News

News

Bridgestone Firestone To Sponsor “Race 2 Replace” At Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayLance Armstrong to host August race event to raise millions of dollars to fight cancer and support the 1.3 million Americans diagnosed each year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 11, 2006) - This Saturday, Aug. 12, cyclists from across the country will gather at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to compete for a position as an honorary member of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team, former team of seven-time Tour de France champion and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong. The Discovery Channel’s RACE 2 REPLACE, sponsored by Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) and BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC), is a 10-lap, 25-mile race for cyclists of all skill levels, with net proceeds benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Indiana University Cancer Center.

In addition to the race, the free event, which is open to the public, will also host a fun lap, led by Armstrong, for cyclists over the age of 13. Following the official race and fun lap, spectators and riders alike can enjoy a concert from triple-platinum, rock band Collective Soul.

Gates open at 6 a.m. and the official race begins at 7 a.m. For the latest news, updates and registration information, visit www.race2replace.com.

About Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC:
Nashville-based Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires. The company is focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, motorcycle, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.

About BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC:
BFS Retail & Commercial Operations, LLC (BFRC) is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Ill., and operates the largest number of company-owned automotive retail generalist stores in the world -- more than 2,200 consumer and commercial vehicle service and tire locations across the United States and Canada -- including Firestone Complete Auto Care, TiresPlus, ExpertTire, Wheel Works, and GCR Tire Centers store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BFRC. BFRC is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies.