CHICAGO (Feb. 5, 2007) – Racing legend Mario Andretti, often referred to as the greatest racer in motorsports history, and his grandson Marco Andretti, current driver for Andretti Green Racing in the IndyCar Series, will be making appearances at the Bridgestone Americas booth (#NH1) 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 display cars including an IndyCar, a Formula 1 car and an exact replica of the car driven by Mario Andretti when he won the 1967 Daytona 500 – exactly 40 years ago this month.

“Over the years, the Andretti name has become synonymous with Firestone Racing,” said John Gamauf, President of Consumer Tire Replacement Sales, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC. “More so than anyone else, Mario and Marco are qualified to talk about our quality and commitment to excellence. We are very proud that Mario won so many important races – including the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 – on Firestone tires,” Gamuaf concluded, “and now his grandson is collecting victories on our tires, carrying on that family tradition.”

Mario will appear in the Bridgestone Americas booth on Friday, Feb. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where he will be signing autographs for fans and will be available for brief media interviews. He will be joined by his grandson Marco, 2006 IndyCar and Indianapolis 500 Rookie-of-the-Year and son of former IndyCar champion Michael, at the Saturday morning session. Marco will also be available for autographs in the booth from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11.

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 strength, 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. 9, 2007. 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. And we have the unique opportunity to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s Daytona 500 victory on Firestone tires allowing us to contrast the technology of that time with his grandson Marco’s modern-day IndyCar. 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.”