In celebration of the Goodyear Blimp’s 100th anniversary, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has unveiled a commemorative, blimp-themed sidewall design that will feature on all NASCAR stock cars for NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.
Goodyear’s Eagle racing tires will feature an historic image of Goodyear’s first branded blimp, “Pilgrim,” which took flight in 1925, as well as a banner calling out the 100-year milestone.
Additionally, the Goodyear blimp that will fly overhead to provide aerial coverage for the event will sport a set of anniversary-themed Goodyear Flight Radials. Darlington Raceway is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
“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.”
The blimp-themed tires will also make an appearance in the World Endurance Challenge (WEC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone events.
Goodyear’s fleet of three US blimps will also don custom tires in 2025 as they fly to special events throughout the year. Goodyear says fans can get a first glimpse of the tires, which feature bright gold lettering and a silhouette of the blimp, at this weekend’s Daytona 500 events.
