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{{short description|Competition between tire manufacturers in motorsport}}
{{short description|Competition between tire manufacturers in motorsport}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
In [[motorsports]], a '''tire war''' occurs when more than one manufacturer provides tires for a [[series (motorsports)|series]]. Historically, tire wars have occurred in many high-level series, such as [[Formula One]], [[NASCAR]], [[Super GT]], and [[MotoGP]].
In [[motorsports]], a '''tire war''' occurs when more than one tire manufacturer exists in a series, often with different tire companies under contract with specific teams. Tire wars are often said to be undesirable for motorsports series since it often leads tire manufactures to push the limits of their tires in order to beat the competition which can lead to widespread tire failures across one event such as the [[2005 United States Grand Prix]] or leading to one tire being more successful in said series regardless of the other car components, though others have argued that tire wars push innovation into series where there is one. Tire wars have occurred in series such as [[Formula One]], [[NASCAR]], [[Super GT]], and [[MotoGP]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/23/why-f1-wont-go-back-to-having-a-tyre-war/ |title=Why F1 won't go back to having a tyre war |website=RaceFans |date=September 23, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=2651 |title=Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier |website=Racing-Reference |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref>

Tire wars are a controversial practice: on the one hand, they promote technical [[innovation]], forcing tire manufactures to "push the limits" of their tire manufacture. On the other hand, when all event competitors plan to stretch their tires' [[performance envelope]], the event risks widespread tire failures; such a scenario occurred in the [[2005 United States Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.racefans.net/2018/09/23/why-f1-wont-go-back-to-having-a-tyre-war/ |title=Why F1 won't go back to having a tyre war |website=RaceFans |date=September 23, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=2651 |title=Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier |website=Racing-Reference |publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref>


==In NASCAR==
==In NASCAR==
[[File:Nascarphx16.jpg|thumb|right|[[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]] has been the official tire supplier of [[NASCAR]] since 1954.]]
[[File:Nascarphx16.jpg|thumb|right|[[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]] has been the official tire supplier of [[NASCAR]] since 1954.]]

=== Early history ===
=== Early history ===
When NASCAR was founded in 1948, its sole tire supplier at the time was the [[Firestone Tire and Rubber Company]]. In [[1954 NASCAR Grand National Series|1954]], [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]] entered the sport and engaged in a tire war with Firestone for the next two decades.<ref name="FOS">{{cite web|last=Doremus|first=Kraig|date=January 15, 2018|title=Tire Wars, Innovation Highlight Goodyear's Relationship with NASCAR|url=https://frntofficesport.com/tire-wars-innovation-highlight-goodyears-relationship-with-nascar/|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=Front Office Sport}}</ref> In response to the deaths of [[Jimmy Pardue]] and [[Billy Wade (racing driver)|Billy Wade]], both Goodyear and Firestone started manufacturing the "Inner Liner Safety Spare" - also known in NASCAR as "Lifeguard", which was a second envelope inside the tire that prevented instantaneous deflating and allowed drivers to return to pit road after experiencing tire failure. Controversy erupted at [[Talladega Superspeedway]]'s [[1969 Talladega 500|debut race in 1969]], when drivers experienced tire failures during practice, resulting in Firestone withdrawing from the race and [[Richard Petty]] leading a driver walkout over safety concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/shake-and-bake/story/the-five-biggest-nascar-controversies-090913 |title=The Five: Biggest Controversies In NASCAR History |first=Tom |last=Jensen |work=[[Fox Sports]] |date=September 9, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> Both tire manufacturers claimed race victories and speed records until Firestone left NASCAR in [[1974 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1974]].<ref name="Race Line Central">{{cite web |url=http://www.racelinecentral.com/tirehistory.html |title=NASCAR True Tire History |website=Race Line Central |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>
When NASCAR was founded in 1948, it sourced tires solely from the [[Firestone Tire and Rubber Company]]. In [[1954 NASCAR Grand National Series|1954]], [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]] entered the sport.<ref name="FOS">{{cite web|last=Doremus|first=Kraig|date=January 15, 2018|title=Tire Wars, Innovation Highlight Goodyear's Relationship with NASCAR|url=https://frntofficesport.com/tire-wars-innovation-highlight-goodyears-relationship-with-nascar/|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=Front Office Sport}}</ref> For the next two decades, both tire manufacturers would claim race victories and speed records until Firestone left NASCAR in [[1974 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1974]].<ref name="Race Line Central">{{cite web |url=http://www.racelinecentral.com/tirehistory.html |title=NASCAR True Tire History |website=Race Line Central |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> In the late 1960s, the deaths of [[Jimmy Pardue]] and [[Billy Wade (racing driver)|Billy Wade]] spurred both Goodyear and Firestone to manufacture the "Inner Liner Safety Spare," also known to NASCAR as "Lifeguard": a second internal envelope to slow a failed tire's deflation and allow drivers to return to the [[pit road|pit]]. Conversely, controversy erupted at [[Talladega Superspeedway]]'s [[1969 Talladega 500|1969 debut race]], when drivers experienced tire failures during practice, Firestone withdrew from the race, and [[Richard Petty]] led a driver walkout over safety concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxsports.com/nascar/shake-and-bake/story/the-five-biggest-nascar-controversies-090913 |title=The Five: Biggest Controversies In NASCAR History |first=Tom |last=Jensen |work=[[Fox Sports]] |date=September 9, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>


In [[1978 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1978]], the McCreary Tire & Rubber Company entered NASCAR. Despite [[J. D. McDuffie]] winning the pole at [[Dover International Speedway|Dover]] with their tires, McCreary never won a race and quickly exited the sport. This left Goodyear as the sole tire supplier of NASCAR until [[Hoosier Racing Tire|Hoosier]] entered the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Busch Grand National Series]] in 1987.<ref name="Racing-Reference 2">{{cite web|date=May 15, 2018|title=Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! NASCAR's Asphalt Battlefield|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=3251|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=Racing-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="Race Line Central" />
In [[1978 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1978]], the McCreary Tire & Rubber Company entered NASCAR. Although [[J. D. McDuffie]] won the pole at [[Dover International Speedway|Dover]] with McCreary tires, the company never won a race and quickly exited the sport. This left Goodyear as the sole NASCAR tire supplier until [[Hoosier Racing Tire|Hoosier]] entered the [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Busch Grand National Series]] in 1987.<ref name="Racing-Reference 2">{{cite web|date=May 15, 2018|title=Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! NASCAR's Asphalt Battlefield|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=3251|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=Racing-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="Race Line Central" />


===Goodyear vs. Hoosier (1988–1989)===
===Goodyear vs. Hoosier (1988–1989)===
In 1986, NASCAR was worried when Goodyear faced a [[Takeover#Hostile|hostile takeover]] by [[James Goldsmith|Sir James Goldsmith]] that potentially threatened the manufacturer's racing program.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/11/25_years_ago_driving_back_the.html |title=25 years ago: Driving back the raider at the gates of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. |website=Cleveland.com |publisher=[[Advance Digital]] |date=November 27, 2011 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/21/business/goodyear-buys-out-goldsmith.html |title =Goodyear Buys Out Goldsmith |first=Jonathan P. |last=Hicks |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 21, 1986 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> Because of this, NASCAR invited Hoosier as a backup plan.<ref name="Racing-Reference">{{cite web|date=July 14, 2016|title=Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=2651|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=Racing-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference 2" />
In 1986, Goodyear faced a [[Takeover#Hostile|hostile takeover]] by [[James Goldsmith|Sir James Goldsmith]]. NASCAR feared that the new management might threaten the manufacturer's racing program,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/11/25_years_ago_driving_back_the.html |title=25 years ago: Driving back the raider at the gates of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. |website=Cleveland.com |publisher=[[Advance Digital]] |date=November 27, 2011 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/21/business/goodyear-buys-out-goldsmith.html |title =Goodyear Buys Out Goldsmith |first=Jonathan P. |last=Hicks |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 21, 1986 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> and invited [[Hoosier Racing Tire]]s as a backup plan.<ref name="Racing-Reference">{{cite web|date=July 14, 2016|title=Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/showblog?id=2651|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=Racing-Reference.com}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference 2" />


In [[1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1988]], Hoosier entered the [[NASCAR Cup Series|Winston Cup Series]].<ref name="NASCAR.com">{{cite web|last=Bruce|first=Kenny|date=September 29, 2016|title=How the tire war was won at North Wilkesboro|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2016/09/29/how-the-tire-war-was-won-at-north-wilkesboro/|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=NASCAR.com|publisher=[[NASCAR|NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.]]}}</ref> Hoosier gained an early advantage at the second race of the season at [[Toyota Owners 400|Richmond]], where [[Morgan Shepherd]] took the pole and [[Neil Bonnett]] won the race and at [[Subway 400|Rockingham]] two weeks later using Hoosiers. During the season, NASCAR allowed teams to switch between Goodyear and Hoosier tires. Teams learned that Hoosiers were softer and faster while Goodyears were more durable and safer. Because of this, Goodyear spent money on developing a faster tire.<ref name="Racing-Reference" /><ref name="Racing-Reference 2" />
In [[1988 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1988]], Hoosier entered the [[NASCAR Cup Series|Winston Cup Series]].<ref name="NASCAR.com">{{cite web|last=Bruce|first=Kenny|date=September 29, 2016|title=How the tire war was won at North Wilkesboro|url=https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2016/09/29/how-the-tire-war-was-won-at-north-wilkesboro/|access-date=January 28, 2019|website=NASCAR.com|publisher=[[NASCAR|NASCAR Digital Media, LLC.]]}}</ref> Hoosier gained an early advantage in the season's second race, at [[Toyota Owners 400|Richmond]], where [[Morgan Shepherd]] took the pole and [[Neil Bonnett]] won the race using Hoosiers. Two weeks later, Bonnett won again at [[Subway 400|Rockingham]].<ref name="Racing-Reference" /><ref name="Racing-Reference 2" />


During the season, NASCAR allowed teams to switch between Goodyear and Hoosier tires. Teams learned that Hoosiers were softer and faster, while Goodyears were more durable and safer. To eliminate Hoosier's [[competitive advantage]], Goodyear began developing a faster tire.<ref name="Racing-Reference" /><ref name="Racing-Reference 2" />
The tire war took its toll on several drivers, who were injured from accidents caused by tire failures. The most notable of these incidents was during the [[1988 Coca-Cola 600]]. Goodyear withdrew their tires after practice when it was discovered that their compound was too soft for the track; as a result, all drivers except [[Dave Marcis]] switched to Hoosiers over safety concerns. The move proved disastrous in the race, as Hoosier tire failures resulted in crashes that injured Bonnett, [[Rick Wilson (racing driver)|Rick Wilson]], and [[Harry Gant]]. [[Darrell Waltrip]], who also ran on Hoosiers, won the race.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/05/30/Darrell-Waltrip-using-Hoosier-tires-instead-of-Goodyear-tires/6344580968000/ |title=Darrell Waltrip using Hoosier tires instead of Goodyear tires... |publisher=[[United Press International]] |date=May 30, 1988 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> Despite this setback, Hoosier rebounded when [[Bill Elliott]] drove the tires to victory lane at the [[Coke Zero Sugar 400|1988 Firecracker 400 at Daytona]].<ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


The tire war injured several drivers who crashed following tire failures, most notably during the [[1988 Coca-Cola 600]]. Initial practice suggested that Goodyear's compound was too soft for the track. As a result, all drivers except [[Dave Marcis]] switched to Hoosiers over safety concerns, and Goodyear withdrew their tires. Those decisions proved disastrous in the race, when Hoosier tire failures caused crashes that injured Bonnett, [[Rick Wilson (racing driver)|Rick Wilson]], and [[Harry Gant]]. With almost no Goodyear competition, Hoosier's [[Darrell Waltrip]] won the race.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/05/30/Darrell-Waltrip-using-Hoosier-tires-instead-of-Goodyear-tires/6344580968000/ |title=Darrell Waltrip using Hoosier tires instead of Goodyear tires... |publisher=[[United Press International]] |date=May 30, 1988 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> Despite this setback, Hoosier continued to win; [[Bill Elliott]] drove the tires to victory lane in the [[Coke Zero Sugar 400|1988 Firecracker 400 at Daytona]].<ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>
Goodyear was dealt a major blow at the [[Explore the Pocono Mountains 350|July Pocono race]] when their tires were disqualified for being too wide on their treads, resulting in the manufacturer missing a NASCAR race for the first time since the [[Southern 500|1956 Southern 500]]. Three weeks later, Hoosier was disqualified from the [[NASCAR Cup races at Watkins Glen|Watkins Glen race]] for the same infraction. The tire war intensified at [[DuraMAX Drydene 400|Dover]] when several cars suffered from tire failures. [[Alan Kulwicki]], who was one of the tire failure victims, commented: "Not only did it cost us our chance for a win or a good finish in this race, but we wrecked a race car in the process. It's not like this is the second week in a row it's been happening; it's been happening all year long. Really, a little bit disappointed that the tire companies can't get this solved by now. That people are still crashing cars like this, you know. Fortunately, the cars are pretty safe and no one got hurt." At the end of the 1988 season, Hoosier won nine out of the 29 races.<ref name="Junior Johnson">{{cite web |url=https://motorsportsunplugged.com/junior-johnson-in-1988-to-be-neutral-in-nascars-tire-wars-was-right-thing/ |title=Junior Johnson: In 1988, to Be Neutral in NASCAR's 'Tire Wars' Was Right Thing |author=[[Junior Johnson|Johnson, Junior]] |website=Motorsports Unplugged |date=August 9, 2012 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


That July dealt Goodyear a second major blow, when the [[Explore the Pocono Mountains 350|Pocono race]] disqualified Goodyear tires for over-wide treads. For the first time since the [[Southern 500|1956 Southern 500]], Goodyear missed a NASCAR race. Three weeks later, Hoosier was disqualified from the [[NASCAR Cup races at Watkins Glen|Watkins Glen race]] for the same infraction.
In [[1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1989]], Goodyear planned to roll out its new [[radial tire]]s at the [[1989 Daytona 500|Daytona 500]] to prove their superiority to Hoosier's [[Tire#Bias|bias-ply]] tires. However, when [[Dale Earnhardt]] and Elliott experienced tire failures during practice, with Elliott sustaining a broken wrist, Goodyear withdrew all of their radial tires from Daytona.<ref name="Sun-Sentinel">{{cite news |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1989-06-29-8902180469-story.html |title=Elliott Blow-Out Leads to Hoosier Drop-Out |first=Gordon |last=Wittenmeyer |newspaper=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |date=June 28, 1989 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> This setback gave Hoosier a major head start, with Waltrip driving on Hoosiers to win the Daytona 500. Hoosier dominated the first four races of the season, with [[Rusty Wallace]]'s win at the [[Toyota Owners 400|1989 Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond]] eventually becoming the tire manufacturer's final win of the season. Goodyear's radial tires made their debut at the [[First Union 400|1989 First Union 400]] at [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]]. While Wallace won the pole on Hoosiers, he was lapped by the lead cars by lap 70. Using the Goodyear radials' high durability to his advantage, Earnhardt won the race. This was the death blow for Hoosier, who left NASCAR after the [[GEICO 500|1989 Winston 500 at Talladega]] when they could not sell enough tires to be economically viable.<ref name="Daily Press">{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19890510-1989-05-10-8905090535-story.html |title=Hoosier Withdraws from NASCAR Racing |first=Al |last=Pearce |newspaper=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]] |date=May 10, 1989 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NASCAR.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rcrracing.com/news-media/uncategorized/2014/09/11/the-biggest-battle-in-nascar-wasnt-between-drivers/ |title=The Biggest Battle in NASCAR Wasn't Between Drivers |publisher=[[Richard Childress Racing]] |date=September 11, 2014 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rcrracing.com/news-media/heritage/2018/04/05/dale-earnhardt-radial-tires-goodyear-1989/ |title=#TBT: Dale Earnhardt, RCR Win First Race with Radial Tires |publisher=[[Richard Childress Racing]] |date=April 5, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>

The tire war intensified at [[DuraMAX Drydene 400|Dover]] when several cars suffered from tire failures. [[Alan Kulwicki]], one of the victims, commented: <blockquote>Not only did it cost us our chance for a win or a good finish in this race, but we wrecked a race car in the process. It's not like this is the second week in a row it's been happening; it's been happening all year long. Really, a little bit disappointed that the tire companies can't get this solved by now. That people are still crashing cars like this, you know. Fortunately, the cars are pretty safe and no one got hurt.</blockquote> At the end of the 1988 season, Hoosier had won nine of the 29 races.<ref name="Junior Johnson">{{cite web |url=https://motorsportsunplugged.com/junior-johnson-in-1988-to-be-neutral-in-nascars-tire-wars-was-right-thing/ |title=Junior Johnson: In 1988, to Be Neutral in NASCAR's 'Tire Wars' Was Right Thing |author=[[Junior Johnson|Johnson, Junior]] |website=Motorsports Unplugged |date=August 9, 2012 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>

In [[1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1989]], Goodyear planned to roll out its new [[radial tire]]s at the [[1989 Daytona 500|Daytona 500]]. Ideally, the race would definitively prove radial tires' superiority to Hoosier's [[Tire#Bias|bias-plys]]. But [[Dale Earnhardt]] and Elliott experienced tire failures during practice, breaking Elliott's wrist, and Goodyear withdrew the radial tires from Daytona.<ref name="Sun-Sentinel">{{cite news |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1989-06-29-8902180469-story.html |title=Elliott Blow-Out Leads to Hoosier Drop-Out |first=Gordon |last=Wittenmeyer |newspaper=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |date=June 28, 1989 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> This setback gave Hoosier a major head start, with Waltrip driving on Hoosiers to win the Daytona 500. Hoosier dominated the first four races of the season, up to [[Rusty Wallace]]'s win at the [[Toyota Owners 400|1989 Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond]].

But that would prove the manufacturer's final win of the season: Goodyear's radial tires made their debut at the [[First Union 400|1989 First Union 400]] at [[North Wilkesboro Speedway]]. While Wallace won the pole on Hoosiers, the lead cars had lapped him by lap 70, and Goodyear's tires' durability proved key to Earnhardt's eventual victory. That loss proved a death blow for Hoosier, who could not sell enough tires to remain [[Going concern|viable]] and left NASCAR after the [[GEICO 500|1989 Winston 500 at Talladega]].<ref name="Daily Press">{{cite news |url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-19890510-1989-05-10-8905090535-story.html |title=Hoosier Withdraws from NASCAR Racing |first=Al |last=Pearce |newspaper=[[Daily Press (Virginia)|Daily Press]] |date=May 10, 1989 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NASCAR.com"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rcrracing.com/news-media/uncategorized/2014/09/11/the-biggest-battle-in-nascar-wasnt-between-drivers/ |title=The Biggest Battle in NASCAR Wasn't Between Drivers |publisher=[[Richard Childress Racing]] |date=September 11, 2014 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rcrracing.com/news-media/heritage/2018/04/05/dale-earnhardt-radial-tires-goodyear-1989/ |title=#TBT: Dale Earnhardt, RCR Win First Race with Radial Tires |publisher=[[Richard Childress Racing]] |date=April 5, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


===Goodyear vs. Hoosier II (1994)===
===Goodyear vs. Hoosier II (1994)===
Hoosier returned to the Busch Grand National Series in 1991.
Hoosier returned to the Busch Grand National Series in 1991. Three days after the end of the [[1993 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1993 season]], Hoosier announced their return to the Winston Cup Series in [[1994 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1994]] with their radial tires.<ref name="NASCAR.com"/><ref name="Racing-Reference"/> The company's return was marred by the deaths of Bonnett and Dash Series champion [[Rodney Orr]] (who had purchased a Cup car instead of a second-tier car because of the impending change in engine formula in the second-tier series) in separate crashes during practice for the [[1994 Daytona 500]], as both drivers used Hoosiers on their cars. Because of this, the media was quick to blame Hoosier for the deaths. Hoosier decided to release all concerned drivers from their contracts and encouraged them to switch to Goodyear. In addition, NASCAR set a rule allowing drivers to switch tire brands within the first 40 laps of the race.<ref name="Sentinel">{{cite news |url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-11-15/sports/9411150291_1_hoosier-tires-hoosier-racing-goodyear-tire |title=Hoosier Racing Tire Bows Out of NASCAR |first=Charean |last=Williams |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |date=November 15, 1994 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


Three days after the end of the [[1993 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1993 season]], Hoosier announced their return to the Winston Cup Series in [[1994 NASCAR Winston Cup Series|1994]] with radial tires.<ref name="NASCAR.com"/><ref name="Racing-Reference"/> The company's return was marred by the deaths of Bonnett and Dash Series champion [[Rodney Orr]] (who had purchased a Cup car instead of a second-tier car because of the impending change in the second-tier series' engine formula) in separate crashes during practice for the [[1994 Daytona 500]]. Both drivers had used Hoosiers, and the media quickly blamed the company for their deaths. In response, Hoosier released all concerned drivers from their contracts and encouraged them to switch to Goodyear, and NASCAR began allowing drivers to switch tire brands within the first 40 laps of the race.<ref name="Sentinel">{{cite news |url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-11-15/sports/9411150291_1_hoosier-tires-hoosier-racing-goodyear-tire |title=Hoosier Racing Tire Bows Out of NASCAR |first=Charean |last=Williams |newspaper=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |date=November 15, 1994 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>
An independent investigation by the ''[[Orlando Sentinel]]'' revealed a faulty right-rear shock absorber mounting bracket as the cause of Orr's crash (Orr had purchased a [[Ford Thunderbird]] from [[Yates Racing]] and leased an Ernie Elliott engine) and that the Hoosiers met all safety regulations. This was also theorized to be the cause of Bonnett's death, though no official cause of his crash was announced.<ref name="Sentinel"/><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/> Teams often ran extremely soft shock absorbers and springs to reduce drag at Daytona and Talladega, which caused the mounting bracket to fail as the mounting brackets made contact with the chassis as the cars bottom out. By 2000, NASCAR implemented rules mandating a specification shock absorbers and springs supplied by the sanctioning body at Daytona and Talladega in order to stop this dangerous practice, as drivers had complained in qualifying about ride quality at those races.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Mike |title=NASCAR puts in new shock rule |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jan/20/nascar-puts-in-new-shock-rule/ |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Sun]] |date=January 20, 2000 |access-date=December 19, 2021}}</ref>


An independent investigation by the ''[[Orlando Sentinel]]'' revealed that that the Hoosiers met all safety regulations. Instead, a faulty right-rear shock absorber mounting bracket had caused Orr's crash.<ref name="Sentinel"/><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/> Teams often ran extremely soft shock absorbers and springs to reduce drag at Daytona and Talladega, which caused the mounting bracket to fail as the mounting brackets made contact with the chassis as the cars bottom out.<ref name=ShockRule /> Spectators theorized that bracket failure had also caused Bonnett's death, though no official cause of his crash was announced.<ref name="Sentinel"/><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/> By 2000, NASCAR implemented specifications for shock absorbers and springs to stop this dangerous practice, as drivers had complained in qualifying about ride quality at those races.<ref name=ShockRule>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Mike |title=NASCAR puts in new shock rule |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jan/20/nascar-puts-in-new-shock-rule/ |newspaper=[[Las Vegas Sun]] |date=January 20, 2000 |access-date=December 19, 2021}}</ref>
Hoosier claimed 12 poles in the 1994 season, including the inaugural [[1994 Brickyard 400|Brickyard 400]] by [[Rick Mast]]. [[Geoff Bodine]] won four races with Hoosier, including the [[NASCAR All-Star Race|Winston Select]]. But like the 1988 season, both tire manufacturers saw catastrophic failures on their products. [[Ernie Irvan]] suffered near-fatal head, chest, and lung injuries in a practice crash at [[Consumers Energy 400|Michigan]] after one of his Goodyears blew and sent him colliding with the turn two wall. Bodine and [[Loy Allen Jr.]] experienced horrifying crashes at the season-ending [[Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500|Atlanta race]] due to their Hoosiers failing. [[Mark Martin]], who won the Atlanta race, blasted the tire war, saying: "We need one tire company. Then we would have the tire at each track that we need. I'm really proud I lived to talk about the '94 tire war. It's not worth it man."<ref name="Sentinel"/><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


Hoosier claimed 12 poles in the 1994 season, including [[Rick Mast]] at the inaugural [[1994 Brickyard 400|Brickyard 400]]. [[Geoff Bodine]] won four races with Hoosier, including the [[NASCAR All-Star Race|Winston Select]]. But like the 1988 season, both tire manufacturers saw catastrophic failures on their products. [[Ernie Irvan]] suffered near-fatal head, chest, and lung injuries in a practice crash at [[Consumers Energy 400|Michigan]] after one of his Goodyears blew and sent him colliding with the turn two wall. Bodine and [[Loy Allen Jr.]] experienced horrifying crashes at the season-ending [[Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500|Atlanta race]] due to failing Hoosiers. [[Mark Martin]], who won the Atlanta race, blasted the tire war, saying: "We need one tire company. Then we would have the tire at each track that we need. I'm really proud I lived to talk about the '94 tire war. It's not worth it man."<ref name="Sentinel"/><ref name="Racing-Reference"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>
The day after the end of the 1994 season, Hoosier left NASCAR for good, citing high production costs, stiff competition, and the lack of driver support. This marked the end of the tire wars.<ref name="Sentinel"/><ref name="Rubber News">{{cite web |url=https://www.rubbernews.com/article/19941121/ISSUE/311219999/hoosier-exits--nascar--tire-war-over |title=Hoosier Exits NASCAR, Tire War Over |first=Steve |last=Walters |website=Rubber & Plastics News |date=November 21, 1994 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>

The day after the end of the 1994 season, Hoosier left NASCAR for good, citing high production costs, stiff competition, and little driver support. This ended the NASCAR tire wars.<ref name="Sentinel"/><ref name="Rubber News">{{cite web |url=https://www.rubbernews.com/article/19941121/ISSUE/311219999/hoosier-exits--nascar--tire-war-over |title=Hoosier Exits NASCAR, Tire War Over |first=Steve |last=Walters |website=Rubber & Plastics News |date=November 21, 1994 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


===Aftermath===
===Aftermath===
Hoosier became the official tire supplier of the [[ARCA Menards Series|ARCA Racing Series]] from 1995 to 2015, when the tires were rebranded by [[Continental AG]], which had a business relationship with Hoosier for motorsport tires, to the [[General Tire]] brand in 2016. Continental acquired Hoosier later in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tirebusiness.com/article/20151016/NEWS/151019935/general-tire-to-be-arca-race-tire-supplier |title=General Tire to be ARCA race tire supplier |publisher=Tire Business |date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>
Hoosier officially supplied the [[ARCA Menards Series|ARCA Racing Series]] from 1995 to 2015, when the tires were [[rebranded]] to [[General Tire]]. [[Continental AG]], Hoosier's distributor, acquired Hoosier later in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tirebusiness.com/article/20151016/NEWS/151019935/general-tire-to-be-arca-race-tire-supplier |title=General Tire to be ARCA race tire supplier |publisher=Tire Business |date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


In April 1997, Goodyear officially became the exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR; this deal was subsequently extended until 2022. This was seen as a measure to prevent another tire war. However, in late 2006, when Goodyear workers went on strike, NASCAR once again approached Hoosier and proposed a backup plan for the [[2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series|2007 season]]. The plan fell through after the strike ended.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/business/tentative-pact-may-end-goodyear-strike.html |title=Tentative Pact May End Goodyear Strike |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 23, 2006 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/general/news/rolling-along-is-hoosier-back-in-nascar-s-fast-lane/238711/ |title=Rolling Along: Is Hoosier back in NASCAR's fast lane? |first=DC |last=Williams |publisher=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=November 18, 2006 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NASCAR.com"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>
In April 1997, Goodyear officially became the exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR; this deal was subsequently extended until 2022, which theoretically would prevent another tire war. But in late 2006, when Goodyear workers went on strike, NASCAR once again approached Hoosier and proposed a backup plan for the [[2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series|2007 season]]. That plan fell through after the strike ended.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/business/tentative-pact-may-end-goodyear-strike.html |title=Tentative Pact May End Goodyear Strike |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 23, 2006 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/general/news/rolling-along-is-hoosier-back-in-nascar-s-fast-lane/238711/ |title=Rolling Along: Is Hoosier back in NASCAR's fast lane? |first=DC |last=Williams |publisher=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=November 18, 2006 |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NASCAR.com"/><ref name="Racing-Reference 2"/>


Entering the 2020 season, both Goodyear and Continental are official NASCAR tire suppliers, depending on series. Goodyear supplies tires to the three national series ([[NASCAR Cup Series|Cup]], [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Xfinity]], [[NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series|Truck]]). Continental supplies tires to NASCAR's regional touring series: ARCA Racing Series (Menards Series, Sioux Chief Showdown, [[ARCA Menards Series East|East]], and [[ARCA Menards Series West|West]], all under the General branding), [[NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour|Whelen Modified Tour]] (the only series with Hoosier branding), and all three international series ([[NASCAR Pinty's Series|Canada]], [[NASCAR Whelen Euro Series|Europe]] - whose tires were formerly supplied by [[Michelin]], and [[NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series|Mexico]], all with General branding). Most [[NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series]] tracks have contracts with Continental. Continental's NASCAR tires are produced at their [[Plymouth, Indiana]] plant.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rubbernews.com/article/20190208/NEWS/190209950/general-tire-secures-nascar-second-tier-series-tire-supply-contracts |title=General Tire secures NASCAR second-tier series tire supply contracts |first=Bruce |last=Davis |publisher=Rubber & Plastics News |date=February 8, 2019 |access-date=April 17, 2019}}</ref>
Entering the 2020 season, both Goodyear and Continental are official NASCAR tire suppliers, depending on series. Goodyear supplies the three national series ([[NASCAR Cup Series|Cup]], [[NASCAR Xfinity Series|Xfinity]], [[NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series|Truck]]). Continental supplies NASCAR's regional touring series: ARCA Racing Series (Menards Series, Sioux Chief Showdown, [[ARCA Menards Series East|East]], and [[ARCA Menards Series West|West]], all under the General branding), [[NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour|Whelen Modified Tour]] (the only series with Hoosier branding), and all three international series ([[NASCAR Pinty's Series|Canada]], [[NASCAR Whelen Euro Series|Europe]]&nbsp;&mdash; whose tires were formerly supplied by [[Michelin]]&nbsp;&mdash; and [[NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series|Mexico]], all with General branding). Most [[NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series]] tracks contract with [[Continental tires|Continental]] for tires produced at their [[Plymouth, Indiana]] plant.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rubbernews.com/article/20190208/NEWS/190209950/general-tire-secures-nascar-second-tier-series-tire-supply-contracts |title=General Tire secures NASCAR second-tier series tire supply contracts |first=Bruce |last=Davis |publisher=Rubber & Plastics News |date=February 8, 2019 |access-date=April 17, 2019}}</ref>


==In Formula One ==
==In Formula One ==
{{Further information|Formula One tyres}}
{{Further information|Formula One tyres}}
Between the 1950s to the early 1990s, Formula One tire brands were often at war between each other such as [[Dunlop Tyres|Dunlop]], [[Firestone Tire and Rubber Company|Firestone]], [[Continental AG|Continental]], [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]], [[Avon Rubber]], [[Englebert (tyre manufacturer)|Englebert]], [[Pirelli]], and [[Michelin]]. From 1961 to 1963 Dunlop was the sole tire supplier in the sport, and in 1987 and 1988 Goodyear took the same role when Pirelli took a two-year sabbatical from the sport.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/blog/alan-henry/formula-1-tyre-wars/ |title=Formula 1's tyre wars |author-link=Alan Henry |last=Henry |first=Alan |website=[[McLaren]] |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/the-history-of-formula-one-tyres/ |title=F1 TRIVIA: How the Tyres in Formula One Have Changed over the Years |website=Essentially Sports |date=January 4, 2019 |access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref>
Between the 1950s to the early 1990s, Formula One tire brands, such as [[Dunlop Tyres|Dunlop]], [[Firestone Tire and Rubber Company|Firestone]], [[Continental AG|Continental]], [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]], [[Avon Rubber]], [[Englebert (tyre manufacturer)|Englebert]], [[Pirelli]], and [[Michelin]] often warred with each other. From 1961 to 1963 the sport distributed solely Dunlop tires, and in 1987 and 1988 Goodyear took the same role during Pirelli's two-year sabbatical.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/blog/alan-henry/formula-1-tyre-wars/ |title=Formula 1's tyre wars |author-link=Alan Henry |last=Henry |first=Alan |website=[[McLaren]] |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/the-history-of-formula-one-tyres/ |title=F1 TRIVIA: How the Tyres in Formula One Have Changed over the Years |website=Essentially Sports |date=January 4, 2019 |access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref>

In 1992, following Pirelli's exit, Goodyear became the sole Formula One tire supplier for four years. In 1997, Bridgestone entered the sport, but Goodyear would leave the sport following the [[1998 Formula One World Championship|1998 season]]. That left Bridgestone as the sole tire provider until Michelin entered the sport in 2001, sparking a tire war that lasted until 2006. The tire wars during this period has been cited as a reason for six-car start at the [[2005 United States Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/controversy-at-u-s-grand-prix |title=Controversy at U.S. Grand Prix |website=[[History (American TV network)|History]] |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>


In 1992, following the exit of Pirelli, Goodyear became the sole tire supplier for Formula One for four years until Bridgestone entered the sport in 1997, creating a tire war between the two manufacturers. Goodyear would leave the sport following the [[1998 Formula One World Championship|1998 season]], leaving Bridgestone as the sole tire provider for the next two seasons until Michelin entered the sport in 2001, creating another tire war between the two manufacturers that lasted until 2006. The tire wars during this period has been cited as a reason for six-car start at the [[2005 United States Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/controversy-at-u-s-grand-prix |title=Controversy at U.S. Grand Prix |website=[[History (American TV network)|History]] |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> After Michelin left at the end of 2006, Bridgestone was the sole tire supplier for Formula One until 2010,<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/bridgestone-to-quit-f1-after-2010-4433891/4433891/ |title=Bridgestone to quit F1 after 2010 |last=English |first=Steven |magazine=[[Autosport]] |date=November 2, 2009 |access-date=May 4, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> after which Pirelli took over the duty as Formula One's sole tire supplier as of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/6/10935.html |title=Pirelli tyres, adjustable rear wings among 2011 changes |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |date=June 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021022947/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/6/10935.html |access-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-teams-not-equipped-tyre-war/4491270/ |title=Formula 1 "not equipped" to revive tyre war |last1=Mitchell |first1=Scott |website=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref>
After Michelin left at the end of 2006, solely Bridgestone supplied Formula One until 2010,<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/bridgestone-to-quit-f1-after-2010-4433891/4433891/ |title=Bridgestone to quit F1 after 2010 |last=English |first=Steven |magazine=[[Autosport]] |date=November 2, 2009 |access-date=May 4, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> when Pirelli took over the duty as Formula One's sole tire supplier, a status it maintains {{as of|2021|lc=y}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/6/10935.html |title=Pirelli tyres, adjustable rear wings among 2011 changes |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited |date=June 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021022947/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/6/10935.html |access-date=May 4, 2021 |archive-date=October 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-teams-not-equipped-tyre-war/4491270/ |title=Formula 1 "not equipped" to revive tyre war |last1=Mitchell |first1=Scott |website=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref>


== In other series ==
== In other series ==
In [[MotoGP]], until 2008, Bridgestone and Michelin were engaged in a fierce tire war. For 2009, FIM switched to a sole tire supplier, initially with Bridgestone.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Panzariu |first1=Ovidiu |title=Bridgestone Confirmed MotoGP Sole Tire Supplier for 2009 |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/bridgestone-confirmed-motogp-sole-tire-supplier-for-2009-1734.html |website=autoevolution |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> Michelin replaced Bridgestone in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michelin Confirmed as MotoGP Tire Supplier Through 2023 |url=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/10/24/michelin-confirmed-motogp-tire-supplier-2023/ |website=Ultimate Motorcycling |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref>
In [[MotoGP]], Bridgestone and Michelin were engaged in a fierce tire war until 2008. For 2009, FIM switched to a sole tire supplier, initially Bridgestone.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Panzariu |first1=Ovidiu |title=Bridgestone Confirmed MotoGP Sole Tire Supplier for 2009 |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/bridgestone-confirmed-motogp-sole-tire-supplier-for-2009-1734.html |website=autoevolution |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> Michelin replaced Bridgestone in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michelin Confirmed as MotoGP Tire Supplier Through 2023 |url=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2017/10/24/michelin-confirmed-motogp-tire-supplier-2023/ |website=Ultimate Motorcycling |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref>


As of 2021, the Japanese [[Super GT]] series features four tire manufactures competing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Simmons |first1=Marcus |title=Audi: Tyre war the "major worry" for Super GT entry |url=https://www.motorsport.com/supergt/news/audi-potential-gt500-entry-dtm-car/4392159/ |publisher=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Klein |first1=Jamie |title=How the spirit of the F1 tyre war lives on in Japan |url=https://www.motorsport.com/supergt/news/bridgestone-michelin-tyre-war-f1/4895639/ |publisher=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=October 23, 2020 |access-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref> [[American open-wheel car racing]] has also seen tire wars in its history which often occurred between Firestone (currently the sole tire supplier in [[IndyCar Series]]) and Goodyear.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/a27542916/history-racing-tire/ |title=Gaining Speed: A History of the Indy 500 Racing Tire |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-27-sp-26843-story.html |title=Goodyear Tires of Indy-Car Feud |last=Glick |first=Shav |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 27, 1999 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2017/04/09/when-goodyear-and-firestone-went-to-war-at-the-indianapolis-500 |title=When Goodyear and Firestone went to war at the Indianapolis 500 |magazine=[[Hemmings Motor News]] |date=April 9, 2017 |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> As of 2022, both manufacturers supply tiers of IndyCar racing -- Firestone with the NTT IndyCar Series and Goodyear (via the Cooper brand acquired in 2021) with the Road to Indy and USF Juniors.
As of 2021, the Japanese [[Super GT]] series features four tire manufacturers competing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Simmons |first1=Marcus |title=Audi: Tyre war the "major worry" for Super GT entry |url=https://www.motorsport.com/supergt/news/audi-potential-gt500-entry-dtm-car/4392159/ |publisher=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=September 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Klein |first1=Jamie |title=How the spirit of the F1 tyre war lives on in Japan |url=https://www.motorsport.com/supergt/news/bridgestone-michelin-tyre-war-f1/4895639/ |publisher=[[Motorsport Network]] |date=October 23, 2020 |access-date=November 15, 2020}}</ref> [[American open-wheel car racing]] has also seen tire wars, typically between Firestone (currently the sole tire supplier in [[IndyCar Series]]) and Goodyear.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/a27542916/history-racing-tire/ |title=Gaining Speed: A History of the Indy 500 Racing Tire |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |magazine=[[Popular Mechanics]] |date=May 24, 2019 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-27-sp-26843-story.html |title=Goodyear Tires of Indy-Car Feud |last=Glick |first=Shav |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 27, 1999 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2017/04/09/when-goodyear-and-firestone-went-to-war-at-the-indianapolis-500 |title=When Goodyear and Firestone went to war at the Indianapolis 500 |magazine=[[Hemmings Motor News]] |date=April 9, 2017 |access-date=May 3, 2021}}</ref> As of 2022, both manufacturers supply tiers of IndyCar racing&nbsp;&mdash; Firestone supplies the NTT IndyCar Series and Goodyear (via the Cooper brand acquired in 2021) supplies the Road to Indy and USF Juniors.


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 12:00, 24 May 2022

In motorsports, a tire war occurs when more than one manufacturer provides tires for a series. Historically, tire wars have occurred in many high-level series, such as Formula One, NASCAR, Super GT, and MotoGP.

Tire wars are a controversial practice: on the one hand, they promote technical innovation, forcing tire manufactures to "push the limits" of their tire manufacture. On the other hand, when all event competitors plan to stretch their tires' performance envelope, the event risks widespread tire failures; such a scenario occurred in the 2005 United States Grand Prix.[1][2]

In NASCAR

Goodyear has been the official tire supplier of NASCAR since 1954.

Early history

When NASCAR was founded in 1948, it sourced tires solely from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. In 1954, Goodyear entered the sport.[3] For the next two decades, both tire manufacturers would claim race victories and speed records until Firestone left NASCAR in 1974.[4] In the late 1960s, the deaths of Jimmy Pardue and Billy Wade spurred both Goodyear and Firestone to manufacture the "Inner Liner Safety Spare," also known to NASCAR as "Lifeguard": a second internal envelope to slow a failed tire's deflation and allow drivers to return to the pit. Conversely, controversy erupted at Talladega Superspeedway's 1969 debut race, when drivers experienced tire failures during practice, Firestone withdrew from the race, and Richard Petty led a driver walkout over safety concerns.[5]

In 1978, the McCreary Tire & Rubber Company entered NASCAR. Although J. D. McDuffie won the pole at Dover with McCreary tires, the company never won a race and quickly exited the sport. This left Goodyear as the sole NASCAR tire supplier until Hoosier entered the Busch Grand National Series in 1987.[6][4]

Goodyear vs. Hoosier (1988–1989)

In 1986, Goodyear faced a hostile takeover by Sir James Goldsmith. NASCAR feared that the new management might threaten the manufacturer's racing program,[7][8] and invited Hoosier Racing Tires as a backup plan.[9][6]

In 1988, Hoosier entered the Winston Cup Series.[10] Hoosier gained an early advantage in the season's second race, at Richmond, where Morgan Shepherd took the pole and Neil Bonnett won the race using Hoosiers. Two weeks later, Bonnett won again at Rockingham.[9][6]

During the season, NASCAR allowed teams to switch between Goodyear and Hoosier tires. Teams learned that Hoosiers were softer and faster, while Goodyears were more durable and safer. To eliminate Hoosier's competitive advantage, Goodyear began developing a faster tire.[9][6]

The tire war injured several drivers who crashed following tire failures, most notably during the 1988 Coca-Cola 600. Initial practice suggested that Goodyear's compound was too soft for the track. As a result, all drivers except Dave Marcis switched to Hoosiers over safety concerns, and Goodyear withdrew their tires. Those decisions proved disastrous in the race, when Hoosier tire failures caused crashes that injured Bonnett, Rick Wilson, and Harry Gant. With almost no Goodyear competition, Hoosier's Darrell Waltrip won the race.[11] Despite this setback, Hoosier continued to win; Bill Elliott drove the tires to victory lane in the 1988 Firecracker 400 at Daytona.[9][6]

That July dealt Goodyear a second major blow, when the Pocono race disqualified Goodyear tires for over-wide treads. For the first time since the 1956 Southern 500, Goodyear missed a NASCAR race. Three weeks later, Hoosier was disqualified from the Watkins Glen race for the same infraction.

The tire war intensified at Dover when several cars suffered from tire failures. Alan Kulwicki, one of the victims, commented:

Not only did it cost us our chance for a win or a good finish in this race, but we wrecked a race car in the process. It's not like this is the second week in a row it's been happening; it's been happening all year long. Really, a little bit disappointed that the tire companies can't get this solved by now. That people are still crashing cars like this, you know. Fortunately, the cars are pretty safe and no one got hurt.

At the end of the 1988 season, Hoosier had won nine of the 29 races.[12][9][6]

In 1989, Goodyear planned to roll out its new radial tires at the Daytona 500. Ideally, the race would definitively prove radial tires' superiority to Hoosier's bias-plys. But Dale Earnhardt and Elliott experienced tire failures during practice, breaking Elliott's wrist, and Goodyear withdrew the radial tires from Daytona.[13] This setback gave Hoosier a major head start, with Waltrip driving on Hoosiers to win the Daytona 500. Hoosier dominated the first four races of the season, up to Rusty Wallace's win at the 1989 Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond.

But that would prove the manufacturer's final win of the season: Goodyear's radial tires made their debut at the 1989 First Union 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. While Wallace won the pole on Hoosiers, the lead cars had lapped him by lap 70, and Goodyear's tires' durability proved key to Earnhardt's eventual victory. That loss proved a death blow for Hoosier, who could not sell enough tires to remain viable and left NASCAR after the 1989 Winston 500 at Talladega.[14][10][15][16][9][6]

Goodyear vs. Hoosier II (1994)

Hoosier returned to the Busch Grand National Series in 1991.

Three days after the end of the 1993 season, Hoosier announced their return to the Winston Cup Series in 1994 with radial tires.[10][9] The company's return was marred by the deaths of Bonnett and Dash Series champion Rodney Orr (who had purchased a Cup car instead of a second-tier car because of the impending change in the second-tier series' engine formula) in separate crashes during practice for the 1994 Daytona 500. Both drivers had used Hoosiers, and the media quickly blamed the company for their deaths. In response, Hoosier released all concerned drivers from their contracts and encouraged them to switch to Goodyear, and NASCAR began allowing drivers to switch tire brands within the first 40 laps of the race.[17][9][6]

An independent investigation by the Orlando Sentinel revealed that that the Hoosiers met all safety regulations. Instead, a faulty right-rear shock absorber mounting bracket had caused Orr's crash.[17][9][6] Teams often ran extremely soft shock absorbers and springs to reduce drag at Daytona and Talladega, which caused the mounting bracket to fail as the mounting brackets made contact with the chassis as the cars bottom out.[18] Spectators theorized that bracket failure had also caused Bonnett's death, though no official cause of his crash was announced.[17][9][6] By 2000, NASCAR implemented specifications for shock absorbers and springs to stop this dangerous practice, as drivers had complained in qualifying about ride quality at those races.[18]

Hoosier claimed 12 poles in the 1994 season, including Rick Mast at the inaugural Brickyard 400. Geoff Bodine won four races with Hoosier, including the Winston Select. But like the 1988 season, both tire manufacturers saw catastrophic failures on their products. Ernie Irvan suffered near-fatal head, chest, and lung injuries in a practice crash at Michigan after one of his Goodyears blew and sent him colliding with the turn two wall. Bodine and Loy Allen Jr. experienced horrifying crashes at the season-ending Atlanta race due to failing Hoosiers. Mark Martin, who won the Atlanta race, blasted the tire war, saying: "We need one tire company. Then we would have the tire at each track that we need. I'm really proud I lived to talk about the '94 tire war. It's not worth it man."[17][9][6]

The day after the end of the 1994 season, Hoosier left NASCAR for good, citing high production costs, stiff competition, and little driver support. This ended the NASCAR tire wars.[17][19][6]

Aftermath

Hoosier officially supplied the ARCA Racing Series from 1995 to 2015, when the tires were rebranded to General Tire. Continental AG, Hoosier's distributor, acquired Hoosier later in 2016.[20][6]

In April 1997, Goodyear officially became the exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR; this deal was subsequently extended until 2022, which theoretically would prevent another tire war. But in late 2006, when Goodyear workers went on strike, NASCAR once again approached Hoosier and proposed a backup plan for the 2007 season. That plan fell through after the strike ended.[21][22][10][6]

Entering the 2020 season, both Goodyear and Continental are official NASCAR tire suppliers, depending on series. Goodyear supplies the three national series (Cup, Xfinity, Truck). Continental supplies NASCAR's regional touring series: ARCA Racing Series (Menards Series, Sioux Chief Showdown, East, and West, all under the General branding), Whelen Modified Tour (the only series with Hoosier branding), and all three international series (Canada, Europe — whose tires were formerly supplied by Michelin — and Mexico, all with General branding). Most NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series tracks contract with Continental for tires produced at their Plymouth, Indiana plant.[23]

In Formula One

Between the 1950s to the early 1990s, Formula One tire brands, such as Dunlop, Firestone, Continental, Goodyear, Avon Rubber, Englebert, Pirelli, and Michelin often warred with each other. From 1961 to 1963 the sport distributed solely Dunlop tires, and in 1987 and 1988 Goodyear took the same role during Pirelli's two-year sabbatical.[24][25]

In 1992, following Pirelli's exit, Goodyear became the sole Formula One tire supplier for four years. In 1997, Bridgestone entered the sport, but Goodyear would leave the sport following the 1998 season. That left Bridgestone as the sole tire provider until Michelin entered the sport in 2001, sparking a tire war that lasted until 2006. The tire wars during this period has been cited as a reason for six-car start at the 2005 United States Grand Prix.[26]

After Michelin left at the end of 2006, solely Bridgestone supplied Formula One until 2010,[27] when Pirelli took over the duty as Formula One's sole tire supplier, a status it maintains as of 2021.[28][29]

In other series

In MotoGP, Bridgestone and Michelin were engaged in a fierce tire war until 2008. For 2009, FIM switched to a sole tire supplier, initially Bridgestone.[30] Michelin replaced Bridgestone in 2015.[31]

As of 2021, the Japanese Super GT series features four tire manufacturers competing.[32][33] American open-wheel car racing has also seen tire wars, typically between Firestone (currently the sole tire supplier in IndyCar Series) and Goodyear.[34][35][36] As of 2022, both manufacturers supply tiers of IndyCar racing — Firestone supplies the NTT IndyCar Series and Goodyear (via the Cooper brand acquired in 2021) supplies the Road to Indy and USF Juniors.

References

  1. ^ "Why F1 won't go back to having a tyre war". RaceFans. September 23, 2018. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  2. ^ "Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier". Racing-Reference. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  3. ^ Doremus, Kraig (January 15, 2018). "Tire Wars, Innovation Highlight Goodyear's Relationship with NASCAR". Front Office Sport. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  4. ^ a b "NASCAR True Tire History". Race Line Central. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  5. ^ Jensen, Tom (September 9, 2013). "The Five: Biggest Controversies In NASCAR History". Fox Sports. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! NASCAR's Asphalt Battlefield". Racing-Reference.com. May 15, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  7. ^ "25 years ago: Driving back the raider at the gates of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co". Cleveland.com. Advance Digital. November 27, 2011. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  8. ^ Hicks, Jonathan P. (November 21, 1986). "Goodyear Buys Out Goldsmith". The New York Times. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Historical Motorsports Stories: Tire Wars! Goodyear vs Hoosier". Racing-Reference.com. July 14, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  10. ^ a b c d Bruce, Kenny (September 29, 2016). "How the tire war was won at North Wilkesboro". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  11. ^ "Darrell Waltrip using Hoosier tires instead of Goodyear tires..." United Press International. May 30, 1988. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  12. ^ Johnson, Junior (August 9, 2012). "Junior Johnson: In 1988, to Be Neutral in NASCAR's 'Tire Wars' Was Right Thing". Motorsports Unplugged. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  13. ^ Wittenmeyer, Gordon (June 28, 1989). "Elliott Blow-Out Leads to Hoosier Drop-Out". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  14. ^ Pearce, Al (May 10, 1989). "Hoosier Withdraws from NASCAR Racing". Daily Press. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  15. ^ "The Biggest Battle in NASCAR Wasn't Between Drivers". Richard Childress Racing. September 11, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  16. ^ "#TBT: Dale Earnhardt, RCR Win First Race with Radial Tires". Richard Childress Racing. April 5, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
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  22. ^ Williams, DC (November 18, 2006). "Rolling Along: Is Hoosier back in NASCAR's fast lane?". Motorsport Network. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
  23. ^ Davis, Bruce (February 8, 2019). "General Tire secures NASCAR second-tier series tire supply contracts". Rubber & Plastics News. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  24. ^ Henry, Alan. "Formula 1's tyre wars". McLaren. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  25. ^ "F1 TRIVIA: How the Tyres in Formula One Have Changed over the Years". Essentially Sports. January 4, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  26. ^ "Controversy at U.S. Grand Prix". History. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  27. ^ English, Steven (November 2, 2009). "Bridgestone to quit F1 after 2010". Autosport. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  28. ^ "Pirelli tyres, adjustable rear wings among 2011 changes". Formula1.com. Formula One World Championship Limited. June 23, 2010. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  29. ^ Mitchell, Scott (July 9, 2019). "Formula 1 "not equipped" to revive tyre war". Motorsport Network. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  30. ^ Panzariu, Ovidiu. "Bridgestone Confirmed MotoGP Sole Tire Supplier for 2009". autoevolution. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  31. ^ "Michelin Confirmed as MotoGP Tire Supplier Through 2023". Ultimate Motorcycling. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  32. ^ Simmons, Marcus (May 24, 2019). "Audi: Tyre war the "major worry" for Super GT entry". Motorsport Network. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  33. ^ Klein, Jamie (October 23, 2020). "How the spirit of the F1 tyre war lives on in Japan". Motorsport Network. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  34. ^ Newcomb, Tim (May 24, 2019). "Gaining Speed: A History of the Indy 500 Racing Tire". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
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