There are few physical structures in motorsport more immediately recognisable than the Dunlop Bridge at Le Mans. The arch, perched atop the hill, has framed generations of race starts and sunrises. Since 1923, it has been a constant presence: relocated, rebuilt and repainted, yet symbolically unchanged.
But come January 1, 2026, the Dunlop name will vanish from the bridge. A quiet decision, perhaps, but one that carries the weight of a century of endurance racing history.
Work is set to begin within days. The bridge itself will remain, but clothed in new colours: blue and yellow, representing Goodyear, the branding of which already adorns the neighbouring grandstand.
This follows Goodyear's January 2025 announcement of the $701million sale of its Dunlop brand to Japanese brand Sumitomo Rubber Industries. What once seemed improbable - removing Dunlop from one of motorsport's most iconic landmarks - suddenly became inevitable.
This isn't the first interruption to the name, strictly speaking. The Dunlop branding disappeared between 1928 and 1949 and the sport's post-war reconstruction. But that change was temporary, dictated by the decision to ban advertisements from the circuit. This feels far more definitive.
Now, just as Goodyear severs that link with Dunlop, its identity displaces Dunlop from the most visible billboard racing has ever offered.
As a reminder, Goodyear remains sole supplier to the LMP2 and LMGT3 categories and boasts 14 Le Mans overall victories, beginning with the Ferrari 250 LM in 1965 and most recently the Joest-run TWR-Porsche in 1997.
Names in official paperwork change faster than names in collective memory. Fans, journalists, drivers, many will continue calling it Dunlop for years, possibly decades.
As for the chicane bearing the Dunlop name, the ACO has informed The Race that this will remain unchanged.
Tonight, many endurance racing devotees will feel a jolt of nostalgia, and perhaps unease. If even the Dunlop Bridge can fall to corporate reshuffling, what else might?
