An Era Concludes at Le Mans as Goodyear Assumes Control of the Dunlop Bridge

An Era Concludes at Le Mans as Goodyear Assumes Control of the Dunlop Bridge

      Porsche

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      In a nod to Detroit's Uniroyal giant, the Dunlop Bridge at Le Mans is the most iconic structure worldwide resembling a tire. It has been a fixture of the Circuit de la Sarthe since the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, it's about to undergo a rebranding. Say farewell to Dunlop and welcome Goodyear.

      In collaboration with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodyear announced this week that it will take over the bridge's branding as part of various updates scheduled for 2026. A new bridge will be “constructed on the current Dunlop Bridge’s structure,” according to an ACO press release. Renovations will also include the Goodyear Racing Club and the Goodyear Grandstand.

      Automobile Club de l’Ouest

      To pay tribute to the legacy of the Dunlop Bridge, Goodyear and the ACO will donate a selection of related memorabilia to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. Nonetheless, it's likely that the bridge’s name will continue to be mistakenly referred to as “Dunlop” instead of “Goodyear” due to ingrained habits.

      This significant change follows the January 2025 sale of the Dunlop tire brand in Europe, North America, and Oceania by Goodyear to Sumitomo Rubber Industries. As Racer points out, Goodyear has been increasing its commitment to endurance racing, making it logical for the company to retain the tire bridge.

      Porsche

      Dunlop tires in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMP2 class were rebranded as Goodyear for the 2019-2020 season. The following year, Goodyear became the exclusive tire supplier for both the WEC and European Le Mans Series, and for the LMGT3 class in both series starting in 2024. Michelin provides tires for the top Hypercar class.

      The bridge has been relocated several times over the years but currently stands at the top of the Dunlop chicane, near the pit exit. Images of vehicles passing under the bridge feature prominently in magazines and television broadcasts, and it serves as an easy reference for fans navigating the track. This will remain unchanged, regardless of the name displayed on the structure.

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An Era Concludes at Le Mans as Goodyear Assumes Control of the Dunlop Bridge An Era Concludes at Le Mans as Goodyear Assumes Control of the Dunlop Bridge An Era Concludes at Le Mans as Goodyear Assumes Control of the Dunlop Bridge

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An Era Concludes at Le Mans as Goodyear Assumes Control of the Dunlop Bridge

A bridge bearing the Dunlop brand has been a fixture at Le Mans since the race first took place in 1923; however, changes within the company necessitated the alteration.