Carolyn Ashbee, Goodyear’s sales account manager for drag racing, will retire May 7 after 38 years of service to the company. Ashbee started with the company as a teenager and has spent her entire Goodyear career with the Racing Division.

Bryce Jones has been selected to replace Ashbee at the helm of Goodyear’s drag racing effort.

“We’re all happy for Carolyn that she can retire now and pursue her other interests, but we’ll miss her,” said Stu Grant, Goodyear’s General Manager for Global Race Tires. “Carolyn’s loyalty to Goodyear and her work ethic are extraordinary.”

Carolyn Ashbee, Goodyear’s sales account manager for drag racing, will retire May 7 after 38 years of service to the company. Ashbee started with the company as a teenager and has spent her entire Goodyear career with the Racing Division.

Bryce Jones has been selected to replace Ashbee at the helm of Goodyear’s drag racing effort.

“We’re all happy for Carolyn that she can retire now and pursue her other interests, but we’ll miss her,” said Stu Grant, Goodyear’s General Manager for Global Race Tires. “Carolyn’s loyalty to Goodyear and her work ethic are extraordinary.”

Ashbee’s first assignment for Goodyear came as a high school senior. She continued with the company as she worked toward her data processing degree at the University of Akron. After graduating in 1977, she worked in various racing areas, including sports cars. She transferred to the NASCAR stock car group in 1994, handling what was then the Busch Series as well as NASCAR’s Northwest and Southwest Tours. Ashbee assumed command of the drag racing team in 2002, replacing Perry Bell, who retired.

“It's been a great ride with a great company and I've met a lot of good people along the way,” Ashbee said.

Ashbee’s final event will be this weekend’s NHRA Midwest Nationals at Gateway International Raceway. As fate would have it, Ashbee retires one race after watching over Goodyear’s successful introduction of the new D2681 drive tire for the NHRA’s Top Fuel and Funny Car categories.

“I will miss the people the most but plan to continue to live in the Akron area and stay in touch with many of the people I have worked with over the last 38 years,” Ashbee said. “And I'm sure I'll be attending the races occasionally when they are in the area.”