Jeff Capek: You know, everybody likes to see a blimp. Michael Dougherty: It's just so big, you can't miss it. It's so unique to watch, and they're not even a national icon but a world icon.

The blimp offers a smooth ride even at top speed, creeping along at 73 mph — well below the cars pushing 200 mph on the track. “It’s an iconic symbol for our nation, a floating piece of ...