Photograph courtesy WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
April showers might bring May flowers, but they also bring a new sponsor to Laguna Seca: Tire Rack.
As part of a multi-year agreement, Tire Rack receives naming rights to the tire bridge between turns three and four as well as the upcoming TireRack.com Monterey Sportscar Championship, May 9-11.
“The culture of automotive enthusiasts at Laguna Seca is strong and authentic,” said Woody Rogers, Tire Rack senior vice president, Marketing. “The famous bridge is symbolic of our core business, and is a great fit for our brand. We’re well known among motorsports fans and driving enthusiasts, as well as thousands of consumers who rely on our independent tire testing results and advice, always a free resource for Tire Rack shoppers."
The iconic tire bridge won’t just be slapped with a new logo, however, as Tire Rack and Friends of Laguna Seca– the nonprofit entity that manages the raceway–will work together to refurbish and upgrade the structure as part of a larger effort to “enhance operational performance and develop new experiences and services for guests, motorsports series, and partners,” the press release explains.
“We are proud to partner with Tire Rack for a long-term relationship and as a key corporate ally in executing our improvement plans, starting with our world famous Tire Bridge,” said Friends of Laguna Seca CEO Lauri Eberhart. “Upgrading the fan experience and continuing to deliver incredible on-track moments are our shared goals and we’re excited to work with such a highly regarded brand that is also a fan favorite among our guests.”
That bridge gets around. The one at Le Mans has been the Dunlop bridge forever. This one has been Cooper, Yokohama, Firestone, Continental and Michelin at least and apparently also started as a Dunlop.
Huh, apparently Dunlop was the originator.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunlop_Bridge
In reply to Keith Tanner :
Are you Sponsor shaming the Bridge???
I guess renaming the bridge isn't as bad as renaming the raceway. Sears Point was renamed several times (also known as Golden State International Raceway and Infineon Raceway) and I just hated that. That being said, at least this is a "tire business" although not a tire brand such as Dunlop. To be quite honest, I'd like to see a tire brand on a tire bridge.
I was going to make a similar post as Keith...and then Tom...and then Davy...but they were quicker.
Heck, if I had oligarch money I would out-bid everyone just to put my name on everything. I'd even sponsor a car or two.
The only thing stopping me? That "oligarch money" thing that I don't have.
I have no problem with Tire Rack sponsoring the bridge, to be clear. It's 100% appropriate. I was curious as to whose name was on it before because I couldn't remember and discovered it has been quite promiscuous.
So the new question is, which letter do you aim for going over the blind crest?
If you are going over a blind crest and you see this bridge, you already have a problem.
Keith Tanner said:I couldn't remember and discovered it has been quite promiscuous.
Sponsor shaming for sure.............you should probably go on a long drive and contemplate the error of your ways.
Tom1200 said:Keith Tanner said:I couldn't remember and discovered it has been quite promiscuous.
Sponsor shaming for sure.............you should probably go on a long drive and contemplate the error of your ways.
It's not promiscuous, it's just been dumped by its sponsor 6 times over the last 40 years and had to go find someone new :)
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