Goodyear customizes tires to honor America’s Armed Forces

July 16, 2012

• Goodyear launches 3rd annual charity campaign to support U.S. Troops and their families
• Goodyear will rebrand its NASCAR & NHRA tires for a weekend to Support Our Troops
• Goodyear will donate $1 per select Goodyear tire sold up to $250,000

As a further reflection of its decades of military support, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR’s three major national series and NHRA Racing’s Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, is honoring and supporting U.S. Armed Forces with the launch of the “Goodyear Gives Back” campaign, a fund-raising effort designed to generate support for the U.S. Armed Forces and their families who make sacrifices to protect Americans’ freedom.

Goodyear is transforming the appearance of all related racing tires over the July 4th holiday race weekend, replacing the traditional “Goodyear Eagle” sidewalls with a symbolic yellow ribbon design reading “Support Our Troops.” A number of initiatives are part of this year’s program, including at-track activities, the launch of www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack, and multiple opportunities for racing fans to participate – all to benefit the Support Our Troops organization.

“Soldiers and their families make tremendous sacrifices for us every day. We hope that by changing the look of our race tires to raise awareness, along with Goodyear’s donation and fund-raising efforts, we can help make a difference in the lives of the troops and their families,” said Garth Ely, Goodyear director of brand marketing.  “From outfitting Humvees and planes, to patrolling the coast with the Goodyear blimp after Pearl Harbor, Goodyear has been supporting the military for more than 100 years.”

To kick off this year’s program, Goodyear is leading the way with its own donation to Support Our Troops. During the “Goodyear Gives Back” event from July 1 through August 31, Goodyear will donate $1 per select Goodyear tire sold up to $250,000 to the Support Our Troops organization. Over the past two years, contributions generated through the Goodyear effort have amounted to nearly $400,000 in cash and product, and have benefited U.S. service men and women directly and through the highly effective programs operated by Support Our Troops. This nonprofit nationwide organization works to bolster the morale and well-being of America’s troops and their families by delivering over $20 million per year in care packs and requested items to the front lines, providing positive support at home, kids’ camp assistance and more.

“Goodyear has played an integral role in efforts to raise awareness and funds to help impact the lives of U.S. Armed Forces and their families,” said Martin C. Boire, executive director of Support Our Troops.  “We appreciate all that Goodyear, NASCAR and NHRA are doing by providing so many ways for the fans to show their support for our service men and women through this year’s campaign.”