BRIDGESTONE OUT OF PRO RACING

From MXA:

SHOCKING NEWS: BRIDGESTONE BRAND TO CEASE SUPPLYING TIRES TO AMA SUPERCROSS AND MOTOCROSS COMPETITION

After eighteen successful seasons of competition in AMA Supercross and Motocross, the Bridgestone brand has made the decision to discontinue offering its tires to the two series, effective at the end of the 2009 AMA motocross season in September. This decision, while difficult, was a direct result of the current economic crisis.

“In making this announcement, we would like to thank the hard working teams, individuals and Bridgestone staff who have contributed to the great success the Bridgestone brand has enjoyed in AMA competition through the years,” commented Bob Graham, Senior Manager, Motorcycle Products, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “While we have made this decision somewhat early in the season, rest assured that riders on Bridgestone brand tires can expect the same level of performance and service throughout 2009 to which they have been accustomed. We have our sights firmly set on adding to our Supercross and Motocross championship tally this year. By letting our teams know of our exit now, they will have ample time to make necessary arrangements for 2010 and beyond.”

Since 1991, riders on Bridgestone brand tires have won ten AMA Supercross and 20 AMA 250 East/West Championships, as well as 11 450 Motocross and ten 250 motocross championships. Great names like Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart and Chad Reed have ridden Bridgestone-brand tires to numerous victories over the years, and Bridgestone-shod riders have claimed the last five Supercross and last four Motocross championships.

“Even though we are ceasing our involvement for the time being, the Bridgestone brand has left an indelible mark in the world of off-road motorcycle racing,” Graham continued. “All the hard work put into the development and servicing of our tires has left a lasting legacy upon which we can look back with pride.”

ABOUT BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS:
Nashville-based Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO) is a business unit of Bridgestone Americas, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. Reporting into the BATO business unit are the company's Latin American tire operations, the U.S. and Canadian consumer tire businesses and the U.S. and Canadian commercial tire businesses. BATO develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The business unit is focused on retail, wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in the Americas. In addition, through its Bridgestone Bandag Tire Solutions unit, retreading customers have access to industry-leading research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales expertise, providing them with a total tire solution.