Firestone was founded in Akron, Ohio in August, 1900 by Harvey Firestone. Firestone founder Harvey Firestone loved racing and could see its potential for marketing and research of new products. Firestone made its start in racing in 1909, when Harvey Firestone put a set of Firestone tires on a car driven by Barney Oldfield in the Indianapolis 300 (precursor to the Indianapolis 500). During a test run for the race Oldfield said to the crowd, "my only life insurance is Firestone tires," and this became a sort of company motto after that. No tire brand has enjoyed more success in the Indianapolis 500 than Firestone. The inaugural Indianapolis 500 was won by Ray Harroun in 1911 on Firestone tires and Dario Franchitti won it on Firestone tires in 2010. There were no specialized tires for racing in the beginnings of the sport and Firestone demonstrated the quality and durability of their tires by using the same tires in racing that were used every day on roads and streets. Once the public saw how reliably Firestone tires performed in racing, they wanted them for their own vehicles. Firestone tires were also on many winners in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series, beginning with the first event in 1949. Bridgestone Tire Company Ltd. was founded in Japan by Shojiro Ishibashi in 1931. Bridgestone Corporation entered into racing in the early 1960s and in 1988 Firestone became part of Bridgestone. The combination of these two companies resulted in the world's largest tire and rubber company. The United states operations were combined into Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc. in 1990 and moved moved its headquarters from Akron to Nashville in 1992. Firestone returned to major racing in May of 1993 and to the top forms of open-wheel racing in 1995. Firestone is the only tire brand that has made its appearance in every Indy Racing League contest. Their success in racing and continued dedication to testing, research and development, has allowed the Firestone brand to create more wins and more championships, continuing the tradition of Firestone Racing success.

Bridgestone/Firestone's "One Team, One Planet" message is guiding the company to make a positive environmental impact across the corporation and in all the communities where they are located. Their dedication to this concept is demonstrated in developing tires that are more fuel efficient and longer lasting, making products and providing services in an environmentally responsible way, as well as establishing wildlife habitat and education programs. Bridgestone/Firestone has made changes company-wide to conserve energy and natural resources used in manufacturing, as well as reduce any emmissions generated in operations. From 2003 to 2008 Bridgestone/Firestone has accomplished reductions in total waste, waste water, carbon dioxide emissions and total energy. In addition, Bridgestone/Firestone has set aside large tracts of land for conservation purposes, to sustain natural systems and create sanctuaries for wildlife. Bridgestone/Firestone is committed to preserving the environment and takes their environmental stewardship seriously.