Bridgestone will replace Centrix Financial as the title sponsor of the Grand Prix of Denver, event organizers announced today. The race will officially be named the Grand Prix of Denver sponsored by Bridgestone.

The Grand Prix is slated for Aug. 11-13. It had initially been billed as the Centrix Financial Grand Prix of Denver sponsored by Bridgestone. Some marketing materials have already been printed with the Centrix Financial brand on them.

Centrix Financial had been the title sponsor since 2003. But the company is struggling financially with a downturn in its subprime auto-loan business. Centrix owner and chief executive Robert Sutton also co-owns the Grand Prix.

“Denver’s Grand Prix has quickly become one of the most exciting Champ

Car events on the circuit, and Bridgestone is pleased to become this year’s presenting sponsor,” said Al Speyer, an official with Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC, in a statement. “This one-of-a-kind event will allow for car fans of all types to come together in a weekend festival. Our sponsorship continues Bridgestone’s extremely active involvement in the Grand Prix of Denver since the event began here five years ago.”

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