Goodyear hands Dale Earnhardt Jr. the keys to the Blimp to celebrate his return to racing.

In celebration of his return to racing at this Sunday’s Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt Jr. donned a Goodyear Blimp pilot uniform and took a lap in the Goodyear Blimp on Wednesday.

Earnhardt Jr., who missed 18 races last season while recovering from a concussion, will get behind the familiar wheel of his “88” car Sunday seeking his third Daytona 500 victory on the confidence of Goodyear tires.

“This was such a cool day – being able to co-pilot the Goodyear Blimp and connect with a fan who has so honorably served our country,” said Earnhardt Jr. “I’m proud to be involved with Goodyear. Ever since we started working together, I’ve wanted to ride in the blimp, so this was a great experience that I will never forget.”