A Fun Little Rumor

[rev-ed]

Picked this up while poking around on the web:

Presenting sponsor of 2002 Indy 500 to be. . . . . . . . . . . .


Marlboro?

Believe at your own risk.

[mnkywrch]

Originally posted by rev-ed:
<STRONG>Picked this up while poking around on the web:

Presenting sponsor of 2002 Indy 500 to be. . . . . . . . . . . .

Marlboro?

Believe at your own risk. </STRONG>

*cough*

I'd love to see the link on that one.

So will they replace the balloons with a large smoke ring? Will they re-paint the pylon to look like a giant cigarette?

I'd rather they sponsor Fontana and Michigan and hand out lots of free tickets like they used to do.

That's what killed the Michigan crowd - Marlboro dropping that race sponsorship.

[Fueler]

The other rumor I'm hearing is that they will sponsor the whole points fund for the series, bringing back the "Marlboro Championship Trail"....

Again, believe it at your own risk... sources on this are non-typical!

[ January 12, 2002: Message edited by: Fueler ]

[Racewriter]

Originally posted by Defender:
<STRONG>My own personal protest this past September involved the outdoor moistening of a Shell logo painted on the grass with an ammonia-like substance from my bladder.



[ January 12, 2002: Message edited by: Defender ]</STRONG>

Somehow, that's not a big surprise...

[BigFig]

I have nothing to go on but "rumors" and "inferences" that I've heard over the last few years but, I THINK, TG had to be convinced to let tobacco advertise in the IRL. Remember when Hemelgarn had Montana one year then it was gone, I heard that TG twisted his arm or outright forbade it's return. On these grounds, I would be surprised to see tobacco as a presenting (or representing) IMS in any fashion.

[Z28]

Sounds more like Marlboro dreamin' than a real deal. I just don't see Tony George letting the 500 have a presenter unless it was a huge money deal to knock your socks off, through a window and out of the house. Tobacco advertising seems doomed to legislation so even a championship trail would be short term and long term stability has been what Tony G. has said he is looking for.

[KnockOff]

Well, Fontana does have a smokey heritage.

[trevor83]

Wouldn't be the first time Marlboro had a connection to IMS. My '71 Indy 500 program has the Marlboro logo on it and says its part of the USAC Marlboro Championship.

[Truth Detector]

Originally posted by Fueler:
<STRONG>The other rumor I'm hearing is that they will sponsor the whole points fund for the series, bringing back the "Marlboro Championship Trail"....
</STRONG>

Don't the touchy-feely tobacco laws forbid this?

[Parsons W. Newbury]

Originally posted by Truth Detector:
<STRONG>

Don't the touchy-feely tobacco laws forbid this?</STRONG>

No.

[trevor83]

Originally posted by Truth Detector:
<STRONG>

Don't the touchy-feely tobacco laws forbid this?</STRONG>

As long as its kept in one series, its doesn't matter.

[JoeBob]

I have nothing to go on but "rumors" and "inferences" that I've heard over the last few years but, I THINK, TG had to be convinced to let tobacco advertise in the IRL.

Three points:
1. Hollywood is a tobacco sponsor, and has been around in the past.
2. The IRL is in no position to be turning away sponsors.
3. Which is worse, tobacco or pornography? The IRL allowed Tyce Carlson to have Penthouse sponsorship.

[SHERNI]

From what I understand the Tyce sponsorship was a trial run by the team to try and lure a full time sponsorship.

[Satman]

Originally posted by JoeBob:
<STRONG>

Three points:
1. Hollywood is a tobacco sponsor, and has been around in the past.
2. The IRL is in no position to be turning away sponsors.
3. Which is worse, tobacco or pornography? The IRL allowed Tyce Carlson to have Penthouse sponsorship.</STRONG>

If I am correct the IRL had Tyce remove Penthouse from the car after qualifying.

[GlennH]

Originally posted by Satman:
<STRONG>


If I am correct the IRL had Tyce remove Penthouse from the car after qualifying.</STRONG>

He never qualified, he got in a wreck, and broke (something), and other than him being present at several IRL races since then (but not driving), that's about all we've seen of Tyce.

I do hope that he finds an opportunity for this year.

[ January 13, 2002: Message edited by: GlennH ]