Goodyear, NASCAR Extend Pact

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and NASCAR have announced an extended agreement for Goodyear to continue as the exclusive tire used in NASCAR’s top three racing series for the next five years. The agreement, which extends through the 2017 season, renews Goodyear as the “Exclusive Tire Supplier” of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series. Goodyear has had an uninterrupted commitment to NASCAR since becoming a race tire supplier in the 1950s, making it one of the longest-running supply programs in any sport. In addition, Goodyear has been the exclusive tire supplier for all three of the circuit’s top series since 1997.

Jim O’Connell, NASCAR’s chief sales officer, said, “Our longtime relationship with Goodyear is a testament to the company’s consistent high-quality tire it supplies the race teams. Not only are they experts in tire performance, but they are also a brand that understands how to effectively engage and connect with our fans through creative activation.”

Stu Grant, Goodyear’s general manager of worldwide racing said, “This season marks the 57th consecutive year of Goodyear's involvement with NASCAR, and I can't imagine our racing program without that alliance. We've been able to grow the exposure of the Goodyear brand through the phenomenal growth of NASCAR over the years, and it's been a very exciting process. The race cars have evolved and I think that together, Goodyear and NASCAR have delivered a racing product that is second to none. I'm very pleased and very proud that this relationship will continue."

Chad Knaus, crew chief for five-time and defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, said of the deal, “I think the level of commitment from Goodyear over the years is incomparable among all levels of auto sports. Goodyear is always here, talking to the competitors, making sure their product performs how we need it to. The way their engineers work and deal with the teams, it shows why they have succeeded in this sport for so long.”