Goodyear Celebrates 100 Years of the Blimp with a Unique Sidewall Design at Darlington

Celebrating a Century of the Goodyear Blimp

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is commemorating a monumental milestone in the brand's history: the 100th anniversary of the iconic Goodyear Blimp. This landmark event is being celebrated in style, with the unveiling of a unique, blimp-themed sidewall design to be featured on all NASCAR stock cars during the upcoming Goodyear 400.

Scheduled for Darlington Raceway on April 6, 2025, the Goodyear 400 not only marks the return of the NASCAR season but also celebrates its own 75th anniversary. Fans can look forward to witnessing the historic blimp “Pilgrim” elegantly stenciled on the Goodyear 18-inch Eagle racing tires. This design pays homage to the blimp's inaugural flight in 1925, adding a touch of nostalgia and grandeur to this thrilling racing event.

Overhead Celebrations

In an exciting twist, the Goodyear Blimp will take to the skies, providing aerial coverage of the event while donning a set of anniversary-themed Goodyear Flight Radials. With its signature shape and bright colors, the blimp adds a vibrant spectacle to the Goodyear 400 and sets an atmosphere of celebration for both the race and the blimp’s century-long legacy.

“Very few brands have the chance to celebrate a milestone as significant as 100 years,” said Stu Grant, General Manager of Goodyear Global Race Tires. He emphasized the long-standing partnership between Goodyear and NASCAR, noting how both have delivered memorable moments for fans over the years.

An Event to Remember

As the curtains rise on this historic weekend, attendees will have the unique opportunity to see the Goodyear Blimp and engage with its storied past. The Goodyear 400 is characterized by its traditional throwback theme, making it a fitting occasion to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Goodyear Blimp.

The innovative sidewall design doesn't just stop at the NASCAR event. Goodyear plans to showcase this anniversary theme at various significant events in 2025, including the World Endurance Challenge (WEC) and European Le Mans Series (ELMS) races at esteemed venues like Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone.

In addition, Goodyear’s fleet of three U.S. blimps will be outfitted with custom tires featuring gold lettering and the blimp's silhouette, as a celebration of the historic occasion. The premiere of the blimp-themed tires will take place during the Daytona 500 events, bringing the excitement right to the fans.

Join the Celebration

Goodyear has declared June 3, 2025, as the official date of the Goodyear Blimp’s 100th anniversary, and fans are invited to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. They can track the blimp’s extensive city tour across 100+ locations on GoodyearBlimp.com and on various social media platforms. Exciting aerial appearances are planned throughout the year, allowing fans a chance to witness this beloved icon up close.

Additionally, a special sweepstakes titled “Buy for a Chance to Fly” offers fans an opportunity to win a passenger flight experience aboard the blimp. Those who purchase tires through Goodyear's website or its network of retailers between January 1 and April 10, 2025, can enter for a chance to fly this remarkable airship. Three fortunate winners will each receive a flight certificate for two along with a $3,000 voucher for travel and accommodations.

This anniversary celebration not only showcases Goodyear’s commitment to excellence in motorsport but also pays tribute to the rich history of the Goodyear Blimp. As the date draws near, anticipation builds for a spectacular year ahead for both racing enthusiasts and Goodyear fans alike.