Blame it on the French!
When NASCAR broke with long standing tradition and allowed hard liquor sponsorships for the first time it set off a debate that raged for a couple months. People on both sides of the issue were generally loud and raucous in stating their preferred position. NASCAR team owners sat back waiting for the cash to roll in.
Once the decision was made Crown Royal, Jim Beam and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey quickly jumped in and the debate quietly went away. To be politicaly correct all three parent companies started, along with NASCAR, various programs related to responsible drinking and driving.
You’ve all seen the results, “This is your brain; This is your brain pickled in Jim Beam,” or something to that effect.
It’s been two years and not a problem has been heard, til now.
Leave it to the Frogs to attempt screwing up the status quo.
“We at Pernod Ricard firmly believe that is inappropriate for the distilled spirits industry to engage in sponsorship of motor sports,” he wrote. “We also believe strongly that any involvement of the Century Council in these sponsorship activities runs the risk of damaging [its] well-earned credibility . . . and undermining its message of responsibility.”
Pernod Ricard is the France based spirits maker that markets Chivas Regal, Wild Turkey, Stolichnaya, Beefeater and Perrier-Jouet.
According to Pernod Ricard spokesman Jack Shea their opposition is based upon auto racing being “inherently dangerous.”
Well, alot of things are “inherently dangerous.” I’ve been to Paris and that phrase hardly touches on the lack of ability of Parisian drivers. Standing between a French military force and a sign reading “retreat this way” is also “inherently dangerous,” But I digress.
Not withstanding out of control Citroens and fleeing Frenchmen a name caught my eye on that list, Wild Turkey. They are a large sponsor of rodeo events in the U.S.
Without even looking I have a freshly printed C-note that says more injuries have occured on the rodeo circuit in the last ten years than on the NASCAR circuit. I might even add my “prized” collection of Danica trading cards to the bet more deaths have occured.
Wonder if Monsieur Jack Shea would take me up on my wager?
I recommend you read the rest of the Market Watch article as it’s too long to excerpt and give it justice and it does contain some interesting information.
My bottomline is this: The pot that’s being stirred by this French firm will probably amount to hot air being expelled and not much more. I mean really, since when have the Frogs maintained their equilibrium long enough to fall forward and not backward?
NASCAR, NEXTEL Cup, Busch Series, Sports, Marketing, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle
Not to mention those godless heathens who spray fine frog Moet all over the F1 podium.
On the other hand when was the last time a frog was on the podium (Panis, Monaco 96?).
How a nation that can produce automotive gems like Renault’s F1 engine programme, which started with turbo in the late 70’s, & Michelin’s radial which revolutionised tyre technology, yet can at the same time have it’s head up it’s own arse is one of lifes great mysterys.
So Marc…. ” Why are the streets in Paris line with tall trees?”
I’d have to guess Peter.
I suspect the trees are there to keep the weaving Citroens on the road and off the sidewalk.
No……………it’s so the German Army can march in the shade.
Geesh… and I though I was the largest smarta** in the blogosphere! I bow down before you!
BTW… didn’t the US troops march down that same road and under the silly arch?
Allied Troops & U.S troops? liberating Paris??……………….No that’s a myth. Paris & the entire of France was liberated by De Gaulle’s army without any outside assistance.
Sheesh Marc, clearly you didn’t study history in France.
I’m assuming you’ve seen the six speed French tank, 5 gears in reverse & one in forward (in case the Germans get behind them)