Marketing and all things related

Back in March, we told you that bottler Red Bull decided to go beyond traditional sports marketing. Rather than just sponsor a soccer event, Red Bull decided to purchase the New York / New Jersey Metrostars of the MLS league, and rename them the New York Red Bulls. We haven’t followed the story since, but Red Bull is back in the news because they are fielding (not just sponsoring) their own two-person NASCAR team—Team Red Bull. According to The Washington Post (free registration required) “Red Bull will have the 83 Car (there are 8.3 ounces in a can of Red Bull) driven by Brian Vickers, currently with Hendrick Motorsports. The second car, which may be aligned with another sponsor, is still to be determined.” Driver Vickers prefers Red Bull ownership to the traditional NASCAR model that often pits the interests of multiple sponsors against the wishes of the owner. Marketing Blurb applauds the idea, because we link Team Red Bull cars will be easier to spot without all the extraneous sponsor logos.