Canadian Health Minister Allan Rock "signalled" that he
will "change tobacco laws to allow motor sport racers to
advertise smoking on their uniforms and vehicles," according
to Anne Dawson of the TORONTO SUN. Rock: "We made the
commitment as a government. Formula One is an important
event in Canada and we want to do what we can." CART
spokesperson T.E. McHale did not make an official comment
until further review of the plan, but said, "It sounds
(like) very encouraging news" (TORONTO SUN, 10/29).
PPG GETS COMPANY: While CART is looking to bring in a
company to share title sponsorship of its series with PA-
based PPG, PPG Dir of Sports Marketing Mike Sack said the
company "plans to continue its strong presence in racing
circuits" even after sharing CART title sponsorship,
according to Denise Melilli of CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS.
CART and PPG execs say that "by bringing in a more consumer-
oriented company as co-sponsor, they can raise the profile
of the series." PPG is viewed primarily as "a business-to-
business sponsor," that uses its hospitality and signage
presence at CART tracks to "market products to customers in
the automotive and automotive aftermarket industries." PPG
spends "about" $8M in motorsports sponsorships and
promotions each year (CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS, 10/27).
