SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 20, 2025 – In a unique celebration of the Goodyear Blimp's 100th anniversary, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has announced a special, blimp-themed sidewall design for its Eagle racing tires. These commemorative tires will be featured on all NASCAR stock cars during NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
A Nod to History
The new tire design showcases a historic image of Goodyear's first branded blimp, the "Pilgrim," which first took to the skies in 1925. The sidewall also includes a banner highlighting the 100-year milestone. This design will not only be visible on the race cars but also on the Goodyear blimp itself, which will provide aerial coverage for the Goodyear 400. The blimp will be equipped with a set of anniversary-themed Goodyear Flight Radials.
Celebrating Milestones
"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.” This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Darlington Raceway, adding another layer of significance to the event.
Beyond NASCAR
The commemorative blimp-themed tires won't be exclusive to NASCAR. They will also make appearances in the World Endurance Challenge (WEC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at the Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone events. This broader exposure allows Goodyear to share this historic celebration with a wider audience of motorsport enthusiasts.
A Year-Long Celebration
Goodyear's fleet of three US blimps will also sport custom tires throughout 2025 as they travel to various special events. These special tires feature striking gold lettering and a silhouette of the blimp, further emphasizing the centennial celebration. Fans got a preview of these unique tires at this past weekend’s Daytona 500 events.
Goodyear's Commitment to Motorsports
Goodyear has a long and storied history in motorsports, providing high-performance tires for various racing series around the world. This special tire design serves as a testament to Goodyear’s enduring commitment to innovation and its continued support of motorsports. The company's presence in NASCAR, WEC, and ELMS highlights its dedication to providing top-tier racing tires for diverse racing environments.
Looking Ahead
The Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway promises to be a memorable event, combining the excitement of NASCAR racing with the celebration of two significant anniversaries. With the blimp-themed tires on the cars and the anniversary-edition blimp overhead, the race will be a fitting tribute to Goodyear's 100 years of aerial innovation and its longstanding partnership with NASCAR. The company’s continued involvement in motorsports suggests that fans can expect more innovative tire technologies and special celebrations in the years to come. Goodyear’s focus on blending history with cutting-edge technology positions them as a key player in the future of racing.
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