Goodyear blimp plans to send a message at Daytona

Feb. 12, 2007

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s "Spirit of Innovation" blimp will take to the skies over Daytona International Speedway this week to deliver disaster relief messages to the tens of thousands attending on-site activities, preliminary races and NASCAR's Daytona 500.

The airship will utilize its illuminated sign to provide a phone number and Web site where event attendees can direct their contributions to the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund, an agency that has been established to provide relief to storm-stricken Floridians.

"Donations to this fund will help tornado survivors, just as they have helped hundreds across our state recover from hurricane devastation," says Florida Governor Charlie Crist.

The blimp will carry the following message: "Your friends and

neighbors... victims of Florida's recent tornadoes, need your help.

Call the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund at 1-800-825-3786, or go to

www.volunteerfloridafoundation.org."

"The thoughts and prayers of all Goodyear associates are with the victims of the recent tornadoes in Florida," says Chuck Sinclair, senior vice president of global communications for Goodyear. "We hope this awareness effort will help bring relief to those who desperately need it."

Weather permitting, Goodyear's "Spirit of Innovation" airship will

provide its disaster relief message in and around the Daytona area beginning Wednesday, Feb. 14. The blimp also will be providing aerial coverage of NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series race on Friday, Feb. 16, for the Speed Channel; NASCAR's Busch Series race on Saturday, Feb. 17, for ESPN 2; and the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18, for the Fox Television Network.