INDYCAR: Bridgestone makes Firestone team changes

Above: Dale Harrigle, left, and Cara Adams at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 2016.

Bridgestone Americas has announced a shakeup in the Race Tire Development arm of Firestone Racing, naming Dan Peterman to the newly formed role of manager of race tire development/production and building services and promoting Cara Adams to chief engineer of Bridgestone Americas Motorsports and manager of race tire development.

"Dale is an innovator in the world of race tire design and he has been instrumental in the success of Firestone Racing for more than two decades. The program would not be where it is today without his expertise, leadership and sacrifice," said Lisa Boggs, director of Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. "Dan and Cara have demonstrated the knowledge, experience and leadership necessary to ensure a seamless transition and to continue our tradition of excellence."

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Peterman, who has more than 25 years of manufacturing experience at Bridgestone tire manufacturing facilities, will oversee all aspects of race tire development and manufacturing. The University of Akron graduate will relocate from South Carolina to Akron, Ohio.

Adams, who began her career with Bridgestone in 2003 as an engineer in the tire/vehicle dynamics department, will take over for Dale Harrigle. Since joining the race tire development team in 2007, she has developed road and street course tires, and currently oversees the brand's superspeedway tire development, including those used in the Indianapolis 500. She also manages the race team's Force and Moment testing program, working with teams and manufacturers to develop tire models used in race simulations.

"I'm honored to lead our engineering team in the future development of tires for Indy car racing and into the next chapter of Firestone Racing's storied history," Adams said. "Perhaps one of Dale's biggest contributions to our sport is the expert team of engineers and chemists developed during his tenure. Dan, our entire team of engineers, chemists and technicians and I look forward to applying those teachings as we continue to provide world-class tires to our racing family."

Harrigle, who was named to the position in 2013 and has been with Bridgestone more than 20 years (18 in its motorsports programs), has accepted a management position in Bridgestone's Consumer Tire Trade Group, effective at the end of the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season.

"I've had the privilege of working with many talented, dedicated and inspiring people in the world of motorsport, and I am honored to have been chosen to lead the great team at Firestone Race Tire Development for the past four years," Harrigle said. "I am excited for a new challenge and to use my expertise in leading a team in the Consumer Tire Trade Group. I wish Firestone Racing and INDYCAR continued success in their tremendous partnership, and I congratulate Dan and Cara on their new roles."