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NHRA: Goodyear Tire Fast Fact, U.S. Nationals

30 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
* Drag racing's richest and most prestigious race, the U.S. Nationals returns to Indianapolis Raceway Park for six days of non-stop racing action. All 13 NHRA classes will compete on the legendary quarter-mile. Goodyear will be represented in the four of the five Winston Pro classes, two Federal-Mogul and six Sportsman classes competing at Indianapolis. Those include the Federal-Mogul Dragster, Federal-Mogul Funny Car, Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Street and Super Gas. In addition to the usual competition, the top eight Winston Funny Cars from the past year will compete in the Budweiser Shootout with the winner earning $100,000.

* With 87 event wins thus far in the 2000 season, Goodyear is the leading tire manufacturer in NHRA competition. Because of the length of the U.S. Nationals, Goodyear will bring additional tires to this event. Goodyear will supply 200 Top Fuel/Funny Car tires (up from 120 at a standard event) and 80 Pro Stock tires (up from 50). Goodyear will also have increased amounts of its Sportsman class tires.

* Goodyear engineers have been busy this summer evaluating the current line of Eagle Dragway Specials and developing and testing new tires. "Goodyear recognizes that drag racing is a dynamic sport and that the race cars are in a constant state of evolution," said Perry Bell, Goodyear operations manager, drag racing. "We realize that it is necessary for Goodyear to maintain a dynamic tire development program to keep pace with our customers needs and requirements."

Goodyear engineers have tested new ideas in several classes and produced new tires for several Sportsman classes. Since the start of the 2000 NHRA season, new tires have been introduced for the Federal Mogul Dragster and Funny Cars, Pro Stock/Pro Stock Truck and Super Gas competitors. Goodyear recently conducted a Super Stock test at Heartland Park Topeka and is evaluating new tires for the Winston Top Fuel and Funny Cars at several tracks across the country.

"Goodyear is continuing to focus on the Sportsman classes," said Bell. "Our long term business program is to concentrate on one or two Sportsman markets each year with the goal being to develop tires in the selected markets that demonstrate a significant improvement in performance."

Text provided by Craig Fischer

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.