Goodyear’s Kramer gains prestigious NASCAR award

NASCAR has honoured Goodyear’s Rich Kramer with the Bill France Award of Excellence in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the motorsport series as chief executive and president of Goodyear. Jim France, chairman and chief executive officer of NASCAR, presented Kramer with the accolade during the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Awards on 30 November.

“I’m completely humbled by this acknowledgement,” Kramer said at the awards ceremony. “The team you see at the track each weekend – anything I’m acknowledged for is due to them. Goodyear is a long-term partner of NASCAR because we share many values.”

Goodyear has a nearly 70-year relationship with NASCAR. The tyre maker recently developed the 18-inch Goodyear Racing Eagle tyre used on NASCAR’s Next Gen stock car. Additionally, in June, Goodyear equipped its tyres with real-time tyre intelligence capability for the NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Garage 56 entry at the24 Hours of Le Mans.

Third honour for Goodyear

NASCAR does not confer the Bill France Award of Excellence every year, and since its inception in 1953 has only presented it 28 times. NASCAR bestowed the award upon Goodyear in 1965 and 1971.

“Rich Kramer and his team at Goodyear have been critically important to NASCAR during a period of challenges, change and growth,” said Jim France. “From their COVID response to help in our return to the racetrack to the collaboration in the design of the Next Gen race car, to their partnership in bringing NASCAR to the world’s stage at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rich and Goodyear have been extremely valuable partners and friends. The Bill France Award of Excellence is among NASCAR’s most prestigious – and rare – awards and is presented to Rich for his vast contributions to our great sport.”

Richard Kramer recently announced his intention to retire from Goodyear in 2024 after 24 years with the company.