Al Speyer

Allen "Al" Speyer, the visionary motorsports executive who orchestrated Firestone's triumphant return to IndyCar racing, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the age of 73 in his Hendersonville, TN home. He was born on July 21, 1952 in Huntington, NY, son of Walter and Doris (Wagenbauer) Speyer.

Al's nearly four-decade career with Firestone and Bridgestone Americas left an indelible mark on American open-wheel racing.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University (1974), Al became synonymous with Firestone's racing programs. His greatest achievement came in leading Firestone's return to IndyCar competition in the 1990s, beginning with the Indy Lights series in 1990 and expanding to CART in 1995 and the Indy Racing League in 1996.

In recognition of his achievements, Al was promoted to Executive Director of Motorsports for Bridgestone Americas in 2001, a position he held until his retirement in December 2012. "My career with Bridgestone Americas is filled with positive experiences, and my time in motorsports has been a dream come true," he reflected at the time. His retirement proved temporary when the late Don Panoz recruited him to serve as Chief Operating Officer of the DeltaWing sports car program.

In retirement, Al embraced his passion for boating, spending cherished time with his wife, Jane, his first mate – often accompanied by their son, Erik, and family and friends -- aboard their 46’ 1988 Grand Banks trawler, InSpeyered 2. Together they traveled the Great Circle Loop, creating memories on the water that brought him as much joy as his years in motorsports. Boaters knew him as “Captain Al.”

Al was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane, his son, Erik, and his sister, Joan, as well as nieces and nephews and other family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sam Schmidt’s Conquer Paralysis Now (https://www.conquerparalysisnow.org/), UNOS (organ transplants) (https://unos.org/), or a charity of your choice in Al's memory.