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©1999 SpeedCenter Publishing Newman/Haas Racing decides to move to Firestone tires with less than a month before the first race of 1999 remaining. The team calls this difficult step a "business decision." Newman/Hass drivers have been racing on Goodyear rubber since the team's inception. Newman/Haas drivers Andretti and Fittipaldi have both been fighting with tire problems in recent years. Andretti's accidents in Long Beach and Elkhart Lake last season were only the most dramatic results of tire problems that kept the team from consistently running with the top Firestone teams. This decision comes at a surprise because of the late date before the season opener, leaving only a few days of testing on the new tires before the first race of the year. Also, with Goodyear having exited Formula 1 this season, many expected them to improve their tires and step up to the Firestone challenge. Other Goodyear drivers have felt significant progress in recent months: Gil de Ferran and Al Unser jr. have repeatedly commented very positively on the progress made by Goodyear this spring. A very disappointing spring training result may have contributed to Newman/Haas' decision to make this late move to the tire brand that has won the last 3 CART championships and 18 out of 19 races last season. Goodyear's presence in CART is now limited to Walker Racing (2 cars), Team Penkse, Bettenhausen Motorsports, and All American Racers (1 car each). Less teams means less feedback data. Will Goodyear be able to turn the tide? Goodyear's future may depend on the level of success Newman/Hass will enjoy on Firestone tires in 1999.
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