Firestone Fires Up the Future: Nearly 5,000 Tires Set for Indy 500 with Sustainable Innovations

When the green flag waves on the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500, Firestone will once again be firmly planted on the rubber that meets the Racing Capital of the World. The legendary brand is supplying nearly 5,000 Firehawk race tires to NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams, with each set uniquely crafted for practice, qualifying, and the grueling 500-mile showdown on the 2.5-mile oval.

But this isn’t just your standard rubber roundup—Firestone is racing into the future with technology that blends performance and sustainability in one powerful package.

The 2025 Firehawk tires mark the third straight year Firestone has incorporated alternative materials into its Indy 500 lineup. This year’s model includes ISCC PLUS-certified bio-styrene and butadiene—monomers made from the waste residue of palm oil processing, a major step forward in reducing petroleum dependence.

Each tire is position-specific, meaning the compound and construction of all four are specially engineered for where they’re mounted on the car. To make things even easier to spot, Firestone tags each tire with a visual cue—red logos for the right side, white for the left. This not only helps during rapid pit stops but ensures precision in setup for the most demanding race in motorsports.

Firestone’s Advanced Tire Production Center in Akron, Ohio—ISCC PLUS certified—remains the high-tech hub for all Firehawk race tire production, including these eco-conscious entries. The company is also piloting end-of-life tire recycling efforts and further renewable material testing through its racing program, truly making the Indianapolis 500 a rolling lab for tomorrow’s road tires.

According to Firestone officials, this year’s tires remain nearly identical to 2024’s—which were already designed with hybrid engine compatibility in mind. Team feedback from April’s open test confirmed the compounds continue to deliver the right mix of grip, durability, and consistency.

Firestone’s legacy at the Brickyard is unmatched—75 wins in 88 races entered, including Ray Harroun’s inaugural victory in 1911 and last year’s triumph with Josef Newgarden and Team Penske. Since 2000, Firestone has been the exclusive tire provider for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” a streak that reflects both trust and tireless innovation.

As INDYCAR pushes toward a greener future, Firestone is firmly in the fast lane—proving once again that winning tires can be both high-performing and high-impact in the best way possible.

Race fans can catch all the action on May 25th, with full Indy 500 coverage on 1010 WCSI and 98.1 FM starting at 11 a.m. Buckle up—history and horsepower await.