Goodyear reaffirms NASCAR commitment

Stu Grant, general manager of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber racing programme, has moved to quash rumours that the US company's financial situation [May 2] could lead to its withdrawal from NASCAR competition as a cost-cutting measure. "Some of our competitors have said we're getting out, but there's nothing to it," he said. "We have a contract through 2007 with NASCAR." Goodyear has been the sole supplier of NASCAR's Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series since 1997

May 29, 2003, 2:41 PM

"It's no secret that the company has had some tough times," Grant continued, "but our top management is very committed to the racing programme and we intend to be involved in racing for a very long time. As the economy gets better, our financial situation will improve."

NASCAR is reported already to have a contingency plan in place should Goodyear suddenly drop out. "We're watching it very closely," commented NASCAR president Mike Helton. "Obviously, you're got to have tyres to race, that's critical to the sport. We know Goodyear has had an economic downturn, so naturally we're concerned, but they've been a strong partner with us for years, and we're confident they can turn this thing around."