Automotive
Motorsport Australia bans historic tobacco liveries to comply with advertising law
New rules bar classic race cars displaying tobacco branding from competition, according to Jalopnik.
The short version
- Motorsport Australia updated its competition rules to comply with public health legislation, barring historic racing cars with period tobacco branding.[Jalopnik]
- The regulatory shift affects owners and drivers of historic race cars featuring period-accurate tobacco sponsor liveries.[Jalopnik]
- Officials introduced the policy change after Fox Sports declined to broadcast an August Touring Car Masters race at Sydney Motorsport Park.[Jalopnik]
- Motorsport Australia reportedly learned of the 2023 legislation only recently, despite the updated statute taking effect in 2024.[Jalopnik]
Key facts
- Motorsport Australia revised its competition rules to comply with national legislation, prohibiting historic race cars with tobacco liveries from racing.[Jalopnik]
- Australia overhauled its tobacco advertising framework under the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023, which took effect in 2024.[Jalopnik]
- The rule change occurred after Fox Sports declined to broadcast a Touring Car Masters event at Sydney Motorsport Park in August.[Jalopnik]
What remains uncertain
- Motorsport Australia reportedly did not become aware of the amended 2023 law until an August broadcast refusal, despite the statute taking effect earlier in 2024.[Jalopnik]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.