Goodyear Kicks Off 4th Annual 'Gives Back' Campaign

AKRON, Ohio, May 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its long history of supporting the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR's three major national series, is waving the green flag on the fourth annual "Goodyear Gives Back" charitable program benefitting the Support Our Troops® organization.  

To launch this year's program, Goodyear will again transform its race tires by replacing the "Eagle" sidewall design with desert camouflage lettering that reads "Support Our Troops" on all NASCAR tires used during Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The commemorative tires are one of a number of initiatives planned as part of this year's program, which includes a charity auction featuring autographed NASCAR memorabilia and VIP experiences, along with at-track activities and multiple opportunities for racing fans to participate. All proceeds from the program benefit Support Our Troops®, a nonprofit nationwide organization that works to bolster the morale and well-being of America's troops and their families.

"Memorial Day Weekend is a time for all of us to reflect on the incredible sacrifices soldiers and their families make every day to protect our freedom," said Gary Melliere, Goodyear's general manager of sponsorships. "Goodyear is proud to continue its longtime support of the military with this program, and we hope all NASCAR fans will join us in helping to raise funds for this great cause."

Fans can get involved in this year's "Goodyear Gives Back" program by visiting www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack to bid on authentic Goodyear NASCAR tires autographed by the drivers who used them, as well as other unique items including VIP motorsports experiences and memorabilia, and rides on the iconic Goodyear Blimp. All auction proceeds go directly to Support Our Troops®, and Goodyear will match the funds raised through the charity auction up to $50,000.*

During the program, which runs through July 8, 2013, consumers can also make direct donations to Support Our Troops®, send messages to troops through the Goodyear website and purchase Goodyear Gives Back merchandise through the auction link (while supplies last).

"The Goodyear Gives Back program has played a very important role over the years in helping to raise awareness and funds to better the lives of U.S. Armed Forces and their families," said Martin C. Boire, executive director of Support Our Troops. "We want to thank Goodyear and NASCAR for continuing to give racing fans a fun opportunity to support our service men and women through this program."

To date, the Goodyear Gives Back program has provided more than $700,000 in cash and product donations that have gone directly to supporting the troops and their families. This year's program launch is part of a strong effort made by the racing community to show its support of the military this Memorial Day race weekend, including the launch of "NASCAR: An American Salute," which highlights the sport's ongoing support of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans. This year, the NASCAR program is galvanizing the industry, partners and fans around an effort to touch the lives of one million military service men and women and their families. Goodyear is also supporting Charlotte Motor Speedway's Patriot Partners bus sponsorship program, which is bringing thousands of troops to the 54th running of the Coca-Cola 600 from Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. and Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C.

"Goodyear continues to be a great NASCAR supporter as we unite to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the U.S. military," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "We hope that the Goodyear Gives Back program, in conjunction with the 'NASCAR: An American Salute' initiative, will continue to encourage NASCAR fans to express how thankful we are for those who serve our country and their families, while also raising money to help support them."

To continue its show of support for the military, representatives from Goodyear, NASCAR and a group of volunteers teamed up at Charlotte Motor Speedway to fill care packages for the troops with personalized "thank you" cards and other essential items donated by Goodyear and NASCAR sponsors and partners. For the second year in a row, UPS Trackside Services will provide shipping and manage the delivery of the care packages from Charlotte to active duty troops in Kuwait and Afghanistan. UPS is the Official Logistics Provider of NASCAR and has committed to hire more than 25,000 veterans over the next five years.

Goodyear, the largest producer of military tires in the U.S., has a longstanding history with the U.S. Armed Forces, with more than 100 years of commitment to building innovative and reliable tires and equipment to support and protect our troops. Goodyear's commitment extends beyond products and charitable donations; priding itself on hosting events at U.S. military bases throughout the year, bringing service men and women and their families a chance to interact with drivers and take rides on the Goodyear Blimp.

About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States. NASCAR consists of three national series (the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series), four regional series, one local grassroots series, three international series and GRAND-AM Road Racing and the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron, both known for competition on road courses. Based in Daytona Beach, Fla., with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information, visit www.nascar.com and follow NASCAR at www.facebook.com/NASCAR and Twitter: @NASCAR.

About Support Our Troops
SupportOurTroops.Org provides simple constructive ways for citizens and community minded businesses to show their patriotism and appreciation for those who sacrifice so much to protect our country, our homes, our families, and our American way of life.

Support Our Troops is a registered trademark licensed through SupportOurTroops.org. The official SupportOurTroops.Org website is a nationwide platform for individuals, organizations, businesses and non-profits to bolster America's troops and their families in a multitude of ways. It is a moral covenant with those who serve to protect us and our families. SupportOurTroops.Org is a resource that was not available to previous generations of troops, which now stands as a permanent living testament to the affection, gratitude and loyalty good Americans hold for those who do so much for all of us every day.

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.

*Consumer purchases of Goodyear tires will not affect the total contribution to charity.  Support Our Troops^® is a registered trademark licensed through SupportOurTroops.org.  See Participating Retailer for complete details.

SOURCE Goodyear