Goodyear, The Official Tire Of NASCAR, has taken Throwback Weekend to heart, by bringing a special tire design each season to celebrate the sport’s heritage.
The company will take it a step further in May, as Goodyear will officially take the title sponsorship of the Cup Series race, dubbed the “Goodyear 400.”
an iconic brand ? a legendary track
History will be made this May 9th. #Goodyear400 x #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/B0YTy8PH3x
— Darlington Raceway (@TooToughToTame) April 14, 2021
“Goodyear is one of the most iconic brands in the history of motorsports, so we are proud to name our spring NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway the Goodyear 400,” said Darlington President Kerry Tharp. “Goodyear has been a part of many monumental moments in Darlington Raceway’s storied history. We look forward to writing a new chapter with Goodyear as part of the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR.”
In keeping with its tire design tradition, the tire manufacturer will also bring back the fan-favorite “Blue Streak” wall design from 2020.
“Goodyear is honored to be a part of the Official Throwback Weekend, a tradition that drivers and fans look forward to each year,” said Karen Maroli, Goodyear’s vice president of marketing. “Goodyear and NASCAR have a shared legacy that spans six decades and multiple generations, and the throwback nature of the Goodyear 400 allows us to celebrate the accomplishments of the past while also showcasing the incredible talents of drivers today.”
Goodyear’s first foray as a race title sponsorship in North America couldn’t come at a more fitting place. Darlington was the site of the company’s first official tire test in 1954 and earned their first win in the 1959 edition of the Southern 500, won by driver Jim Reed.
Fans can see the Goodyear 400 on May 9th at 3:30 PM EST on FOX Sports 1 and the FOX Sports app.