marketing to connect with Goodyear’s the United States who consider 2009, Goodyear engineers worked key customers: consumers, dealers, themselves to be NASCAR fans,” said with marketing to identify the distributors and, of course, NASCAR. Joey Viselli, Goodyear brand director. Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season as “Marketing is all about “They come from all walks of life the best street tire that could be relationships,” Kienzl said. “It is and are from every geographic region aligned with the new race tire being identifying and maximizing relation- of the country. Depending upon their developed. It fit because one of the ships between products, forging lifestyle, millions are exposed to the tire’s main selling points is that it relationships between producers and NASCAR name on a daily basis, which has superior wet-driving capabilities. retailers and reinforcing Goodyear’s in turn promotes the Goodyear brand.” “By aligning the race tire with relationship with NASCAR and the When consumers are in the the consumer tire technology, we millions of NASCAR fans out there. market for tires, broader themes have a better opportunity to “Goodyear has very strong brand such as Goodyear’s innovation and communicate our innovations in the recognition among NASCAR fans,” commitment to quality are best marketplace,” Kienzl said. she added. “The key is taking communicated through the company’s 7 Fast Moving and Constantly Changing: Racing and Goodyear

Professional auto racing is the the same — fastest moving and most constantly reputation: changing sport in the world. When the reputation you add the difficult economic of a technically times we currently live in, hitting competent that moving target with quality organization products and a winning strategy that produces has become increasingly difficult. high-quality But The Goodyear Tire & Rubber products, Company has become known for and backs precisely that. committed and motivated up its claims with measurable professionals. On a daily basis, success at the race track. It’s an “There is no better Goodyear executives, engineers organization that is committed driver of technology than and technicians confront one of to winning, a company that is the toughest set of challenges in all committed to winning. Racing racing.” – Stu Grant of sports — building a competitive offers the visible communication tire that meets the most rigid of that message. “The economy is affecting standards known. “A major part of our overall everything that we do these “Our engineers have to challenge racing strategy is to align ourselves days and it’s having its affect on the unknown in order to solve the with series and forms of motorsport motorsports as anyone can see,” complex problems faced in today’s that fans are attracted to and said Stu Grant, Goodyear’s general racing environment,” said Grant. lend themselves to marketing manager of worldwide racing. “The “So even with the challenges of an and promotions that support our fact is, Goodyear has been racing for uncertain economy, there are lots business model,” Grant continued. more than 100 years, and we’ve seen of ways to justify continued “Chief among those are our a lot of changes over those years, involvement in racing — and it’s not involvement in both NASCAR and but we have remained committed just about technical advances.” the NHRA. Both of these forms of to our racing involvement. What Goodyear and many other motorsport have large and diverse “Why? Because competition is companies involved in important. There are pages of auto racing have found market research data that support on the other side of the theory that people believe that competition is a great the company that makes a winning vehicle for their car or a winning motor or a winning marketing platforms. tire has the technical competence “There are adver- to make a product that they should tising opportunities, buy. There is no better driver of marketing opportunities, technology than racing.” personnel development, And that’s an area in which and so on,” added Goodyear can use its most valuable Grant. “But ultimately resource — its highly trained, the end result is “Over the recent past, our major NASCAR- related focus has been designing a tire that works well with the ‘COT’ Car of Tomorrow, which is entering its second full season of use on the Sprint Cup circuit.” – Stu Grant

8 2009 Racing Media Kit use on the Sprint Cup circuit. Our people, from bottom to top, worked extremely hard on tire development while all the time keeping up with the steep learning curve and rapid advancement of the teams and their car set-ups. Additionally, Goodyear is also In racing, the more things heavily invested in its sports car, change, the more they stay short track and dirt track programs. the same. Teams and race- “The 2008 season was the first tracks are always changing, for the Star Mazda Series on radial whether it’s teams developing tires and the tires did very well,” more sophisticated set-ups said Grant. “Now we’ve extended to gain an advantage over our agreement with that series for the competition or tracks five more years. The other sports being re-paved over time. car highlight we’re building from What must stay the same is last year is the 11 races Goodyear Goodyear’s commitment to won in the SCCA Runoffs. the sport and willingness “Goodyear’s short track to keep up.” program is very comprehensive As in NASCAR’s top three and far-reaching, with us being divisions, Goodyear is the sole involved in NASCAR’s East and West tire supplier to the National programs, as well as the NASCAR Hot Rod Association’s top three Canadian Tire Series, NASCAR Mexico, drag racing divisions — Top UARA-STARS and the American Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock. Canadian Tour. On dirt, we remain “Our involvement in the the sole tire provider for the NHRA is a very important part FASTRAK sanctioning body. of Goodyear’s overall racing “With such a diverse landscape fan bases, and give Goodyear a program and we’re building off an of options, our North American tire tremendous amount of exposure.” exciting 2008 season,” said Grant. marketing and advertising teams can Certainly, being the official tire “Our new D2550 rear drive tire build programs around all areas of supplier to NASCAR’s top three tour- for the Top Fuel and Funny Car our racing program,” summarized ing series — Sprint Cup, Nationwide divisions was introduced last June Grant. “This is all done with a very and Camping World Trucks — is at and has proved to be very successful important eye toward increasing the head of that effort. After first and popular among both drivers consumer tire sales. When it’s all becoming involved in NASCAR in and teams.” said and done, Goodyear being 1954, Goodyear gained its current involved in motorsports is all about “official” status in 1997, and has a driving additional tire sales.” contract to remain in place through When dedicated fans of 2012. In just these three divisions popular motorsports venues meet alone, Goodyear will provide over Goodyear’s superior products, 150,000 tires for 98 scheduled how could it be any different? events in 2009. “Over the recent past, our major NASCAR-related focus has been building a tire that works well with the ‘COT’ (Car of Tomorrow), which is entering its second full season of

9 From the Track to the Street Authentic Track-to-Street Innovation

All the products, components technologies made for high-speed and technologies involved with auto vehicles have always seemed to racing are designed to help vehicles inspire innovation used by everyday go fast — really fast. But how can drivers. these racing elements make a “Our role as a NASCAR supplier difference to consumers when they allows us to use what we learn consider buying Goodyear tires? from our developments in NASCAR technology and transfer that to the street,” said Joey Viselli, director of the Goodyear brand. The company’s consumer product deflation leadership can be attributed to thanks to the many technologies that were first reinforced sidewalls developed for racing, such as tires that can support the weight of the reinforced with carbon fiber and car even when all the air pressure DuPont Kevlar ®. These technological is gone. advancements are now incorporated It is Goodyear’s ability to make in Goodyear’s Eagle and Wrangler the transition from track to street consumer tires, providing high- that makes the racing division’s performance vehicles and light efforts so valuable to the company. trucks or SUVs with enhanced However, Goodyear Racing’s maneuverability, toughness and a operations affect more than quieter, more comfortable ride. passenger car tire technology. One of the more interesting The same radio frequency innovations that crossed over from identification (RFID) tag that is used racing is Goodyear’s run-flat to track all NASCAR tires in real technology. In 1966, Goodyear time was transitioned to commercial Is the phenomenon of track-to- truck fleet applications when street technology, which is one of “Our role as a NASCAR Goodyear launched its new Latin the primary areas of innovation in supplier allows us to America Tire IQ program. all of Goodyear, really that RFID was introduced in 2006 beneficial to the normal consumer? use what we learn... with NASCAR’s new tire leasing You bet. The fast-paced program that requires teams to environment of racing has allowed in NASCAR technology return all Goodyear tires at the end Goodyear to develop some of the and transfer that to the of each race. The racing association most innovative tires in the world. wanted to level the field by making “We have gained a lot of tire street.” – Joey Viselli it impossible for teams to gain a knowledge by participating in the competitive advantage over others rugged off-road area of racing,” said developed an inner-liner for race tires by holding independent tests with Justin Fantozzi, marketing manager, to prevent racecars from decreased unused tires. To help NASCAR Global Race tires and former engineer. control after a sudden loss in tire enforce this new policy, Goodyear “We can transfer some important pressure. This “tire within a tire” is incorporated RFID tags to identify data to the consumer side of our often heralded as a significant break- and monitor each tire that enters Wrangler and Fortera businesses.” through for both tire technology and and leaves the track. If you look at any type of racing racing because it helps keep drivers Using the technology for series that Goodyear is involved on the track and the road. Latin America’s Tire IQ with, you can see the company’s This offspring of the inner-liner – program enables track-to-street evolution. Whether Goodyear’s RunOnFlat Technology – commercial truck it’s off-road, touring, open wheel or allows consumer-drivers to travel fleets to save money stock car, for more than 50 years, up to 50 miles at 50 mph after tire by monitoring their

10 2009 Racing Media Kit 2009 Venue Groupings For Goodyear Eagle and Wrangler Racing Radials

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series & Camping World Truck Series

Group 1 Daytona Talladega Group 2 Charlotte Chicagoland Darlington Homestead Las Vegas Texas

Group 3 Atlanta California (Fontana) Dover Kansas Kentucky Michigan Nashville tires’ location, mileage, tread with a lot of flexibility. NASCAR depth and air pressure. venues change each week and Group 4 Bristol Goodyear’s NASCAR-technologies Goodyear must provide a tire that Indianapolis have contributed to the develop- will perform well on each track. Pocono ment of innovative consumer The flexibility of TCM’s race products and improvement of tire manufacturing operations Group 5 Indianapolis (O’Reilly) commercial customer services, translates to enhancements for but the assets used on behalf of passenger tires because it allows the Iowa Goodyear Racing also help research facility to produce new consumer Memphis and development engineers deter- products on a smaller scale and Milwaukee mine the feasibility of their creations provide engineers with a tangible New Hampshire through prototype manufacturing. product to test the feasibility of a Phoenix Goodyear’s Technical Center tire before it is approved for Richmond Manufacturing (TCM) unit in wide-scale production. This allows St. Louis (Gateway) Akron, where all NASCAR tires are the company to increase efficiency made, is a highly customized plant and save on production costs. Group 6 Martinsville Innovation is a priority at Goodyear. The company innovates Group 7 California (Infineon) constantly to maintain its positive Road Montreal momentum. With its long history of technologies and products Course Watkins Glen that go track-to-street, it’s obvious, even to the NASCAR novice, that Goodyear Racing plays a vital role in keeping Goodyear on the leading edge both on and off the track. 11 Anatomy of a Tire Test

project manager The specific teams will be rotated for tire development through the entire NASCAR and Mark Keto, lead community, while utilizing teams engineer for stock and drivers who will provide car racing. Their Goodyear with the best feedback goal is to come up at a particular track. Normally, two with an idea of what or three of those teams at the track they want to test will be designated to test tires, first based on previous establishing a baseline on a control experience, archives tire and then running through the from other races, constructions that it is evaluating. and analysis on These teams are used to collect potential construc- the “subjective” feedback from tions. Goodyear’s the drivers. dynamic test lab also To gather the more “objective” With NASCAR’s new testing policy helps come up with the potential data, the remaining team or teams in place, there will be an increased compounds to test. at the test will run Goodyear focus on Goodyear tire tests held in Once the plan is set and the instrumentation and do some more 2009. Coming up with a proper tire test tires are built — and before fundamental testing to measure the recommendation for a particular Goodyear ever goes to the track — operating conditions of each of the race track is far more complicated a complete suite of testing is done four tires on the racecar as it goes than taking an educated guess or on each experimental tire design. around the race track. simply returning to what tires This may include: endurance testing; To get ready for the test, have worked in a previous season. measuring the tire’s spring rate and Goodyear will send an engineer from Goodyear goes through an exhaus- the shape of its contact patch with its advance group, headed by lead tive process that involves several different groups of engineers, both Most of the performance testing is done at Calspan, an at track and in laboratory testing, and a coordinated production and independent automotive testing facility in Buffalo, N.Y. quality control schedule. Calspan’s two-story tire testing rig is one of the only At regular intervals throughout the year, Goodyear determines if a facilities in the world that can replicate the dynamic formal tire test needs to be con- ducted. A test is often held if it’s operating conditions of a NASCAR race tire. decided that some aspect of a tire combination’s performance needs to the race track; its performance engineer Chris Mileti, to work at a be modified — more or less grip, characteristics; and treadwear. team’s shop for two full days to help more or less treadwear, etc. — or if Most of the performance testing is install all the instrumentation that there has been a significant change done at Calspan, an independent will capture and record all loads and to the rules package or race track automotive testing facility in torques on each corner of the car. surface. Buffalo, N.Y. Calspan’s two-story Also, the instrumentation is set up Sometimes tests are conducted tire testing rig is one of the only to measure the “slip” (the forward-to- just to confirm a tire recommenda- facilities in the world that can rear slip ratio, which happens tion for an upcoming race. In other replicate the dynamic operating throughout every lap but is most cases, such as a newly configured conditions of a NASCAR race tire. exaggerated on extreme acceleration race track, more than a dozen new After all that checks out, and deceleration), “steer” (once the constructions could be evaluated. Goodyear is ready to go to the tires turn) and “camber” (the tilt of Every tire recommendation race track. This season, one team the tire) angles. begins with a meeting of Goodyear from each of the four NASCAR- Once collected, this data is engineers from its NASCAR product sanctioned car manufacturers will used not only for the specific test, group, most notably Rick Campbell, be designated as the testers. but also helps Goodyear build a

12 2009 Racing Media Kit ... a complete suite of testing is done on each that particular race and then schedules the production of those experimental tire design. This may include: endurance tires codes with the manufacturing testing; measuring the tire’s spring rate and the shape group in Akron. Throughout the production of its contact patch with the race track; its performance phase, Goodyear engineers stay involved with the process. The characteristics; and treadwear. product group tests for consistency and then analyzes that data. The database that can be used to “objective data.” The product advance group takes 50 tires from replicate how tires react at a group, which has accumulated all each code and sends them to particular race track and under the driver and team feedback, Calspan for a complete work-up specific conditions from performance brings the “subjective data.” standpoints. In essence, these Sometimes the result is to follow up operating conditions can then be with more lab testing, but most of used for further analysis or down- the time enough work has been done loaded to its testing equipment. to make a race recommendation. This, in turn, improves Goodyear’s There are places — Darlington ability to test its tires virtually or in Raceway in 2008 is an example — the laboratory. where Goodyear will return for At the track, Goodyear also ties a re-test. After Darlington was into each team’s instrumentation to re-paved before last season’s gather data like tire temperatures race, Goodyear scheduled a tire and the position of the car around test to come up with a new tire the track based on speed, heading recommendation. After the initial and acceleration. on-track session, Goodyear and the After an on-track test, Goodyear’s test drivers were happy with only advance group and the NASCAR the right-side tire they came up product group will get together to with. After conferring with all review all the data. The advance involved, Goodyear scheduled group, which has collected all the another session, or continuation data generated through the test, with the same engineers, on them. That process takes a full instrumentation, brings its teams and drivers to establish week; after that, the advance group continuity. Out of that second distributes all of its data to the session came the correct left-side teams. Therefore, even if teams are tire and the completed tire using a tire for the first time, they recommendation. still have comprehensive tire data After the testing phase, there to guide their chassis set-up is a meeting between all members preparation. of both the advance and product As one can see, coming to a groups, which includes tire tire recommendation is not an easy designers, compounders, vehicle process. It goes from conception, instrumentation engineers and to construction, testing, production, computer simulation engineers. quality control and team support. From that meeting, the company Goodyear and its engineers, comes to a decision on an official operations people and manufacturing race recommendation. The opera- workers take great pride in tions department — led by Greg producing the best racing tires in Stucker, director of race tire sales — the world. With all that goes into determines the number of tires the process, it’s not hard to see Goodyear will need to produce for why they succeed. 13

Race Tire Sticker Data

Eight-Digit Barcode

Every new Goodyear race tire is Identifier delivered with a tire label. Spring Rate Number

Tire Size (tire diameter, tread width and bead diameter) Product Code Tire Classification Tire D Code (identifies mold, construction and compound combination; also found on tire sidewall) Sequence Number (identifies tire production sequence)

Other markings on the race tire (not shown) include: F, H or X indicating type of final quality inspection. Two colored dots indicate the optimal match mounting position for the tire and wheel. NASCAR Tire Tread Compound Cutaway provides grip to the race track

Carcass Plies helps provide load carrying capability Belt Package helps control Inner Liner footprint shape serves as an inner tire to help support at high speeds the race car if the outer tire is punctured

Bead Apex interface between controls sidewall stiffness the tire and wheel Rim built to help accommodate inner and outer tires Passenger Tire Cutaway Tread Compound aids traction and wear in varying driving conditions

Tread Pattern helps provide traction capabilities Belt Package helps control footprint Carcass Plies shape and generate help provide resilience and cornering power load carrying capability

Bead Apex interface between in some tires, a sidewall insert to enhance the tire and wheel steering response during cornering 15 Goodyear Keeps Drag Racing up to Speed

Goodyear’s role as racing’s racing line gives racers throughout commitment to technology and most forward-looking tiremaker the sport a chance to succeed. development has been our hallmark is especially evident in the field “Drag racing is one of the sport’s and in the 2009 season, we’ll have of drag racing, where consistency disciplines we are best known for,” some new offerings that will is measured in the thousandths of said Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s showcase that commitment.” a second and racecars accelerate director, racing tire sales. “Our Goodyear will continue as the faster than a fighter jet leaving an aircraft carrier. Everything about drag racing is dramatic, from the noise to the speed. And with all of that, Goodyear’s tradition of continuous technical development sets the pace in the tiremaking industry. Drag racing’s intense popularity has led to a wild variety of engine and chassis combinations in the sport’s various sanctioning bodies. That gives tiremakers a long list of applications and Goodyear’s drag

16 2009 Racing Media Kit As of the end of the 2008 season, Goodyear-shod Pro Stockers had won 356 consecutive races and 354 out of the past 356 top qualifiers raced on Goodyear tires.

As impressive as Goodyear’s sales account manager, drag racing. lengthy string of success in the “We work every bit as hard on our professional classes has been, so too sportsman development program as is the tiremaker’s place among we do on the professional side. And sportsman competitors. Witness the we have to win races to sell tires to NHRA national championship runs in the sportsman competitors, so it’s 2008 for Bill Reichert (Top Alcohol a very competitive effort. Obviously Dragster) and Brian Forrester we’ve been pleased by our (Super Gas), Jim Lintner’s successes in 2008 and IHRA title (in Super we want to keep Rod), Billy that going in Harper’s 2009.” American Goodyear’s Drag Racing line of Eagle League title Drag Racing (Pro Nitrous) Specials will be and Cameron expanded for this Coble’s NMCA season to include championship (Xtreme 28- and 29-inch tall Street). Blake Williams won tires for bracket racers. the Indicom Electric Arizona Super The line will benefit from Comp title on Goodyear tires, enhancements to help the tire be Greg Forsythe took the Southern softer and grippier. exclusive tire supplier for the California Super Comp Association And while the tires Goodyear National Hot Rod Association’s Top and Pete Bothe won the Southern offers to all competitors in Fuel and Funny Car categories. The California Pro Gas Association title. professional drag racing categories D2550 rear drive tire, which was “We work every bit as are of bias-ply construction, the introduced in June of 2008, has tiremaker has developed new radial been a major success. The D2550 is hard on our sportsman constructions for some sportsman also a very popular choice in the categories. This line of Eagles will International Hot Rod Association. development program as measure 31 inches tall and range Goodyear has long been the we do on the professional between 13.5 and 15 inches across preferred tire in the NHRA’s Pro the tread with a 99.5-inch rollout. Stock and, starting in 2009, Goodyear side.” – Carolyn Ashbee The new radial offerings will will be the exclusive tire provider for compliment Goodyear’s already the Pro Stockers. The new agreement Forrester used the Goodyear successful line of 32- and 33-inch will extend a long period of excellence D2532, which debuted during the tall radial drag race tires. in a category that was open to second half of the 2008 season. Other radial offerings, providing competition among tiremakers. The D2532 measures 33.5 inches a wide range of rollouts, also will As of the end of the 2008 season, tall, 17 inches wide and mounts on debut in 2009. Racers can keep up Goodyear-shod Pro Stockers had won a 16-inch rim. with Goodyear’s new developments 356 consecutive races and 354 out “The sportsman segment is a on the Goodyear Racing website at of the past 356 top qualifiers raced huge opportunity for a tiremaker,” www.racegoodyear.com. on Goodyear tires. said Carolyn Ashbee, Goodyear’s 17 Pro Stock The Big Streak in Pro Stock

At the start of the 2009 season, championships during the streak and 26 drivers have won races. Warren cars equipped with Goodyear tires Johnson has the most race wins, 64, had won 356 straight Pro Stock races. and most championships, six, during the Goodyear streak. “I love them,” said four-time So how long has it been, really, categories, pro and sportsman,” Pro Stock champ Greg Anderson of since Goodyear lost a National Hot said Greg Stucker, Goodyear his Goodyear tires in 2008. “I love Rod Association Pro Stock race? director, racing tire sales. “We have everything about them. That’s a Consider this: the year was 1992. to stay on top of the technology.” part you never have to worry about.” During the fourth race of what is How long has the streak been Anderson has won 57 races and now a monumental winning streak, around? When it started, the NHRA three championships since the Scott Geoffrion established a Pro held only 18 races per season. streak started in 1992. He held the Stock elapsed-time record with a When it started, Indianapolis Colts elapsed time record, 6.536 seconds, pass clocked at 7.099 seconds. quarterback Peyton Manning was a at the start of the 2009 season. The Pro Stockers are almost half a high school player and his brother, During the streak, the Pro Stock second quicker now. The speed current New York Giants passer category was open to competition record at the time was 194.51 mph. Eli Manning, was still in grade among tiremakers. Some tiremakers The record now is 211.69 mph, school. A month after Goodyear’s tried but failed to end Goodyear’s held by Jason Line. Pro Stock streak started, the Toronto string of wins. The races in the The Goodyear streak will not end Blue Jays won the World Series. Pro Stock category are decided by soon. Effective with the start of the At the start of the 2009 season, the slimmest margins in professional 2009 season, Goodyear will be the cars equipped with Goodyear tires drag racing. Even the smallest exclusive tire supplier for the had won 356 straight Pro Stock races advantage is desperately sought NHRA’s Pro Stock racers. and Goodyear-shod racers included after. “We’ve worked closely with the the quickest Pro Stock qualifier in Since 1992, the advantage has competitors in the Pro Stock category, 354 of those 356 events. been with the cars racing on just like we do with the other Six different drivers have won Goodyear tires.

18 2009 Racing Media Kit D2550 Drag Tire Goodyear Unveils Another Winner

In June of 2008, Goodyear Racing to the new tire, with the idea that brought a new tire to the National the teams could also use Goodyear’s Hot Rod Association’s event at Old previous offering if they preferred. Bridge Township Raceway Park in No matter what they chose, New Jersey. drivers had a positive response to That new tire, the D2550 rear the new offering. “It’s very well drive tire for the NHRA’s Top Fuel balanced,” said Cory McClenathan. and Funny Car teams, proved “The footprint is good. When you to be among the most popular tires take it back (to the pits after a Goodyear has built. It drew raves run), it looks good.” from competitors and continues The D2550 was introduced when to do so. the Top Fuel and Funny Car cars Goodyear were still racing was – and “The race teams don’t stop the full quarter- remains – looking for ways to make their mile – 1,320 the sole tire feet – for each provider for cars faster. We have to do the run. Since that the NHRA’s time, the two fastest same thing.” - Carolyn Ashbee sanctioning Funny Car teams when the categories. body has Series arrived at Bandimere The new tire was an optional shortened the racing distance for Speedway in Colorado. Tony offering at both the New Jersey race the cars in its two most powerful Pedregon, another Funny Car ace, and a week later at Norwalk, Ohio, categories to 1,000 feet. The D2550 said after that event, “I think before becoming the mandatory was praised for its effectiveness at mission accomplished for Goodyear.” tire. While most teams in the two both distances. The Bandimere event was the categories had participated in the Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson, first time the 1,000-foot rule was new tire’s developmental testing who very nearly won the 2008 in effect. program, the competitors were championship, said, “I don’t The story of the D2550 is really allowed two races know what they put in the story of Goodyear Racing’s to acclimate that new Goodyear development program. Simply put, themselves tire, but God the search for more technology bless them.” never stops. The D2550 “The race teams don’t stop looks very looking for ways to make their cars much like its faster,” said Carolyn Ashbee, predecessor, Goodyear’s sales account manager, the D2420. drag racing. “We have to do the Both have a same thing. We have engineers at circumference of every NHRA race and we have 115 inches, are 17 research and development people inches across the tread here in Akron. Those groups are and mount on 16-inch constantly working together.” rims. But looks can be “We are learning from the confusing. Goodyear’s research D2550, just like we learn from every and development work led to tire we build,” said Greg Stucker, a different construction in the Goodyear’s director, racing tire D2550, a difference not visible sales. “And the teams benefit from on the exterior of the tire. everything we learn.” The D2550 was the only tire allowed for use by Top Fuel and

19 Sports Cars

Goodyear’s proud heritage of “We had a very successful For 2009, The Star Mazda sports car racing superiority was introduction last year,” said Bob Championship presented by built upon continued excellence in Shaffer, Goodyear’s sales account Goodyear has scheduled oval track a wide range of racing situations, a manager, sports car racing. “Our races at The Milwaukee Mile and at tradition that will continue in 2009. engineers and technicians designed Iowa Speedway. The series has held In fact, Goodyear has expanded its and built a product that performed oval races in prior years, but not list of road racing applications. well and we worked with the teams since the addition of the Goodyear “It’s been a busy off- to make the transition an easy one. Eagle Radials to the series. season,” admitted Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s director, racing tire sales. “We’ve built tires for new applications and decided to re-enter several areas of sports car racing where we’ve competed successfully before.” The 2009 season will be the first of Goodyear’s new five-year agreement to continue as the exclusive tire supplier for The Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. The Star Mazda program, which includes a national championship series as well as age group and regional tours, is for open wheel, single seat cockpit racecars. Goodyear has been the exclusive tire provider for the Star Mazda program since 1995, originally supplying bias-ply racing slicks to The 2009 schedule will give us “It’s a great chance to showcase some new applications to work on, the radial tire’s performance on oval At the request of the but we have a lot of experience tracks,” Shaffer said. “Goodyear participants, Goodyear with the tracks where Star Mazda has plenty of experience with that is headed for the first time and application.” began supplying Goodyear that experience will pay off for Goodyear Racing has long been the teams.” proud of the way it frequently applies Eagle Radial tires in The technically advanced Star the technology developed for one 2008 and the tires were Mazda Series cars have attracted racing application to another for the drivers seeking to move up in the benefit of the competitors. That is a big hit. world’s road racing ranks as well especially true in road racing and it as drivers and teams interested in is especially evident in the Sports the competitors. At the request competing on some of North America’s Car Club of America, where Goodyear of the participants, Goodyear began top racing circuits simply for the joy has been the most successful tire- supplying Goodyear Eagle Radial of competition. In either case, the maker for decades. tires in 2008 and the tires were Star Mazda program offers a wide Goodyear will continue as the a big hit. range of opportunity for experience. exclusive tire provider for the SCCA’s

20 2009 Racing Media Kit Different Cars, Different Applications, Same Great Results

Goodyear Racing has long been proud of the way it frequently applies the technology developed for one racing application to another for the benefit of the competitors. That is especially true in road racing...

Spec Racer Ford class. The Spec Miserendino won his third for the SCCA classes required to use Racer Ford class is among the straight Spec Racer Ford that type of tire. largest in SCCA racing, featuring championship during the 2008 SCCA “The DOT classes are an obvious single-seat racecars designed National Championship Runoffs. target class,” said Greg Stucker, specifically by the SCCA. The tightly Miserendino said the tires Goodyear Goodyear director, racing tire sales. enforced rules, plus Goodyear’s provides for the class have met “We’ve been successful in those manufacturing consistency, make Goodyear’s standard for consistent classes in the past. It’s important the skill of the driver the key to excellence, rain or shine. to remember that we believe winning SRF races. “Our Goodyear rain tire is Goodyear makes the world’s fantastic,” Miserendino said best passenger car tires and at the 2008 Runoffs. “It’s the DOT racing classes the best rain tire our class give us an excellent has ever had. Lots of grip, marketing platform lots of stability, it gives you for that part of our lots of confidence. That’s business.” something our cars have never had in the rain. It’s a great rain tire.” No tiremaker could beat Goodyear’s 11 wins at the 2008 SCCA National “The tire is very consistent,” Championship Runoffs. The wins said SRF champion Mike came in open wheel cars, touring Miserendino. “To me, one of the cars, production classes and in strengths of this tire is that you SCCA-designed, single-seat classes. can take a tire with five or six Goodyear’s 2009 Runoffs win cycles on it, use it as a test tire total could get even bigger with the and still get valuable information.” introduction of new DOT radial tires

21 Short Track Goodyear’s Long Reach on Short Tracks

short track racing tires to the use the same line of Goodyear Medicine Hat plant, it added a lot Eagle bias-ply tires. This gives of flexibility to our manufacturing drivers the confidence to race in program.” different programs, knowing the Goodyear has renewed its agree- consistent characteristics of their ment with NASCAR and will continue Goodyear tires. as the exclusive tire provider for the The latest entry in Goodyear’s NASCAR Camping World Series (both decades-long line of successful short East and West) and will remain the track tires is the D2902, a racing tire provider for the NASCAR slick for paved tracks. The D2902 Canadian Tire Series and the measures 27 inches tall and Goodyear’s commitment to NASCAR Corona Series. 10 inches across the tread. It short track racing will be one of All four compete on Goodyear’s mounts on a 15-inch rim and is the themes for the 2009 season as proven line of bias-ply racing equipped with Goodyear’s A400 Goodyear Racing Eagles will spread slicks. The four series represent tread compound. around North America at short the upper echelon of NASCAR’s The D2902 will typically be the tracks through touring series as driver development ladder. All tire of choice for late model stock well as weekly track programs. four schedules include speedways, car programs, both for touring programs and weekly divisions at The latest entry in Goodyear’s... line of successful short oval tracks around the continent but it could be used for short track tires is the D2902, a racing slick for paved other applications as well. tracks... The D2902 will typically be the tire of choice One of the touring series that will feature the D2902 in 2009 is for late model stock car programs, both for touring the United Auto Racing Association- Southern Touring Asphalt Racing programs and weekly divisions at short oval track... Series (UARA-STARS) for late model but it could be used for other applications as well. stock cars. The series, which operates in the southeastern United States, has been a Goodyear customer It is the largest segment for a short tracks and road courses, since its inception in 2002. race tire manufacturer. which demand a variety of skills The UARA-STARS will race at Goodyear builds tires that fit from the competitors and from North Carolina’s Rockingham nearly every short track application, the tiremaker. Speedway for the first time in from the heavy stock cars of The two Camping World Series 2009 and that means Goodyear will NASCAR’s developmental touring and the Canadian Tire Series supply a different tire combination series to entry-level classes at weekly tracks, both on paved and dirt surfaces. To keep up with the ever- increasing demand for short track racing tires, Goodyear developed short track race tire manufacturing in its Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, plant. This plant has been building Goodyear bias tires since 1968. “Our short track racing program has been very popular,” said Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s director, racing tire sales. “When we moved our

22 2009 Racing Media Kit from the norm. The UARA’s decision to race at Rockingham gives the competitors in the series an opportunity to race at one of stock car racing’s most hallowed venues and they can do so with the knowledge that Goodyear has more experience with stock cars at Rockingham than any tiremaker. Goodyear will continue to supply Goodyear has renewed its agreement with NASCAR and the competitors in the American will continue as the exclusive tire provider for the Canadian Tour, and its sister series, the Serie ACT Castrol, in 2009. NASCAR Camping World Series (both East and West) and That relationship means that weekly programs around the northeastern will remain the tire provider for the NASCAR Canadian US that use the ACT rulebook will Tire Series and the NASCAR Corona Series. rely on Goodyear to supply tires for their late-model programs. New for the ACT cars in 2009 New Hampshire are classic and has a weekly track program is a race at New Hampshire Motor examples of how our experience as well. Speedway, the one-mile oval where with NASCAR helps the short track When you put it all together, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has racers,” said Scott Junod, Goodyear’s desire to remain the raced for many years. The NHMS Goodyear’s sales account manager, leading tiremaker in short track race will be the first for the ACT short track racing. “Our experience racing reaches across the North series on a mile track but, again, is unrivaled in the tire industry.” American continent to help drivers Goodyear’s long experience with the New to Goodyear’s short track reach their goals. track and the bias-ply application program are the American Speed will stand the teams in good stead. Association’s Northwest Late “The UARA-STARS race at Model Tour. The ASA has regional Rockingham and the ACT event at touring divisions around the country 23 Dirt Track Racing Crowd-Pleasing Action on Goodyear Tires

New for 2009 is Goodyear’s around the nation. These tires are eight inches wide across the tread G-32 line of dirt racing and mount on 15-inch rims. The tires have a new tread design and a new tires... aimed at everything construction. from street stock classes Some of the G-32 tires will include factory-produced sipes. A to the open wheel dirt sipe is a small cut in a tread block, used for creating extra grip. For modified cars... years, dirt racing teams dedicated one employee to cutting sipes in their tires on race day but many sanctioning bodies around the country now forbid teams from altering their tires. The rule saves race teams time and money. By making the sipes part of the manufacturing process, They Goodyear gives teams the broad-slide performance they want without the their way extra expense in time and money. through every turn, throwing a crowd- “The Goodyears don’t pleasing shower of dirt wear out and you know behind them. They are dirt track racers and they everyone else is on the have been part of America’s racing scene since the advent same tire. The tires are of motorized competition. consistent.” – Royce Bray And Goodyear is there with a wide range of offerings that fit dirt track applications from the “This is an attempt to keep the entry-level divisions familiar to teams from needing to do all that,” local race tracks around the country said Junod. “More cutting edges up to the top sprint car series that will help create more forward bite. tour the continent. That is especially helpful in dry-slick “We’re gearing up for a great conditions.” year,” said Scott Junod, Goodyear Goodyear continues its role as sales account manager, short track the exclusive tire provider for racing. “We’ve always been serious FASTRAK, the nationally prominent about dirt racing and our 2009 sanctioning body for late model dirt product line will be very popular track racing. Goodyear has been the with the racers.” FASTRAK tire supplier since its New for 2009 is Goodyear’s G-32 founder, Stan Lester, started line of dirt racing tires. The G-32 operations. line is aimed at everything from The FASTRAK goal, to provide dirt street stock classes to the open track racers with an economically wheel dirt modified cars found all sensible opportunity to race, has

24 2009 Racing Media Kit proved to be popular with racers three tires. Madsen and others around the country. Goodyear’s prefer to choose Goodyear. quality performance tires have been No form of racing takes its a good fit for the program, according competitors to greater heights than to Grand National Champion Royce hill climbing and Goodyear rises Bray of Hull, Georgia. above the clouds every year. Paul “I’ve been very pleased,” Bray Dallenbach won the coveted Open said after the 2008 season. “The Wheel Class title at the 2008 Pikes Goodyears don’t wear out and you Peak International Hill Climb know everyone else is on the same on four Goodyear tires and tire. The tires are consistent.” Goodyear will be back FASTRAK has five regional tours in 2009. around the country and a weekly When it comes program for competitors who want to dirt racing, to race close to home. Everyone of nobody does it those FASTRAK teams race on quite like Goodyear tires and the Goodyear Goodyear. Racing Eagles have been popular with the drivers. “You don’t have to buy a whole set every time you race,” said Bray, a 17-year racing veteran who drives for Kenny Harris Motorsports. “You might buy two tires.” Goodyear continues to compete on the highest levels of sprint car racing, including the World of Outlaws Series for winged sprint cars. Kerry Madsen, who raced on Goodyear tires, won the WoO’s Hard Charger Award in 2008. The WoO rules require all teams to use the same right rear tire but allow teams to choose the other

25 Fast Facts

Beginning in 2001, tire spring rate While Goodyear “tire Because information was included with every busters” fill all tires at the NASCAR race NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide track with dried air, many tires are and Camping World Truck series teams refill them with smaller and have tire to assist nitrogen for less tire pressure a narrower tread the teams buildup during a race. width, and the cars in setting weigh more than double that of an up their The “footprint” or contact patch open wheel car, NASCAR tires vehicles. of a NASCAR Sprint Cup tire — the require a harder rubber compound amount of rubber that is touching than in any other racing series. Race tires the track surface — is roughly equal can use to the footprint of a men’s size 11 19 of the past 28 World of Outlaws up to shoe, or one square foot. Champions has ridden on Goodyear 10 types of bias tires. processing All NASCAR race tires have oils that help several “wear pins,” across give these tires the tire tread, little holes to their grip and longevity. Passenger measure the depth of the car tires generally rely on tread left on the tire to half that many oils. indicate wear.

A slick treaded race tire provides Goodyear’s Sprint Cup tires the optimum grip for braking, are subject to more than acceleration and cornering in dry 2 Gs of force when cornering conditions, but a street passenger at the Indianapolis Motor tire with a grooved pattern on its Speedway during a race like tread is a feature that allows it to the Brickyard 400 — twice perform in all weather conditions. the force that a skydiver feels in a free fall. The yellow block lettering on the sidewall of Goodyear’s race tires Each year, Goodyear’s Akron debuted at the Indianapolis 500 in Technical Center produces 1992. The first yellow-lettered more than 150,000 Eagle and Eagle radials used in Sprint Cup Wrangler radial race tires for competition came in November 1992 NASCAR alone. during the season finale at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jeff Gordon won 1994’s inaugural Brickyard 400 NASCAR At the start of a run, a Top Fuel driver To streamline tire production and stock car race — the first non-Indy is subjected to a force equaling 5 Gs. distribution, Goodyear reduced the car race held at Indianapolis Motor number of tire codes used for Sprint Speedway — running on Goodyears. The tubeless inner liner tire is used Cup, Nationwide and Camping World at all Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Truck from 38 in 2000 to about 15 in The life of a race tire can be as Camping World Truck series races at 2001, 20 in 2003. With full use of little as five seconds on a Top Fuel tracks more than one mile in length. the COT in Sprint Cup in 2008, there dragster, while the life of a passenger It also is mandatory at Bristol on the were about 24 codes. tire is measured in years. right side tire positions.

Use of bar coding for inventory Goodyear could build a race tire Fans who buy used NASCAR race control and tire tracking in the to last an entire race, but to do so, tires have been known to make Sprint Cup Series began in 1999. engineers would have to reduce them into coffee tables, swings and traction levels and the handling jewelry. Goodyear also donates Radio Frequency Identification characteristics of the tire. Since it some used tires for auctions and chips were inserted into race tire takes longer to refuel the car than fund-raising events. sidewalls for quick inventory to change four tires, the Goodyear tracking, beginning in 2006. engineers’ goal is to build a tire to last a full fuel run.

26 2009 Racing Media Kit 2008 Goodyear Racing Champions

Oval Track Racing NASCAR Champions Sprint Cup Series Jimmie Johnson Nationwide Series Clint Bowyer Craftsman Truck Series Johnny Benson Camping World n

Series East Matt Kobyluck n a

Camping World m e d

Series West Eric Holmes e i Canadian Tire Series Scott Steckly T e g Mexico Corona Series Antonio Perez r o e

American Canadian Tour Patrick Laperle G f

Serie ACT Castrol Alexandre Gingras o y s

UARA-STARS Jake Crum e t r u o c

FASTRAK Late Model Champions o t o

Grand National Royce Bray h North East Region Max Blair P Great Lakes Region Craig Bartz Midwest Region Billy James Sports Car Racing Jimmie Johnson (left), the 2008 Pacific Region Terry Ferrando SCCA National Champions Sprint Cup Series champion receives Southeastern Region Lee Cooper Formula Ford Chris Keller Weekly Racing Series Max Blair Formula Mazda Franklin Futrelle the Goodyear Gold Car from North E Production Jesse Prather Drag Racing F Production Rick Harris American Tire president Rich Kramer. H Production Dan Collishaw This marks the 23rd year that NHRA Champions GT1 Bill Gray Top Fuel Tony Schumacher GT3 Pete Peterson Goodyear has presented a 24-carat Funny Car Cruz Pedregon GT Lite Peter Zekert Pro Stock Jeg Coughlin CSR J.R. Osborne gold replica of the champion's car to Top Alcohol Dragster Bill Reichert DSR J.R. Osborne the winner. This hand-engraved Super Gas Brian Forrester Spec Racer Ford Mike Miserendino creation is the work of Michael Dunlap, IHRA Champions Star Mazda Series presented by Goodyear Top Fuel Spencer Massey Star Mazda Championship who has been sculpting the Funny Car Terry Haddock Overall John Edwards Goodyear Gold Car since 1985. The Pro Stock Pete Berner Expert Class Chris Cumming Super Rod Jim Lintner Master Class Chuck Hulse presentation was made at NASCAR's West Coast Pro Patrick O’Neill ADRL Champion Formula Mazda Challenge year-end banquet in December. Pro Nitrous Billy Harper Standard Bill Weaver Pro Kevin Woods NMCA Champion Southwest Pro Formula Austin Snader Xtreme Street Cameron Coble Southwest Standard Formula Keith Young, Jr. Indicom Electric Arizona Super Comp Blake Williams American Stock Car Challenge Bryan Hintz Southern California Super American Stock Car Comp Association Greg Forsythe Challenge Unlimited Manuel Gil Del Real

Southern California Flat Track Motorcycles Pro Gas Association Pete Bothe AMA Flat Track Grand National Singles Jake Johnson Grand National Twins Kenny Coolbeth

Hill Climbing Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Open Wheel Paul Dallenbach 27 Key Points In Goodyear’s Racing History

1901 1960 1968 Goodyear’s first foray into racing, and Goodyear won its first international Since 1968, every NASCAR champion its first victory, came when Henry sports cars race with Maserati driver of the premier Sprint Cup (formerly Ford put Goodyear rubber on his car Stirling Moss at the Grand Prix of Cuba, Nextel, Winston Cup and Grand sponsored by the Detroit Driving Club. and won the Daytona 500. National) has been on Goodyear tires. 1916 1963 1974 Goodyear launched its first serious A.J. Foyt persuaded Goodyear to Firestone withdrew from all race tire development program. Cars authorize a development program for forms of racing. equipped with Goodyear Cord Tires the Indy 500, after a 44-year absence. began dominating U.S. racing circuits. 1978 1964 The tire war began between Foyt won the Indy Car Goodyear and Michelin in season’s first race (Phoenix) Formula One racing. on Goodyear racing tires. 1980 Goodyear won the 24 Hours of Goodyear’s Eagle tire replaced Le Mans with Dan Gurney and Bob Blue Streak as the official designation Bondurant in a GT Cobra. for its racing tires. The company’s high-performance passenger tires also 1965 adopted the Eagle name. Twelve Indianapolis 500 cars ran on Goodyear tires, starting the Indy Car Formula One race tire production phase of the tire war with Firestone. moved to Akron, Ohio, from Wolverhampton, England. Goodyear developed the crashworthy fuel cell for Indianapolis-style cars, Goodyear withdrew temporarily to reduce the risk of fire. from Formula One racing from December 1980 to June 1981. 1919 Goodyear won its first Formula One Goodyear tires were on the winning World Championship title. car in every major race this year, including the Indianapolis 500. 1922 Having accomplished its goals and faced with economic uncertainty, Goodyear dropped out of active racing participation. 1954 Goodyear conducted tire tests at Darlington, S.C., for the NASCAR Convertible Series. The featured Goodyear tire was the Police Special. It marked the unofficial re-entry into racing. 1957 Goodyear asked NASCAR drivers Lee Petty and Darel Dieringer to do limited race tire testing in West Palm Beach, Fla. 1966 1982 Goodyear produced its Lifeguard Inner Since the startup of the 1958 Liner Safety Spare for NASCAR stock car NASCAR Nationwide (formerly Busch) The company’s official re-entry racing, referred to as the “tire within Series in 1982, all the champions into racing. a tire.” NASCAR mandated its use. have won on Goodyear Eagles. Goodyear shared its tire safety technology, 1959 even in the throes of a tire war. 1983 At NASCAR’s Darlington race, Goodyear’s radial rain tire for Formula Goodyear went head to head against 1967 One cars introduced at the Monaco Firestone. Driver Jim Reed finished A.J. Foyt rolled into Victory Lane at the Grand Prix, featured a unidirectional first on Goodyear tires. Indianapolis 500 on Goodyear tires — “Gatorback” tread pattern. the company’s first Indy 500 win since its re-emergence in racing.

28 2009 Racing Media Kit 1984 1995 2003 Goodyear introduced its radial slick tread Goodyear rubber was exclusive Goodyear was the sole tire supplier to tires to Formula One. The first radial in the new NASCAR Grand National four top racing series, all with open tire victory was at the Belgium Grand Prix. Division’s West and Busch North series. rules: Formula One, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Michelin withdrew from NASCAR Nationwide and NHRA drag Production of bias-ply race tires Formula One racing. racing’s top classes. for sports, sprints and drag cars returned to the Akron Technical The 1,000th Goodyear victory in 1987 Center Manufacturing Plant from Sprint Cup racing was reached in Hoosier, a Lakeville, Ind., racing Goodyear’s Santiago, Chile, plant. April by Jeff Gordon at Bristol. tire company, competed with Goodyear Grand-Am’s new Daytona in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In competition with Bridgestone on the Prototype sports car class competed Indy Car circuit, Goodyear won 15 of 17 1988 solely on Goodyear radials. races, including the Indianapolis 500. Hoosier entered NASCAR Sprint Cup 2004 racing. A Hoosier win at Richmond, Va., 1996 Goodyear celebrated 50 non-stop stalled Goodyear’s Cup win streak at 464. The Indy Racing League was formed, years of NASCAR involvement. splitting from CART. Goodyear continued to battle Bridgestone in both series. In the last three SCCA National Runoffs, Goodyear tires won 1997 64 percent of the time. In April, Goodyear became the “Exclusive Tire Supplier for NASCAR’s Goodyear linked its Wrangler light top three series.” truck and SUV tire marketing to NASCAR racing by putting the 1998 brand on the sidewalls of the Goodyear introduced its wet racing Craftsman Truck Series tires. tire for NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series and Craftsman Truck road 2005 course events. Goodyear marked the Eagle tire brand’s 25th anniversary, for both race 1989 After 368 victories and 25 Drivers’ and street tires. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Goodyear introduced the radial tire World Championships in Formula One, Series logged a running tally of 1,374 at North Wilkesboro, N.C. — and Dale Goodyear resigned as a tire supplier Goodyear victories. Earnhardt won the race. Hoosier soon after the 1998 season. withdrew from NASCAR’s top tier. 2006 1999 RFID technology used for tracking tires 1991 Goodyear left open wheel racing’s under a new tire leasing program in Goodyear’s tubeless version of the CART and IRL series. In the four-year NASCAR’s top three series makes inner liner safety spare, or shield, was IRL history, Goodyear earned two driver Goodyear the first in the tire industry introduced. It eliminated the innertube titles, two tire manufacturer titles, two to employ the technology on and most tire air equalization. Indy 500 wins and 17 total victories. a production scale. 1992 2000 All race tire production is under one roof at the Akron Technical Center complex. Goodyear introduced its Short Track Goodyear’s joint effort with the Special racing Eagle for asphalt tracks General Motors Corvette racing program 2007 and launched new yellow-lettered paid off with the brand’s first two road Goodyear and NASCAR signed an Eagle race tires for Sprint Cup. racing victories. agreement extending Goodyear’s 1993 2001 official tire supplier status through 2012 for the top three series. Every race on the Sprint Cup schedule Goodyear was named the sole tire ran on the new breed of Goodyear supplier to the NHRA’s Top Fuel and NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow made its Eagle radial racing tires. Bias-ply tires Funny Car classes. debut, with plans to run 16 of 36 Sprint were relegated to the history books. 2002 Cup races. Goodyear aided the effort with more than a year of extensive The Aquatro wet weather tire was Just 18 Eagle radial tire codes tire testing to help produce the best introduced in Formula One. served the Sprint Cup, Nationwide performance package. and Craftsman Truck Series, where 1994 Goodyear is the official tire supplier 2008 Hoosier returned to Sprint Cup through 2012. The company had Tire development continued and Nationwide racing, but withdrew compiled 1,260 Sprint Cup victories. for the COT, as NASCAR ran it at the end of the season. During its return to NASCAR North full time, for the first time Goodyear reached two milestones: the Series, Goodyear tires helped set at every Sprint Cup race. 300th victory in Formula One at Barcelona, 11 track qualifying records. Spain, and the 300th consecutive victory in Indy Car at Vancouver, B.C. 29 Rain Tire Makes a Splash

During the 2008 racing season, “The new rain tire... introduces the use of carbon the NASCAR Nationwide Series made history by running a points-paying fiber technology into NASCAR, previously used in race in wet conditions at Circuit our Goodyear F1 race tires.” – Ryan Copeland Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. While Goodyear was a major part of that Series teams running a larger tire on track. Included in these steps event with its wet weather radials, road courses in 2009. were mold shape development for just being a part of history is not “In 2007, with the introduction performance, iterative analysis of good enough for the tiremaker. That of the COT at road courses, the the tread pattern to produce is why Goodyear will come out with Sprint Cup Series went to a larger outstanding grip and performance a brand new wet tire for 2009. tire set-up,” explained Copeland. in wet weather conditions, construction evaluations for performance, compound studies for wet weather performance, lab testing and track performance testing. That on-track testing included a session with current NASCAR Sprint Cup and former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya in November, 2008. “We tested the new rain tire at our San Angelo, Texas proving grounds with Juan Pablo “In 2009, this larger set-up will also in one of Chip Ganassi Racing’s “The new rain tire is deeply be used at Nationwide Series road Nationwide cars,” said Copeland. rooted in Goodyear racing history,” courses. Therefore, an equivalent “A course was set up on the Vehicle said Ryan Copeland, Goodyear size rain tire was needed for Dynamics Area, which can be engineer. “The construction Nationwide that would allow the flooded with water to a controllable introduces the use of carbon fiber teams to switch from dry to wet race depth. What we found was that the technology into NASCAR, which we tires without affecting car set-ups.” new rain tire produced more previously used in our Goodyear F1 As it develops any new tire, lateral and longitudinal grip when race tires. The new NASCAR rain tire Goodyear went through an exhaustive compared to the previous rain tire uses that carbon fiber technology to process from conception to the and reduced the fastest lap time help reinforce both sidewalls for from 51.1 seconds to 48.2 seconds. crisp handling and enhanced contact “The new tire is definitely with the road during racing maneuvers. better for grip and wet performance. A road car version of the tread With the new tire, the driver can pattern is also featured on our be more confident, thus allowing Goodyear Eagle F1 All-Season him to make more of a high performance car tire.” difference.” While the new tire’s performance will certainly be enhanced, what precipitated this move was a change that will have NASCAR Nationwide

30 2009 Racing Media Kit

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Corporate Overview 1144 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44316 Goodyear employs about 70,000 people and manufactures Photography available upon request, or by visiting the Goodyear its products in more than 60 facilities in 26 countries website at goodyear.com/media or www.racegoodyear.com around the world. or www.ciastockphoto.com (username: goodyearmedia, password: racetires) Produced by Goodyear Global Communications Department, Akron, Ohio – February 2009