SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 19, 2025 – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is marking a century of its iconic blimps with a unique tribute at the Goodyear 400 NASCAR race. The company has announced a special blimp-themed sidewall design for its Eagle racing tires, which will be featured on all NASCAR stock cars during NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
Honoring a Century of Flight
The commemorative tire design showcases an image of Goodyear’s first branded blimp, “Pilgrim,” which first took to the skies in 1925. The sidewall also includes a banner highlighting the 100-year milestone. This special design will not only be seen on the track but also in the air. The Goodyear blimp providing aerial coverage for the event will be equipped with a set of anniversary-themed Goodyear Flight Radials.
A Double Anniversary Celebration
The 2025 Goodyear 400 is a double celebration. In addition to Goodyear's blimp centennial, Darlington Raceway is also celebrating its 75th anniversary. This confluence of milestones makes the event particularly special.
Goodyear and NASCAR: A Longstanding Partnership
“Very few brands have the opportunity to celebrate a milestone as significant as 100 years,” said Stu Grant, general manager, Goodyear Global Race Tires. “Goodyear and NASCAR have been providing fans with unforgettable aerial views and thrilling races for nearly as long. It will be a special commemoration of the blimp’s 100th anniversary at the Goodyear 400 with the blimp on the tires and in the sky overhead at an historic venue like Darlington.”
Global Appearances for the Blimp-Themed Tires
The blimp-themed tires won't be exclusive to NASCAR. They are also scheduled to appear in the World Endurance Challenge (WEC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone events, bringing the celebration to a global audience.
Custom Tires for the Goodyear Blimp Fleet
Back in the United States, Goodyear's fleet of three blimps will also sport custom tires throughout 2025 as they travel to various events. These special tires, featuring bright gold lettering and a silhouette of the blimp, offer fans a chance to see the celebratory design up close. Goodyear offered a sneak peek of these custom blimp tires at the Daytona 500 events earlier this year.
Looking Ahead
The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway promises to be a memorable event, marking a century of Goodyear blimps and their enduring presence in American culture. The special tire design and aerial coverage will provide a fitting tribute to this iconic symbol of innovation and flight. The company's commitment to motorsports and its long-standing partnership with NASCAR will be further highlighted by this unique celebration. The appearance of the blimp-themed tires in other racing series underscores Goodyear's global reach and the universal appeal of its blimp brand. The custom tires for the blimp fleet ensure that the celebration continues throughout the year, allowing fans across the country to participate in this historic occasion.
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