Grand Prix of Australia Out?

[JoStream]

Well we all know how influential Tobacco cash is, not just now, but throughout the sports' history.

Now the Australian Grand Prix is apparently at stake because of a Tobacco advertising ban that will come into effect later this year.

:(

[Anthony]

Smoking in general is a bad idea but, how can big signs give people cancer? The whole idea of a Grand Prix being jeopardised is stupid and especially with such a good Grand Prix as Australia.

[TheKimster]

Advertising does play a big role in encouraging people to smoke. Bloody hell, I remember all the magazine ads when I was a kid, and honestly it had an effect on me. Sure, I stopped now, but to say that the effort is silly is unfounded. :shock:

[Anthony]

So the only reason you started to smoke was because of looking at large signs? Surely there must have been some other reason than that.

[JoStream]

Personally, I would prefer a F1 a tobacco free sport. But it has taken some time to get used to Ferrari cars not running Marlboro, or Williams cars not running Rothmans, or McLaren not running West.

All of this is a result of consumer activists and protection. Signs alone would not make you start smoking, but putting the brand out there, in midst of F1 cars, adds to the perceived prestige of the product. :shock:

The fact that tobacco companies were prepared to pay such large amounts of money is rooted in the insight that the investment pays off, with increaes in sales. :?

[carlramskill]

So, TheKimster, if you had seen signs when you were a kid telling you to eat babies, would you have?

[TheKimster]

So the only reason you started to smoke was because of looking at large signs? Surely there must have been some other reason than that.

As a kid, if you see ads that tell you beat other kids, visuals and stuff, I'm sure the streets will bloody as hell. That's why there are rules for advertising. But you're right, I didn't start smoking just cause I saw a sign at the GP of Australia. It simply serves as a subconcious reinforcerer. :shock:

[carlramskill]

OK, Dr Phil, thanks for the explanation.

[TheKimster]

Well I did ask him, after all the chap's my uncle :P :lol:

[carlramskill]

Your uncle is Dr Phil? Aceness.