On the eve of its dealer meeting in metropolitan Dallas, current and former NASCAR drivers were on hand to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Goodyear Eagle.
In a special ceremony, NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Darryl Waltrip presented Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'s Bob Toth with a trophy commemorating the performance line's silver anniversary. Toth, marketing manager of Goodyear auto tires, also was on hand to help launch the Eagle brand name in 1980.
Goodyear Chairman, CEO and President Bob Keegan, North American Tire President Jon Rich and NASCAR drivers Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd and Bill Elliott were on stage as well.
"In the late 1970s and early 1980s, performance typically meant straight-line acceleration," says Toth. "When we launched the Eagle performance line, it was designed to meet (that need) for muscle cars and hot rods.
"As time has (passed), the cars have progressed and become highly sophisticated, and so have the tires. Today's Eagles are integral parts of today's cars."
The latest Eagle performance tires maneuver and corner well on both wet and dry surfaces in addition to providing straight-line speed, according to Toth.
"Tires determine how fast the car stops, starts and corners. They are the limiting factor. A brand new Ferrari with '59 Studebaker tires will handle like a '59 Studebaker."
Goodyear's 2005 Dealer Meeting begins Monday, Jan. 31. Rich will be one of the speakers at the general session. Keegan is expected to talk to dealers in attendance at Tuesday's general session.
