Bridgestone donates $10,000 to aid wildfire victims

Nov. 3, 2003

Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC's Bridgestone Motorsport division has given a $10,000 donation to the “Race for Relief” effort, a disaster relief initiative to benefit those affected by the wildfires in Southern California.

"Race for Relief" has been organized by California Speedway and monetary contributions made to the initiative will be donated to the Southern California Fire Disaster Relief Fund, which benefits the American Red Cross relief efforts.

California Speedway was to be the site of the final race of the season for Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford, which was scheduled to take place on Nov. 2.

The race was canceled, and the speedway and others in the Champ Car community have now focused their efforts on assisting those in the area who have been displaced or otherwise affected by the wildfires.

"This is a community where we, as part of the racing industry, have spent quite a bit of time over the past few years," said Al Speyer, executive director of motorsports for Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire LLC.

"It's a beautiful area with warm, friendly people, and we're all incredibly saddened to see the devastation that has been caused by the fires. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected, and it was important for us to do something to help. The speedway has done an incredible job of putting this initiative together, and we're glad to be part of it."

Those interested in making a contribution to the fund can do so by mailing it to California Speedway, 9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana, CA 92335.

For more information on the "Race for Relief," visit www.californiaspeedway.com.

Bridgestone is presenting sponsor and exclusive tire supplier for Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.