DRIVING : It Just Keeps On Rolling Along

Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. has developed a tire that if spiked, spindled or otherwise mutilated will still run for 50 miles at 50 m.p.h. without rocking or rolling.

This month, the company mounted Run Flat wheels and tires on two Callaway Corvettes entered in the One Lap of America. One tire on each was punctured at the start of the charity rally, which often is driven at legal speeds.

The damaged tires performed as if inflated throughout the 2,800-mile run on highways and racetracks in 12 eastern, southern and central states.

It was more than Bridgestone expected. In fact, company engineers were so cautious about the tire’s potential they loaded several spares in a mother van.

“Our best previous distance was 208 miles from Pasadena to Willow Springs Raceway and back,” explains spokesman John Taylor. “We certainly didn’t expect it to go this far.”

Before you tear up your AAA membership card: Run Flats are a peek at the future, are available only as a full set of wheels and tires--and cost $5,000.

They are now available only for Corvettes. If holed, a $375 tire must be replaced. Despite a prorated discount for miles remaining, that certainly will be more than the $7 cost of fixing a routine flat.

“But as technology grows,” Taylor adds, “costs will come down.”