Jeff Gordon Takes Humorous Test Drive In Latest Pepsi Max Spot

Pepsi has unveiled a “video it shot at Troutman Motors and Philip Morris” in Concord, N.C. in February that promotes Pepsi Max and “features NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon in disguise taking a test drive of a new Camaro,” according to Mark Plemmons of the HICKORY RECORD. The video was “produced by Gifted You, a division of Will Ferrell’s Funny or Die company,” and about “75 people were employed during the shooting of the video” (HICKORY RECORD, 3/13). The video will be “used in a Pepsi commercial” (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 3/12). AD AGE's Michael Learmonth noted Pepsi Max previously set Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving "loose on a public basketball court disguised as an older 'Uncle Drew.'" Learmonth: "Real or contrived, expect the Nascar faithful to pass this one far and wide" (ADAGE.com, 3/12). MARKETING DAILY's Tanya Irwin writes, "The hilarious video could as easily be a boost for Chevrolet, which gets to show off the Camaro -- albeit an '09 model -- in all its glory" (MEDIAPOST.com, 3/13). At presstime, the video on YouTube had 1.9 million views (THE DAILY).

TWITTER REAX: NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski wrote, "Awesome @JeffGordonWeb went 4 a test drive. Car salesman may never be the same. U gotta watch." Sporting News' Bob Pockrass: "Debate in office if @JeffGordonWeb 'test drive' video staged w/salesman knowing. I side more on not staged." Deep Alliance Marketing Founder David Paro tweeted, "Confident this isn't legit, but still great viral work."