Playboy gets racy
Well, this should liven up the paddock on race weekends!Playboy Enterprises announced today that it will sponsor no fewer than six cars in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series and the Grand-Am Cup Series, beginning with the 2006 Rolex 24 at Daytona this weekend.
The company, and its associate sponsors, will sponsor three Daytona Prototypes and three Grand-Am Cup cars.
In announcing the sponsorship deal, Playboy VP Marketing Lisa Natale commented, "Both Playboy fans and racing fans are enthusiastic and passionate, so we view this partnership as a perfect branding opportunity for us." And yes, Playboy Playmates will be part of Team Playboy's event hospitality arrangements.
This is the first time the 50-year-old media company has participated in professional motorsports at this level, according to Playboy Racing boss Tommy Constantine.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John Bryans Fontaine 11:00PM (1/26/2006)
Perhaps Playboy could produce a special edition containing images of gorgeous women appearing with sports and exotic cars. Possibly with specifications on both the ladies and the autos.
Reply
B 9:56AM (1/27/2006)
At least the cars will come equipped with airbags.
Reply
Alexis 12:39PM (1/27/2006)
I expect that all Playboy-sponsored cars will win by a close shave!
Reply
John Bryans Fontaine 3:13PM (1/27/2006)
A post-script to the 'Playboy's Exotic Cars & Women' idea above:
The special Playboy issue of Beautiful women and Sports & Exotic Cars could also have an article on the Cars and Playmates of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series as well as the Grand-Am Cup Series.
Also, as far as other cars in the issue, I think that the Ford GT and Mustang should head the list. Not to mention the Corvette Z 06, Viper, and Saleen S7. The Ferrari F430 Spyder, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Lotus Elise, and Bugatti Veyron would also be 'must haves' in this issue. With the specifications on these cars included, of course.
Playboy also might want to include the just-released Alfa Romeo Brera, as well as the upcoming Lotus Europa S, even though neither might ever see American shores.
Reply
Tom Talboys 8:25AM (1/31/2006)
REALLY wondering what the pit crew will look like? Playmates in fireproof coveralls, or guys in Bunny outfits?
Reply
Robert Aprill 8:28AM (1/31/2006)
I was at The Rolex 24 over the weekend and the Grand Am race on Friday. The Playboy cars were all well turned out and quick. The Mustang that lead the Grand Am race for a while was outstanding. The girls in the paddock area added a touch of fun and excitement. All in all the magazine got their marketing dollar's worth.
Reply
M Bauer 9:18AM (1/31/2006)
OK Cool...Playboy is going to sponsor a car or two...
but why sponsor a car where no one will see it??
Should have gone with NASCAR Hugh...
Reply
Soshi 9:23AM (1/31/2006)
Good one, Tom....but really, I'm so not comfortable with this.
Reply
Don 9:30AM (1/31/2006)
Maybe the love should be spread across the racing car market and not all of your eggs in one basket.Nascar,IRL,Indycar or (Whatever its called now..:)) Drag Racing IHRA NHRA Rolex Grand am.
Reply
Jim Polston 9:45AM (1/31/2006)
Racing and hot rodding have been around much longer than Playboy has. They don't need the models to survive. If Playboy wants to sponsor a team, great, but myself and a lot of others are interested in the cars and their construction and engines much more than good looking women! We have a lot of those in Washington state already!
Reply
Lance 10:00AM (1/31/2006)
I agree who watches the rolex races. I really think they could have advertised with NASCAR and done it very tastefully to keep the NASCAR familly image. I mean if drivers can throw helments at other drivers why can't the helments or cars have bunny ears. Viagra and Playboy should team up on the #6 car.
Reply
mike from chitown 10:07AM (1/31/2006)
Beautiful exotic women and cars !
what a concept why did it take so long to figure that out.
now if we could just get nascar to get on the ball and go all american with playboy .
p.s
nascar is for american cars not jap cars or 4 door family cars.
Reply
Kevin 10:14AM (1/31/2006)
Hallelujah they DIDNT go with NasSCARR! Maybe theyll bring some attention to racecars that turn BOTH ways! Nascar makes me DIZZY! They have a more upscale, educated reader base, why should they jump on the already overloaded Bubbaracin bandwagon.
Reply
Jim 10:30AM (1/31/2006)
To Mike from Chitown,
This is not the first time that Playboy has sponsored anything in car racing. I remember 1984 when they sponsored a SCCA road racing series. I suspect that there have been other times as well.
Reply
Charlotte Lynch 10:35AM (1/31/2006)
What a throwback to 1955...babes and cars. But there must be an audience for it; the Nascar crowd needs some serious enlightening.
Reply
BILL 10:48AM (1/31/2006)
WHAT A GREAT IDEA.....PUTS NEW MEANING INTO WATCHING THE "BOOB" TUBE....
Reply
Douglas Miller 10:59AM (1/31/2006)
...very funny B...I predict all the drivers to be blonde...now finally returns on ones silicon investments...
Reply
Kristin Lowe 11:11AM (1/31/2006)
Now its REALLY the "BOOB TUBE", any complaints? Didn't think so!!
Reply
steve 11:27AM (1/31/2006)
Looking forward to PB sponsorship of the "D" Cup and the year end "Double D" Cup! Opening up motor sports to the porn world is the obvious next evolution in these United States. P.T. Barnum would be proud.
Reply
L Sisti 11:49AM (1/31/2006)
I think pretty women and cars are OK but I would like to see the Chippendales or some erotic male weightlifters next to these muscle cars, suprise america we women like to watch racing also.
Reply