IZOD IndyCar Series teams are using a new Firestone Firehawk tire specification at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Almost 5,000 tires are available for the month, with each entry receiving 33 sets for all of practice, qualifying and the race. Pole Day top-nine qualifiers will receive an additional set for the pole shootout in the final 90 minutes of the May 19 session.

“Once again, our unmatched race tire development group has produced what we believe to be an even better tire specification for Indy than the specification run here the past two years that received rave reviews,” said Al Speyer, executive director of Firestone Racing. “The 2012 Firehawks for Indy feature updated tread compounds at all four tire positions applied to the same body construction used on last year's tire.

“We expect these new compounds to provide slightly more grip for the left side, but with all four tires retaining the great durability and set-to-set consistency that the Firestone tires of past years have achieved.”

Optional headrest continues non-stop safety improvements

Dallara has manufactured an optional cockpit headrest that includes a Kevlar cover and a quarter-turn latch mechanism to replace the original pins on either side of the driver for ease of removal.

The new design also has a revised foam shape to allow additional clearance for the driver’s shoulders and forearms. The new Dallara chassis was designed and manufacturer with increased safety features, such as a wider cockpit with additional padding to protect the occupant.

Lazier assisting Fan Force United, Alesi

Buddy Lazier, the 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner, is helping Indy 500 rookie Jean Alesi unlock the nuances of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"The new cars look like a lot of fun, and for a race driver it is really fun to sort out a new car because there are so many different things you can play with," Lazier said.

Of note

Edmonton Indy organizers have hosted IZOD IndyCar Series race viewing parties through the first four events of the season and will do so again May 27 for the Indianapolis 500 at the Rose and Crown Pub in Edmonton, Alberta. Prizes will be handed out during the event. The Edmonton Indy is July 22. … TDS Telecommunications Corp. returns for the third consecutive year at Indianapolis as the official communications partner of Lotus HVM Racing. ... Team Barracuda – BHA announced a partnership for the Indy 500 with Gumball 3000. … For those who speak French, check out this video about Fan Force United driver Jean Alesi. CLICK HERE