Bridgestone Uses Recycled Plastic in Tires for Indy 500

The IndyCar series exclusive tire supplier, Bridgestone Americas, is providing a new tire compound for the high-speed machines at the Indy 500 that is made using recycled plastics.

The new tires, the Firestone Firehawk, which will be used at the Indy 500, will include recycled butadiene, a material produced from consumer products such as plastic shopping bags, cling film, stretch wrap, and other flexible polymers. This new material was manufactured in partnership with Shell plc.

“We’re pleased with the performance of our Firestone Firehawk race tires during practice and qualifying for the Indianapolis 500.” said Cara Krstolic, chief engineer, Bridgestone Americas. “Recycled monomer was used in the production of these tires and the tires have proven to maintain the same high standard of performance we expect.”

Natural rubber is also included in the Indy 500 racing tires. This rubber is made from the guayule plant, which is grown in the deserts of Arizona. Tires using this natural rubber material have been rolled out to all 2023 street courses.

“We are driving to increase sustainability in every area of our business, and we’re thrilled to showcase our commitment to sustainability in ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’,” said Paolo Ferrari, president & CEO, Bridgestone Americas and Joint Global chief operating officer, Bridgestone Corp. “We are further committed to a thriving and more sustainable future in motorsports.”

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