DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodyear and Earnhardt. Two names that have been connected for decades across multiple generations. Goodyear brings that sentiment to life with a new piece of advertising celebrating the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his drive to honor his name.

Goodyear's new commercial "Make a Name" highlights the relationship between Goodyear and Earnhardt Jr., and underscores the power of a name. With the commercial set to the late Jim Croce's iconic song "I Got a Name" – fittingly covered by his son, A.J. Croce – the ad features Goodyear's history with the Earnhardt family. Goodyear will first air the :30 version of the ad on television during the FOX broadcast of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18.

"Goodyear has always been part of my family and I'm proud to partner with them on this 'Make a Name' spot, which is a reflection of one's legacy, values and drive," said Earnhardt Jr.  "It tells a very personal story about me growing up, but it also hits home with where I am today, both personally and professionally."

In a nod to the new creative, Goodyear created a special design on its iconic blimp, temporarily replacing "Goodyear" with "#MakeAName" on Florida-based blimp Wingfoot One.

"We're excited to debut this commercial during one of the most legendary races, with one of the most legendary drivers," said Seth Klugherz, Goodyear's director of North America marketing. "Dale Jr.'s story underscores Goodyear's commitment to hard work, determination and drive, and we are proud to stand by his side."

Originally made famous by Jim Croce and used in the 1973 biopic about the life of legendary NASCAR driver, Junior Johnson, "I Got a Name" was an essential piece in telling an authentic story.

"It's been an honor to represent my family name and bring my father's song to life with Goodyear," said A.J. Croce.  

Earnhardt Jr. has won all his NASCAR races with the support of Goodyear tires – including his first NASCAR Premier Series victory in 2000, and both his DAYTONA 500 victories in 2004 and 2014. He returns to the Speedway as the Grand Marshal of the 60^th running of the DAYTONA 500, representing his first appearance at the Great American Race since retiring in 2017. 

Tune-in to watch the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and Motor Racing Network.

About Goodyear
Goodyear (NASDAQ: GT), founded in 1898 in Akron, is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 64,000 people and manufactures its products in 48 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, 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 and its products, go to www.goodyear.com.

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SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company