DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- After 14 years of filling the skies, the "Spirit of Goodyear" airship retired after the Daytona 500.  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company's (NASDAQ: GT) longest continuous operated airship was overhead to provide aerial coverage for its final events this weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

Goodyear's "Spirit of Innovation" joined the "Spirit of Goodyear" in a rare appearance by two Goodyear airships at the same event. The "Spirit of Goodyear" will be decommissioned with a very special retirement gift: a GUINNESSS WORLD RECORDS® achievement for the "Longest Continuous Operating Airship."

"The 'Spirit of Goodyear' has provided captivating aerial coverage of the biggest televised events in its 14-year history including many prominent NASCAR races," said Paul Fitzhenry, senior vice president, global communications. "Sports fans around the globe have seen the 'Spirit of Goodyear's' aerial coverage and Daytona was an ideal venue to recognize those contributions."

Since its launch on March 15, 2000, the "Spirit of Goodyear" covered NASCAR races, as well as some of America's biggest events including the NFL playoffs, MLB All-Star Games, NBA Finals, Preakness, Belmont States, U.S. Opens, and NCAA football games.

As the "Spirit of Goodyear" retires, Goodyear is finalizing construction of an all-new airship at the company's Wingfoot Lake Hangar in Suffield, Ohio. Training flights on the new state-of-the-art airship are expected to commence in the near future. The new airship will begin a new chapter for Goodyear, which has provided television networks with industry-leading aerial coverage since 1955. 

Goodyear began providing tires to NASCAR in 1954 and both companies are celebrating the 60-year relationship this year. 

About The Goodyear Airship Fleet

Goodyear's blimps have adorned the skies since 1925 and are among the most recognizable brand icons, representing the largest tire company in North America. Today, the fleet consists of three North American airships – "Spirit of America" in Carson, Calif.; "Spirit of Goodyear" in Akron, Ohio; and "Spirit of Innovation" in Pompano Beach, Fla.

About Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies.  It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 52 facilities in 22 countries around the world.  Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.  For more information about Goodyear or its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company