Autoblog

F1 sponsors organize under Formula 100 banner

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising

Every party in Formula One is neatly compartmentalized into groups. The rule-makers have the FIA. The bean-counters have Formula One Management. The drivers have the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. And the constructors have the Formula One Teams Association. Each party serves as an organizing body for the members it represents, and in turn lobbies to the others for what its constituency wants.

All of these groups know all too well how to spend money, but where is that money coming from? The sponsors, of course. Corporate sponsors inject some $723 million into the sport every year, and now they're getting organized as well. Their union is being called Formula 100 (not to be confused with the medical nutrition drink of the same name), and represents a select group of the top sponsors in the sport. F100 is planning their first conference for September 1 at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London, where member companies will be able to learn more about the field and voice their opinion as a group.

[Source: pitpass]

F1 sponsors organize under Formula 100 banner originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iron Man Tony Stark to sponsor Formula D car? [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Subaru, Racing

Click above to view the trailer after the jump

Of all the fictitious captains of industry and superheroes ever to grace the silver screen, Tony Stark's got to be one of our favorites. Why? Well aside from flying around the world in his super-suit and kickin' terrorist butt, he's also a hardcore car guy. Just look at the Audi R8, Saleen S7 and the poor old Shelby Cobra he nearly ruined in the first episode. Now the sequel is almost upon us, and Tony is taking to the track in a Stark Industries-sponsored single-seater. (See for yourself in the trailer after the jump.) But though the company and its eponymous chief may be fictitious, that won't stop them from actually sponsoring a real race car of their own.

As you can see from the photo above, Iron Man 2 will be sponsoring Stephan Verdier's Crawford Performance-prepped Subaru Impreza in this season's Formula Drift series. That's nothing new: Movies, superhero movies especially, often sponsor racing teams. (Just check out David Coulthard on the podium in a superman cape or Jarno Trulli riding the bat-pod to see what we mean.) But if you look closer, you'll see the Stark logo on the quarter-panel. So while we wait to see Stark's on-screen heroics in the upcoming movie, we can enjoy Verdier's on-track heroics in Formula D as well. Top Tip, Andy!

[Source: MotorWorldHype]

Continue reading Iron Man Tony Stark to sponsor Formula D car? [w/video]

Iron Man Tony Stark to sponsor Formula D car? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault F1: Sponsored by... Lada!

Alex Nunez — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Russia

Renault R30 F1 car - click above for high-res image gallery

Renault F1's got itself a new sponsor: Lada. The Russian automaker's logo will appear on the R30 racing cars, as seen above, as well as the driver and crew uniforms. The announcement was made at a meeting held this Monday in Moscow, attended by Vladimir Putin, Carlos Ghosn, new Renault F1 pilot Vitaly Petrov, and a gaggle of other functionaries.

If you think the Lada sponsorship has anything to do with Renault F1 bringing the Russian rookie on board as the full-time #2 driver alongside lead guy Robert Kubica, you're right. It pretty much has everything to do with it, as both Genii Capital (the majority stakeholder in Renault F1) and Renault-Nissan (25% stakeholders in AvtoVaz, Lada's parent) actively work to advance their interests in Russia.

Petrov's hiring is part of a broader overture toward Russia (on Monday, Ghosn came right out and said that Petrov's nationality played a role in his selection), and the Lada sponsorship is obviously a reciprocal act. And it may not be the last one, either, as Putin indicated during Monday's meeting that Russia (i.e. Lada) could increase its sponsorship involvement in the future.

Clearly, the most important takeaway from all this, however, is that the idea of a shirtless Vladimir Putin, watching the Monaco GP from the deck of a Typhoon-class sub moored among the superyachts in Monaco Harbor, no longer seems completely outlandish.

Gallery: 2010 Renault R30

[Source: Renault F1, Government of the Russian Federation via Autoblog UK, Crash.net]

Renault F1: Sponsored by... Lada! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Le Mans Series gets a new Patron

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising

Highcroft Acura ARX-02a sponsored by Tequila Patron - Click above for high-res image gallery

Imagine, if you will, that every motorsport discipline can be equated to one kind of alcohol or another. Formula One might be champagne. NASCAR, moonshine, or maybe a case of domestic light beer. Andros Trophy ice racing, vodka. (Grey Goose on the rocks, to be precise.) A martini at Le Mans, perhaps. So what kind of booze, then, would you equate with the American Le Mans Series? How about tequila? At least, that's what Patron would like you to think.

The agave booze brand has been active in the series pretty much since its inception, most notably sponsoring Highcroft Racing's Acura prototypes. This season the ironically lime-green livery will also be seen in the GT2 category on Extreme Speed's Ferraris (one of which, incidentally, will be driven by Patron chief Ed Brown) as well as on the Porsches fielded in the GT Challenge category by Alex Job Racing and Velox Motorsports.

The bigger news, however, is that starting this season, Patron will be the series' title sponsor. Like clothier Izod picked up the naming rights for the IndyCar Series, ALMS will now be dubbed the American Le Mans Series Presented by Tequila Patron. Along with it you can expect more track-side advertising and hospitality. The news you can take to the bank, but the prospect of a complimentary shooter in the paddock you can take with a grain of salt or two.

Gallery: Highcroft Racing Acura ARX-02a at Laguna Seca 2009

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autosport]

American Le Mans Series gets a new Patron originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blancpain commemorates the Paris to Peking rally

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Motorsports, China, Europe, Marketing/Advertising

A quick look at any racing car tells you that association with motorsports is a precious commodity for any number of companies, especially for watchmakers. A growing number of horologers are paying top dollar to link their names with the image that motor racing projects. All the more so with high-profile vintage racing events, which add a measure of heritage to the formula.

Like Chopard, which famously sponsors the annual Mille Miglia revival race, Swiss watchmakers Blancpain recently sponsored the 2007 edition of the famous Peking to Paris classic rally, the same event after which Spyker named their Super Sport Utility Vehicle concept. This year's running started on May 27 in China, passing along the Great Wall, through Mongolia, the Steppes of Asia, the Gobi Desert, Siberia, Moscow, St Petersburg, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany before finishing in Paris on June 30.

As official timekeepers of the Peking to Paris rally, Blancpain produced two limited editions of 130 special fly-back chronographs, one with red accents and the other with yellow, the two official colors of the rally.

Blancpain (which ironically means "white bread") was founded way back in 1735, and is today run by the son of Swatch's chairman as part of the Swatch Group. The company is known for producing some of the most elaborate movements, for their deep-sea diving watches used by the US Navy and by Jacques Cousteau, and as the world's oldest watchmaker.

[Source: Blancpain and TimeZone]

Blancpain commemorates the Paris to Peking rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toledo cops begin selling ads on police cruisers

Dan Roth — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Dodge

"This citation has ben brought to you by _________, for all your _________ needs. Thanks for using the Toledo PD, please drive safely and have a nice day."

The Toledo, Ohio police department needs to replace about 100 of its 140-car fleet at a time when money's tight. When budget deficits are forecast, getting funds can be a challenge, and that's what led the Toldeo department to offer cruiser sponsorships. In exchange for $15,000, the cars will have a 3 by 1 foot ad placed on the rear quarter panels. Four businesses have signed on so far, which means that two cars have been paid for. Toledo PD Chief Mike Navarre has received more negative feedback than good comments, but the bottom line is that it's going to offset the considerable annual cost of replacing all those cars. The influx of cash means the fleet gets replenished sooner while still leaving money for the many other things a police department needs. Innovative thinking in tough times is a consistent theme in America, and Toledo's not the first department to put ads on their cars. The Fire Department is keeping an eye on how the sponsorships unfold, and could roll out its own effort. We don't see what the big deal is; it's saving taxpayers money in the end. It's not like they've sold naming rights to the department or anything, so keep an eye out for new Chargers with a cop motor, a HEMI plant, cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks, and an ad for Bambino's Pizza where 9-1-1 used to be.

[Source: Toledo Blade via Kicking Tires]

Toledo cops begin selling ads on police cruisers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota named official vehicle manufacturer of 2007 SEMA Show

John Neff — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Toyota

In 2005, it was Honda. GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler shared the honors in 2006 to celebrate the history of American Muscle. This year, the 41st annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas has named Toyota the "Official Vehicle Manufacturer of the Show". It's an honor that has more to do with branding the Las Vegas Convention Center with your logo than anything else, and this year, Toyota's logo will be the most prevalent to show goers.

Spurred by the success of Scion in the aftermarket customization industry, Toyota attempted last year to introduce the Tundra to the same audience that installs brush gaurds on their F-150s and bed liners in their Silverado. This year, Lexus will also be in tow and enjoy its first official presence at the SEMA Show.

As always, the SEMA Show occurs in late October/early November (10/30 to 11/2) and we'll be on hand with a small army to cover all the auto stuff Las Vegas has to offer.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota named official vehicle manufacturer of 2007 SEMA Show

Toyota named official vehicle manufacturer of 2007 SEMA Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Racing brings former F1 driver to Le Mans team

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:35:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Aston Martin

Click image to enlarge

Under its new ownership, Aston Martin continues to forge ahead into a brighter independent future. In addition to the production announcement of the Rapide and the rumors of an upcoming "DBX", Aston is not missing a beat on its racing agenda, which should come as no surprise considering the background of its new chairman, David Richards.

To headline its Le Mans endurance racing program, Richards has brought in a big-name former F1 driver. Johnny Herbert, who in his eleven-year Formula One career drove for the likes of Benetton, Lotus, Sauber and Jaguar, will be driving the Aston Martin DBR9 for the Prodrive-run team at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Herbert is no stranger to endurance racing, having won the race for Mazda in 1991 and having driven the dominating MC12 for the Maserati factory team and Audis for customer teams, before briefly returning to the F1 paddock as Jordan/Midland's sporting relations manager. Richards withdrew Aston from the American Le Mans Series for this season, so they'll only be competing in the title race at Le Mans, leaving Herbert with enough time to consider other possibilities, including the Grand Prix Masters. (Aston also announced a new sponsorship deal with luxury hotel chain InterContinental.)

Recruiting Herbert, however, is about as close as Aston Martin will be getting to Formula One anytime soon. David Richards quelled any speculation that the Aston Martin name would be linked to his upcoming re-entry into F1 with Prodrive. Likely taking a page from former corporate cousin Jaguar's unfortunate experience in F1, Richards has wisely decided to leave Aston out of his grand prix venture rather than risk dragging its valuable name through the mud.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin Racing brings former F1 driver to Le Mans team

Aston Martin Racing brings former F1 driver to Le Mans team originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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racING: Dutch bank invests heavily in F1

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Renault

Dutch financial giant ING is investing heavily in F1 to promote its banking services with the same fast-paced, cutting-edge, dynamic image sought after by every F1 sponsor. However, unlike other companies that start small, ING aims to make a splash that no spectator could miss. There are a number of ways companies can get their name into grand prix racing, and it seems ING has checked all the boxes.

For starters, ING will be the new title sponsor of the reigning world champs Renault, replacing outgoing tobacco company Mild Seven as the French team's principal patron for the next three seasons (at least). That title sponsorship cost Japan Tobacco $60 million for 2006, a sum which was likely exceeded in ING's deal given Renault's back-to-back world titles.

Not enough? ING will also be the title sponsor at the Australian Grand Prix next season, replacing Foster's beer for the next three years. As with the Renault sponsorship, the Melbourne deal will put the bank's moniker in the name of the race: 2007 Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix. ING was also rumored to be assuming title sponsorship of the Belgian Grand Prix - the closest race to its home base - to the same effect as its Australian sponsorship, but ING has dismissed this as pure speculation.

Still not enough? The Dutch bankers have also confirmed that they'll be advertising track-side at no less than twelve grands prix next season, including Australia and Belgium plus Malaysia, Spain, Canada, France, Britain, Germany, Hungary, Italy, China and Japan. That means we'll be seeing the world's top drivers whizzing by the ING lion at more races next year than not.

Now there's corporate presence you can take to the bank.

[Sources: GrandPrix.com and F1i.com]

racING: Dutch bank invests heavily in F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retirement pays: Schumacher to earn $26 million in 2007

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Marketing/Advertising, Earnings/Financials

Michael Schumacher is the highest-paid figure in sports, and next year he'll be the highest-paid figure not in sports. Emerging reports speculate on how much the 7-time (maybe 8-time) world champion will be earning in retirement, and if the staggering figures are right, he'll still be making more than any of the drivers remaining in F1, including his successor Kimi Raikkonen, current defending champ Fernando Alonso and his own brother Ralf.

Schumacher's manager Wili Weber is already lining up the sponsorship deals, declaring his goal to turn the driver into an "advertising emperor" after the end of the season in October. Personal sponsors Shell, Omega and Deutsche Vermogensberatung (DVAG - the logo on his hat), have reportedly already renewed their contracts, and with more time on his hands, the living legend is likely to find more sponsors who'd be keen to latch on to the Schumacher image...for big bucks.

Schumacher's net worth is estimated at around $800 million; enough to personally finance the 29% stake in Ferrari parent company Fiat is repurchasing.

And those guys on the welfare line thought it pays not to work!

[Source: F1i.com]

Retirement pays: Schumacher to earn $26 million in 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Survivor secures new sponsor after GM break-up. Is it another automaker?

Joel Arellano — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM, Earnings/Financials

Nearly as fast as bidders came out of the woodwork for Aston Martin's possible sale, CBS secured new sponsorship for its hit reality-show "Survivor" after General Motors canceled its advertising. States Chris Ender of CBS, "The upcoming edition of `Survivor' has a full roster of advertisers across a wide range of categories and GM's position has been filled."

CBS would not state who was the new sponsor or if it was even another automaker. Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp., and all three American brands of DaimlerChrysler declined advertising on the show. Representatives from Honda Motor Co. stated the automaker does not comment on its advertising.

Related:

The show must go on: GM cancels advertising on Survivor

[Source: Associated Press via Fox News]

Survivor secures new sponsor after GM break-up. Is it another automaker? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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