Important sponsor for IRL in 2008!

[climb]

http://italiaracing.net/notizia.asp?id=16974&cat=3

Curious that it may seem, Italiaracing reports an important hint about the expected press conference of today, about an important series sponsor for 2008.

Should it be confirmed that' would be a great success!

And two more are expected by the end of this year...

[D.R.T.]

An official motor oil from Peak is the word according to Curt Cavin

[paul-collins]

If that's all it amounts to, colour me underwhelmed.

[D.R.T.]

Sponsor are always a great addition to a racing series, (especially AOW in 2007) and this is no different. But as you say Paul, considering the hype about this Oct 31 announcement it seems to be a little misplaced.

[JohnSSC]

Well, it is not exactly The Next Big Thing, but it is a big step for the folks at Peak as they are moving into the automotive lubricant market. At least (according to the press release) there will be advertising tie-ins with Advance Auto Parts to go along with the TV ads. At least this is a case where the sponsor is going to actively utilize the racing aspect (and D Patrick) to advertise their product.

It is a big step over what I see from Roshfrans...

[D.R.T.]

Interesting comparison, John.

Personally I dont see too much difference between official oil suppliers, you know being equally pessimistic and all.

As has been said, sponsors are sponsors and the more the better but as Paul put it, this isnt the slam dunk many were predicting.

[JohnSSC]

No, I am not saying that the sport is saved as a result of this - just that it is good to see a sponsor with a program that utilizes the cars, the drivers and the venues of the series it is sponsoring.

Using the McDonalds sponsorship at NHR, I have never, ever seen a single promo that includes the team, the car, the driver or anything related. Same for Roshfrans - heck, Pep Boys/Advance doesn't carry any of their products.

If Peak wants to make the IRL part of their campaign to launch a new product that is a good thing.

[paul-collins]

John's correct, as a sponsorship of the IRL it's nothing different, but if Peak do turn around and activate the sponsorship, that'll be an improvement.

Still, Terry Angstadt needs to learn the virtue of silence.

[JohnSSC]

From what I have read, the plan is to go out and "activate the sponsorship." Of course, the proof is in the pudding.

As far as Angstadt, this is a positive for Peak and the Series so why not let him go on a bit...

[D.R.T.]

Originally Posted by JohnSSC

As far as Angstadt, this is a positive for Peak and the Series so why not let him go on a bit...

A positive no doubt, but the build up compared to the announcement delivered is the concern.

[stradlin21]

Some people will be negative on anything to do with IRL John, it’s sad but I wouldn’t worry about it

Of course it’s positive for the series, there is nothing else that it is apart from positive

[JohnSSC]

If the worst thing you can say about something is that the marketing guy for the IRL is over exuberant...but I agree - it is a positive.

[boom boom]

Yes it is a positive, and yes some people will make a negative out of any positive annoucement for IRL or CC. But over hypeing anything right now is not bright. I like both series and I am tired of hearing a major announcement is coming, or a merger, or a possible series sponsor(that only ends up being a the official flatware of american open wheel). I have had so many let downs from both American Open wheel series that it gets so tiring and the only thing keeping me from saying forget that I am going watch nascar now, is that I watched Nascar in the 80's and 90's and got tired of it, and it isnt the racing for me. Open Wheel Racing is for me. And I am so tired of Series Owners and Team Owners droping the ball in both series. At least F1 is around, it isn't perfect but its always there and no false promises, like over here.
It is a Positive and I hope it works out but I feel sometimes when they overplay a new annoucnment, it might be the final straw that pushes a fan away for good. I hope it works well. I miss racing if you can tell (hope spring comes soon)

[D.R.T.]

Thankyou boom boom for understanding what Paul and I were saying and not getting overly defensive like others.

[climb]

IMHO a series sponsor is more important than it can appear; Let's not forget that one of the first signs of trouble for the other side of AOWR was when Indy Lights failed finding one.
Apart from providing motor oil, their prime support is funding the purse, lets' not forget it...

[D.R.T.]

No one is undervaluing the importance of sponsors. What the discussion is about making out that this was going to be a massive deal eg title sponsorship and then being left deflated by what was announced.