AD AGE's Jessica Wohl noted Butterfinger, which "ran Super Bowl commercials in two of the last three years, plans to sit on the sidelines for Super Bowl LI," and viewers "should not expect to see TV commercials during the game from any Nestle brands." Nestle CMO Rob Case said, "We just feel it's best on that particular brand to spend our resources in different ways." Butterfinger has been the "only Nestle brand that has aired Super Bowl spots to date" (ADAGE.com, 10/14).
CALL TO THE PEN: In St. Louis, Joe Holleman noted former MLBer Mariano Rivera appears in "three one-minute vignettes for online viewing and a 30-second television spot" for Hartford Insurance. Shooting took place in July and the spot is "already airing" during the MLB Postseason (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 10/16).
START YOUR ENGINES: RACER.com's Robin Miller cited sources as saying that A.J. Foyt's two-car team will be "powered by Chevrolet next year in the Verizon IndyCar Series." A.J. Foyt Enterprises President Larry Foyt said the contract is not yet finalized, "but it looks like we're headed that way." Miller noted with Chip Ganassi's four-car team returning to Honda, it was "obvious the manufacturer would not be supplying 15 cars and it was assumed at least one and maybe two of its current teams would be switching engines next season" (RACER.com, 10/13).
THE PATRIOT (DRIVE) WAY: The Patriots have partnered with Uber for the company to become the official ridesharing partner of the team. Uber will have a dedicated area at Patriot Place. Patriot365 season-ticket members will earn 75 cents for every Uber trip they take, which can be redeemed toward season-ticket purchases (Patriots).
