AKRON, Ohio (Nov. 11, 1996 ) -- Goodyear today announced the addition of Brix Comptech Racing to its family of high-profile teams being supplied with Eagle Racing Radials for the 1997 PPG Indy Car season, with Parker Johnstone again at the wheel of the team's Motorola Reynard Honda.

"We are delighted with opportunity to work with Brix Comptech Racing, headed by Harry Brix, Don Erb and Doug Peterson," said Stu Grant, general manager of Goodyear racing worldwide. "Parker is a talented, versatile driver who also has demonstrated the keen insight and sensitivity needed to provide valuable feedback, whether in a race or during a tire test that our engineers find invaluable in the continuing development of our Eagle tires." Preparations for 1997 will get underway in earnest when the team's new car becomes available for testing in mid-December.

"For Brix Comptech Racing, we consider this move to Goodyear one that will give our team an edge in 1997, and we welcome the opportunity to work closely with such a technically strong and historically successful tire company," said Peterson. "We couldn't overlook the increased level of performance Goodyear tires showed us last season progressed."

"We just finished the most competitive year in IndyCar history," noted Johnstone, "and next season looks like it will be more of the same. Testing is an important part of the performance equation, and I'm looking forward to working with the Goodyear engineers and utilizing their extensive knowledge to help us stay on tip of our game."

Goodyear's aggressive off-season tire development and testing will continue, with both dry and rain tire configurations, and it will extend throughout the season, Grant noted.

Source: IndyCar News Service