In a few days’ time, the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship heads to Donington Park for its eighth weekend of the season (26th & 27th August). The historic circuit, which hosted its first motorsport event in 1931, is a fitting venue to host one of several Goodyear 125th anniversary celebrations across the world.

Goodyear, the name that’s been etched into the annals of motorsport, is all set to hit us with a nostalgic blast from the past. They’re dusting off their iconic Wingfoot logo from way back when.

The Wingfoot, with its timeless allure, is more than just a logo. It’s like a beacon of excellence, and it’s back to light up the tracks. It’s this very symbol that sparked the creation of the Wingfoot Award, a trophy that’s handed to those drivers who redefine the limits of performance and consistency in the BTCC weekend.

But let’s rewind a bit. Think 1898 – the year The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was born. Little did they know, they were laying the foundation for a legacy that would become synonymous with motorsport history. I’m talking about Formula 1 victories, Le Mans triumphs, and being the long-standing partner and sponsor in NASCAR history. Goodyear’s got it all under their belt.

Now, let’s talk about BTCC, the British Touring Car Championship. Goodyear has been the sole supplier of tyres since 2020. Even before that, their Dunlop brand exclusively fueled the championship from 2003 to 2019. They’ve got a history with BTCC that dates back to its very inception in 1958. That’s not just participation; that’s weaving into the very fabric of the championship.

Now, the pièce de résistance – the retro magic they’re about to weave at Donington. The modern Goodyear branding that’s been waving from the tyre sidewalls and trackside decorations? Well, for the Donington extravaganza, it’s taking a hiatus. In its place, the original Wingfoot logo is strutting onto the scene, stealing the spotlight as it did over a century ago.

And hold on, this isn’t Goodyear’s first retro rodeo. Nope, not at all. In April, they kicked off this throwback trend at NASCAR’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. But it doesn’t stop there. Europe got a taste too, with nods to nostalgia at NLS5 at the Nürburgring and the FIA World Endurance Championship round at Monza.

“We’re excited to see Goodyear look a bit different this weekend,” says Michael Butler, Goodyear BTCC Event Leader. “Changes to the sidewall and trackside branding will bring a strong flavour of Goodyear’s heritage to the circuit. We’re immensely proud of our legacy and the Wingfoot has always been a symbol of performance in motorsport, which reflects Goodyear’s time spent at the very top of the sport. When it comes to BTCC, we are proud to have been part of the championship’s long history.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added: “We are delighted that Goodyear has selected the BTCC race weekend at Donington Park to activate its 125th anniversary in the UK. The relationship between the BTCC and Goodyear Group – both on-track and off-track – is stronger than ever and is now in its third decade, making it one of the most enduring collaborations in motorsport history.”

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