Goodyear Garage Gets Race Fans Closer to the Track

Snide's Remarks: Yeah, yeah I know you are all tired of hearing how our years old Internet Firsts on The Auto Channel are now big new inventions of the big buck guys, but we gotta say it or bust. In 1996 the hearty tech and journalist crew, headed up by legend Tom Considine sent the first of many May's in the Pennzoil Garage Alley Suite, at the Indianapolis Speedway bringing the Indy 500 home LIVE to internet users in a new and different way...Interactivly. We thought it a good idea then...and it's gratisfying to see that the big time creative genius's think its a good idea today...now if we could have sold this "Live from the Garage" concept when we pitched it 10 years ago we coulda still been doin it. Let me know what yoiu think, msnide@theautochannel.com(p)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 26 -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, NASCAR's longest running sponsor, announced today the launch of Goodyear Garage, an interactive consumer attraction that promises to get race fans closer to the track. Featuring components both at-track and online, Goodyear Garage allows fans to delve into Goodyear's 50-year racing history with NASCAR, offering consumers the chance to win racing-related prizes, bid online for driver memorabilia and enter to win a new vehicle customized by each of four participating drivers: Mark Martin, Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman and Kevin Harvick.

The four drivers convened today at Goodyear Garage at Lowe's Motor Speedway to kick off the program. Mark Martin is the first featured driver whose personal items will be available for bidding on GoodyearGarage.com. Autographed racing gloves, racing shoes, a signed trading card and personalized die cast model are some of Martin's donated auction items. Proceeds from Martin's online auction will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp (http://www.victoryjunction.org/).

Martin also is the first to unveil his customized vehicle -- a 2005 Ford Explorer(TM) -- that can be won by entering the Goodyear Garage sweepstakes at Lowe's Motor Speedway or online at GoodyearGarage.com.

Goodyear Garage celebrates the company's racing heritage, and is supported by the tagline "We Race. We Learn. You Win." The consumer experience, a large 50'x 60' garage-themed structure, which will be present at four separate races this year, serves as an interactive museum, highlighting Goodyear's new products and innovation as well as its racing achievements over the past half- century. Meanwhile, http://www.goodyeargarage.com/ is the only way to bid online for these drivers' items year round.

"We wanted racing fans to take a look into Goodyear's history and our involvement with racing in a unique arena," said Jon Rich, president of Goodyear, North American Tire. "With Goodyear Garage, fans can learn about Goodyear's products and innovation while also registering to win some terrific prizes with the help from a few racing friends."

Kahne, Newman and Harvick also will donate personal items for auction on GoodyearGarage.com, with all proceeds benefiting the charity of each driver's choice. In addition, Goodyear will be donating an additional $25,000 to each driver's charity. At the launch today, Goodyear executives presented Kyle and Pattie Petty with a check for $25,000 for the Victory Junction Gang Camp, Mark Martin's preferred charity.

"I am honored to be working with the Goodyear Garage for a charitable cause," said Mark Martin. "Goodyear and I have many miles in this sport together, and the online auction and vehicle sweepstakes gives me another way to connect with fans during my 'Salute to You' year. Gentlemen (and ladies), start your bidding!"

"These drivers consistently show their support for Goodyear, and we want to show our thanks by supporting causes that are important in their lives," continued Rich. "With Goodyear Garage they're using their celebrity status for a greater good, and that is something Goodyear stands behind."

Goodyear Garage also will be present at Daytona International Speedway for the Pepsi 400 on July 2nd, California Speedway in Fontana for the California 500 on September 4th, and Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Ford 400 on November 20th.