AKRON (June 16, 2006) — Goodyear's newest blimp will be christened June 21 in Akron by Lesa France Kennedy, president of International Speedway Corp. and a member of NASCAR's board of directors.
At the christening, Goodyear will introduce the blimp's name, which was the topic of a national naming contest.
Ms. France Kennedy and Lynn Keegan, wife of Goodyear CEO and Chairman Robert Keegan, will break the christening bottle against the airship's gondola. The new blimp will then take a flight with its sister ship, Spirit of Goodyear.
“In the past, Goodyear often had the pioneering women of the day, such as Amelia Earhart or Sally Ride, perform the christening honors,” said Chuck Sinclair, senior vice president of global communications. “Continuing that tradition, we are pleased to have Lesa France Kennedy join Lynn Keegan and take part in this historic event. She clearly embodies ground-breaking spirit and, like Goodyear, she is a strong proponent of the heritage and the future of auto racing at the highest levels.”