Goodyear will start the 2006 racing season with a new tire leasing program for NASCAR's top three series and racing's first deployment of Radio Frequency Identification technology (RFID) in the form of an embedded computer chip in the tires to help manage the leased inventory.

Goodyear has been evaluating RFID tracking applications for its tires since 1984 and is currently using the technology to also manage its vendor relationship with Walmart.

Goodyear might have invested in this technology in an effect to gain an extension on its contract with NASCAR which ends after the 2007 season. Goodyear has been the sole manufactorer for NASCAR since 1997.

NASCAR's new controlled testing procedures were developed in an effort to level the playing field for all teams.

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire has not entered into negotiations with NASCAR, said Firestone Racing executive director Al Speyer. However, Bridgestone Firestone is the exclusive provider to the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series.