BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE CANADA TO PARTNER WITH TSN AND RDS NETWORKS IN BRINGING IRL RACING SERIES TO CANADIAN FANS

Mississauga (Ontario), March 4, 2005 - In a move that dovetails perfectly with Firestone's strong presence in the Indy Racing League as the circuit's sole tire supplier, Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. announced today its full-season sponsorship of IRL racing series broadcasts - including the Indianapolis 500  on the TSN and RDS sports networks.

The sponsorship deal comprises four 30-second commercials during each race on the English- and French-language networks, along with one opening and closing billboard and the presentation of Racer's Edge, a leader board of the current IRL drivers' standings, which will air twice during each race.

"Bridgestone/Firestone Canada is deeply involved in motorsports, both nationally and internationally, and our partnership with TSN and RDS in helping to bring the excitement of the IRL racing series to Canadian fans is a natural," said Michael Sigillito, Director, Consumer Tire Marketing for Bridgestone/Firestone. "Canadian fans have always had a keen interest in the IRL series and its crown jewel, the Indianapolis 500. That interest will be heightened in the 2005 season by the presence of a popular Canadian driver in the person of Patrick Carpentier."

The partnership deal also includes sponsorship of the IRL site on www.tsn.ca and www.rds.ca, and will feature a Firestone IRL Pool sponsorship. The campaign is estimated to deliver about 5.8 million television impressions and some 9 million online impressions for Bridgestone/Firestone

Firestone Racing, which is entering its 10th season of competition in the IRL, has been the IRL's and the Indianapolis 500 s official tire supplier since 2002. The company, a long-time partner with the IRL in marketing, advertising and promotional activities, was named the IRL's Marketing Partner of the Year in 2004.

"Mississauga-based Bridgestone/Firestone Canada Inc. (BFCA) is an affiliate of Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT). BFCA and Nashville, Tennessee-based BFNT are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., whose parent company, Bridgestone Corporation, is the world's largest tire and rubber company. BFNT develops, manufactures and markets Bridgestone, Firestone, Dayton and associate and private brand tires. The companies are focused on wholesale and original equipment markets, supplying passenger, light truck, commercial vehicle, off-road, agricultural and other tires to its customers in North America.