Though I know the Ford sponsorship of Ironman North America is probably good for the financial health of the sport, is anyone else pissed that all of their Ironman hats / shirts / etc. are now going to have a cheesy Ford logo on them. I don’t want to look like a Nascar fan.
No different than a subaru, nissan, or any other car logo.
I like the idea and am happy to have Ford as a sponsor.
Could be worse, instead of the blue oval how about the barf’n arches on your schwag? The Subie logo on my IMC stuff is OK, I’m sure they have the exclusive so won’t see the Ford stuff up north anyway. Besides can you imagine how much entry would be without any sponsors??
Absolutely agree with you.
One of the nice things I received for finishing IM Kona in '03 was a tasteful and colorful t-shirt completely free of sponsor logos (front or back). For $450, I think I should get sponsor logo free items.
One of the (many) reasons I quit racing NYC Triathlon was the distastefully large Ford logos on everything from race t-shirts and awards.
If you’re using the sponsorship to offset the entry fees, fine. But race entry fees starting at $450 (IM) or $125 (NYC), clearly this is just a money grab for the race director and has nothing to do with improving the race for age groupers.
To commemorate my next Ironman finish, I’m gonna get a Ford logo tattooed on my ankle… 
No different than the I dot logo…
My old cycling team was supported by a psychiatriast and a chiropractor and I gladly wore their logos on my jersey. Ford is a big step up from that. Ford has also been sponsoring cycling teams and races for years so has a decent history.
-Marc
I actually have a car logo tattoo on my ankle. However, it’s only the serpant of the Alfa Romeo badge. My mom used to race Alfas back in the late 50’s and had much of her memorabilia around as I grew up. So, it’s more symbolic of my mom, plus it looks cool.
Chris
As a 38 year old 2 time IM finishing Ford dealer I am thrilled to have them participate financially to the sport I love. If you haven’t noticed Ford ain’t doing so well lately and they aren’t spreading money around like they used to. They must see something in our demographic. And I must say that I agree with them. I for one am excited…t-shirt/hat design aside, this is a good thing for our sport. I hope everyone can see that…
What a bunch of goonballs. Triathletes are some of the complainingest folks I know. There just isn’t any pleasing some of you…
Good thing the world DOESN’T revolve around YOU.
I heard that the Ford logo will not be huge, but the picture of Calvin pissing on the Chevy logo will be center stage!!!
My company is one of the sponsors for the San Diego Int’l Tri - our logo is there with all the others. If it were not for the sponsors alot of these races would never happen.
I’m glad to see them involved.
I’ve raced Isuzu Ironman USA Lake Placid, Subaru Ironman Canada (twice), Kona (sponsored by VW), and I’ll gladly race an event supported by Ford.
Does it impact my buying decisions…Not sure. We owned an Isuzu before LP, a Subaru before IMC, and we’re considering a VW Jetta Wagon TDI…I’d be selling my '93 Ford Explorer to get it.
I might also mention that some of the sponsor shirts have been great…The 140.6 shirts VW gave away at Kona a really nice (grey, simple, classy). The Isuzu “Go Farther” shirt was one of my favorites as well. My Subaru IMC finisher’s hat is regularly worn.
Good for IMNA securing another top sponsor. Good for Ford to recognize that we can be an attractive demographic. Now, go train:-)
Cheers,
Puskas
I know its good for the sport to have a big sponsor like Ford. I’ve got nothing against the company. Good for them for supporting our sport. I just think their logo is ugly.
Ford will be a GREAT sponsor of Ironman. They will bring name recognition and national marketing that will bring triathlon into the mainstream.
There is just NO downside to a sponsorship like this. I’ll proudly wear the Ford Logo on any Ironman shirt, just as I proudly wear Gatorade or any other company that sponsors Triathlon.
Doug is a great example of people who support our sport - His Ford Dealership in Niles, Michigan is a sponsor of the Whirlpool Steelhead Triathlon. (Whirlpool is another great sponsor that we should all support)
Next time you buy a car -go to your local Ford dealership and let them know that you are looking at Ford because of their support of your sport - Triathlon.
Z
Better yet, lets just send a copy of this thread to Ford to let them know how grateful we are for their support. It’ll give them good feelings about the decision they just made.
Coming from Dearborn, Michigan, hometown of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford and friends of many Ford employees I have no problem with it.
As far as I am concerned it is a good mix.
Kudos to Ford…I think anything that brings more recognition to our sport is fantastic!
I’ve owned a Hyundai, volvo, lexus, nissan, buick, chevrolet, honda (2) and most recently a ford explorer, and i don’t think i’ll ever buy another brand of car. I have zero complaints about my truck after two years. I am glad ford is involved in my sport/lifestyle.