We flew in the Goodyear Blimp at the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Goodyear brought its famous airship back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to celebrate the aircraft's centenary. The manufacturer invited Motors Inside for a flight. Come on board with us.
A big balloon in the sky. For six years, it has been flying over the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. This white, blue, and yellow aircraft makes many spectators dream. And us too, we must admit. Since our first accreditation for the event, we have wanted to get on board.
On Saturday, June 14, Goodyear made this dream come true. For the Blimp’s centenary, the manufacturer invited the press, VIPs, and a few guests on an unusual journey. We were fortunate to be on this quite limited list. Let’s go in one of the other monuments of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
« The Goodyear blimp is a true icon that continues to delight countless people at all kinds of events in North America and Europe », says Sonia Leneveu, Marketing Director, Goodyear EMEA.
After a short shuttle journey from the circuit paddock, we arrive at a temporary launch area. The craft arrives. And immediately, an impression: grandeur. With its 75 meters in length, the Blimp is imposing.
An XXL balloon. According to Goodyear, it would take 25,530,303 cans of 33 cl to fill it with soda. Enough to boost the shares of the flavored soft drink giant.
On the ground, another surprise: it has to be held with a rope to keep it steady. Just enough time to disembark the passengers and board new ones.
Volatile, each gust makes it sway to the right, to the left. But rest assured, there is no danger. A few minutes after takeoff, we are already above the track. The cars doing their warm-up lap make the event even more beautiful. A true parade of colors. And if you listen closely—because the engine noise is quite loud—you can hear the roaring of the 62 cars on the starting grid.
From up there, about 1,200 feet, the view is breathtaking. The stands full, packed. For the first time – and without Google Earth – we were able to discover the circuit from the sky. Thirty minutes of pure bliss. Almost indescribable sensations. Between joy and apprehension due to the wind’s interfering movements. The best view of the circuit, no doubt about it.
This sky giant, due to its dimensions – 75 m long, 19.5 m wide, and 17.4 m high – gives the impression of being piloted without much difficulty: the two drivers handle it without great stress, with smiles, all while chatting.
Thirty minutes of travel that went by in just thirty seconds. A pleasure far too short… We admit, we would have liked to stay longer.
Photos Alexandre Rodrigues
