http://www.indystar.com/article/20091023/SPORTS01/910230317/1052/SPORTS01/Only+championship+suspense+left+this+season+is+in+NHRA

Buried in the back of page two is a rather big announcement. I can see this having a big impact on some of the tracks the ICS runs on since revenues at those tracks will drop significantly. This may spell the end for some of the ISC oval tracks by 2011. From what I have read these free tickets have been responsible for as much as 25% of the attendees in the stands. Not good if you're a track owner.

Wow, they've been doing that for a long long time. I use to get them for Cleveland in the early 90's. And later Mid Ohio.

I don't think this is a surprise (other than the fact it has been buried as a news item)

I'm fairly certain it was mandated by the original tobacco settlement to end this sort of promotion by 2010.

Does that mean that Penske will lose Marlboro as well. I have read that in order for the F2000 series to run along with the ICS at events there can be NO tobacco sponsorship. I don't know if that is true or not.

I don't remember when Penske's contract is up with Phillip Morris, but I seem to recall 2012.

It's technically not a tobacco sponsorship...although PM is still picky about the age of drivers (i.e. running a Graham Rahal)

CliffC, what day are we on in your count? Maybe Penske is leaving Marlboro? I thought the stuff buried about Alex Tagiliani was much more important.The stuff about that Brasil race was interesting too.IMO.

25 % seems high but I am sure this can be confirmed through wiki or some other trusted sources.

I for one am glad this is ending. I blame Marlboro for my smoking habit because of those free tickets. After I got the tickets I went out and got a 4 pack a day habit started and I feel they owe me my life back.

Hey it makes about as much sense as having Washington and these "do good" groups brow beating a business into submission and be forced to drop marketing. I don't care if they marketed hare trigger guns for Russian Roulette, peole have a free will to chose what they do to their body and their health. But because those idiots couldn't do that the ones who take responsibility for their own actions have to pay the price.

EarlofSpeed - 23 October 2009 04:21 PM

CliffC, what day are we on in your count? Maybe Penske is leaving Marlboro? I thought the stuff buried about Alex Tagiliani was much more important.The stuff about that Brasil race was interesting too.IMO.

LOL, I lost count.

No big deal. All the people they used to give tickets to are probably dead now anyway.

EarlofSpeed - 23 October 2009 04:21 PM

CliffC, what day are we on in your count? Maybe Penske is leaving Marlboro? I thought the stuff buried about Alex Tagiliani was much more important.The stuff about that Brasil race was interesting too.IMO.

Sir Roger leaving Morlboro? You think Penske's going to run privateer? LOL
This along with the uncoupling of Nascar ticket package mean that the measly TV ratings will be accompanied by dive bombing attendance figures. LOL
And Brazil