ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—Bridgestone Americas Inc. has agreed to continue its role as title sponsor of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for three more years.
The new agreement continues a partnership that began in 2014 and maintains Firestone's naming rights on the NTT IndyCar Series event through the 2023 season.
Financial terms were not disclosed. The contract extension was disclosed prior the start of practice for this weekend's IndyCar race on the hybrid street/airport circuit in St. Petersburg—an event delayed from mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg runs Oct. 23-25 and is the final race of the 2020 NTT IndyCar Series season. Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon leads the championship standings, with Team Penske's Josef Newgarden still with a chance at the title.
In 2021, the event will return to its position as the IndyCar Series season opener, set for March 5-7.
Green Savoree Racing Promotions, the St. Petersburg race organizer, called Firestone's commitment to the sport and this event "unmatched" and said "it's an honor to showcase one of the crown jewel events of the NTT IndyCar season each year on the streets of St. Pete with one of the most iconic brands in auto history."
This year marks the 21st consecutive season of Firestone's being the sole IndyCar Series tire supplier, and IndyCar and Bridgestone Americas extended that supply agreement last year through 2025.
Firestone has deep roots in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, Bridgestone said, starting with its Firestone Complete Auto Care outlet on Kennedy Boulevard in downtown Tampa that's been in operation continuously since 1933. It's considered the longest still-operating Firestone retail store in the U.S.
