2024 ended with the tragic news that Paul Bryant from Goodyear passed away on December 9th and following his funeral this week, colleagues have paid tribute.
Paul, 51, was a well-respected member of the Goodyear Racing team, having built strong relationships and friendships across many motorsport paddocks and held the role of Specialist International Event Coordination – Car Racing Programs EMEA.
His entire career had been with the company, and he led the WEC and ELMS activity during the Dunlop Motorsport era, helping guide the brand to success across LMP1, LMP2 and GTE during an intense period of open tyre competition.
Starting out as a tyre fitter for the Dunlop Motorcycle team, working in MotoGP, British Superbike and World Superbike, Paul then joined the four-wheel world. Here he was a key part of Dunlop’s re-entry to the British Touring Car Championship in 2003, leading and managing the fitting team. He also supported Dunlop teams in FIA GT and the Le Mans Series.
In 2007, Paul was promoted to be Event Coordinator for sportscar racing, managing the European Le Mans Series, International Le Mans Cup and FIA World Endurance Championship activity in an era that saw Dunlop dominate LMP2 and achieve highlights such as LMGTE Le Mans and championship wins with Aston Martin. In 2020 he played a key role in the relaunch and logistics planning when Goodyear re-entered world championship motorsport.
The sudden loss of Paul is a shock to his many friends in the paddock, some of which have paid their own tributes to Paul.
Mathias Kipp, Head of Car Racing, Goodyear EMEA
“I initially worked with Paul ten years ago when I came from the world of motorcycle to car racing. I needed a trusted partner to quickly bring me up to speed in my new world. Paul was this person. Generous with his time and advice, he was a true team player. A humble man with great professionalism. His legacy is significant, and it was a privilege to know him. The thoughts of the whole Goodyear family are with Paul’s family, colleagues, and friends. His personality and professionalism will be sadly missed.”
Mike McGregor, Head of Sales Endurance Racing, Goodyear EMEA
“I met Paul 25 years ago when I started in Dunlop Motorsport, a friendly face that was so helpful and knowledgeable of the racing tyre world. Many of my work memories are from working alongside Paul, someone who took pride in what he did, his attention to detail, of ways of working and how we represented our brands made him such a pleasure to work with.
Paul was a key part of the team and the face of Sportscar Racing for both the Dunlop and Goodyear Brands in the paddock. To the organisers, logistic staff and all our teams and customers, his aim for perfection in everything he was involved in was second to none. Paul will be truly missed and my thoughts are with all his family at this time.”
Alex Kuehn, Sales Manager Customer Racing Program, Goodyear EMEA
“Paul was one of the most customer-oriented people at Goodyear I ever had the pleasure to work with. He was fully committed to our Company and all his efforts done in all the years for the Dunlop and Goodyear racing team was impressive. We have lost a beloved colleague and friend. Rest in peace, Paul.”
Richard Johnson Product and Process Support Manager, Goodyear Racing EMEA
Paul was one of the kindest, most genuine, and loveable people you could ever want to meet. It was an absolute pleasure to have worked with Paul and have him as a close friend for many many years. We are all going to miss you budo. Rest in peace and fly high my friend, Paul “Dec” Bryant you will always be in our hearts. Your mate, Richard “Fozza” Johnson.
Jean-Felix Bazelin, former Dunlop Motorsport General Manager
“I saw Paul rise from tyre fitter to managing the biggest Dunlop activity: the 24 hours of Le Mans. He earned those promotions through his unwavering loyalty to his team, to his job, and to the brands. I have fond memories of a very quiet, humble and modest person whose job efficiency and performances were key to Motorsport success.
He achieved high standards of professional performance while keeping a low-key attitude. His work ethic was so high, and his natural style was to never claim credit for his own achievements, and never criticising others. He was an unsung hero.”
James Bailey, former Dunlop Motorsport colleague
“I first met Paul 22 years ago when Dunlop was appointed as sole tyre supplier to BTCC. I was immediately struck by his calmness under pressure and his desire to seek feedback. This mindset stood him in good stead for the high-pressure tyre wars that followed in sportscar racing. It was a complex and demanding period and Paul’s meticulous planning skills made a huge contribution to the success of many teams. My thoughts are with his family and many friends across the world.”
Graham Goodwin, DSC’s editor
“Paul was a key part of a culture at Dunlop, and now Goodyear, that helped us to understand more about the sport. Passionate about the sport and the product, pretty much always a smiling face in the paddock. Out best wishes to his family, and to all of his friends at Goodyear Racing and beyond.”
