NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Feb. 8, 2005) – Racing legend Mario Andretti, often referred to as the greatest racer in motorsports history, and Andrew Firestone, great-grandson of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company founder, Harvey Firestone, will be making appearances at the Bridgestone Americas booth (N119) at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. A number of top level Bridgestone Americas executives will also be at the booth which showcases the company’s leading products and new technologies, interactive tire displays and racing show cars including a Formula 1 car and a replica of the car driven by Mario Andretti when he won the 1969 Indianapolis 500.

“We are excited to have Andrew Firestone, the great-grandson of one of our founders, and the legendary Mario Andretti take such an active role in our company’s events at the Chicago Auto Show,” said John Gamauf, president of consumer tire replacement sales, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. “Andrew brings such an appreciation for our rich heritage and who better than Mario Andretti to talk about our quality and commitment to excellence; Mario won so many important races on Firestone tires,” Gamauf concluded.

Andrew Firestone will be appearing in the Bridgestone Americas booth, Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 3:45 p.m. on the first of the Chicago Auto Show’s two media days. At that time, Bridgestone Americas will also premiere its exciting new Bridgestone brand television commercials for the media. Following the premiere, Andrew Firestone will host a wine tasting event for media in attendance. Mario Andretti, the only racer to win the Indy 500, the Daytona 500 and a Formula 1 championship, will appear at the Bridgestone America booth on Friday, Feb. 11, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., where he will be signing autographs for fans and will be available for brief media interviews.

As part of a global initiative to highlight the Bridgestone group of companies’ advanced technology, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH) will feature breakthroughs in vehicle systems and tire design, as well as the Bridgestone group’s motorsports dominance, in a dazzling exhibit at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Bridgestone Americas is the exclusive tire company of the show, which opens to the public Feb. 11-20. This marks the second of a three year commitment by the company to participate in North America’s largest consumer automotive show.

“We are proud to once again be the exclusive tire company for this year’s Chicago Auto Show,” said Christine Karbowiak, vice president of public affairs, BSAH. “Our participation is a great way to showcase our advancements in technology through a broad range of products. Our exhibit is a reflection of the company’s diverse businesses in the Americas, and it also builds on the strong foundation of technological leadership by Bridgestone Corporation and its subsidiaries worldwide.”