Tobacco companies ruled the roost in the 1980s and 1990s, dominating world motorsport sponsorship.
Marlboro became synonymous with McLaren in Formula 1, with the Holden Dealer Team in the Australian Touring Car Championship, and with Team Penske in IndyCar.
Even when brands were banned, their impact remained.
Until the end of 2009, Helio Castroneves raced in Marlboro’s colours. That year, he won his third Indianapolis 500.
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Team Penske, the North American open-wheel racing giant has harked back to some of its most iconic cars.
For the upcoming IndyCar race at Gateway, Scott McLaughlin will don a livery inspired by Helio Castroneves’ Indianapolis 500 winner.
The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at Gateway takes place on Monday, June 8 at 11am AEST with coverage live and exclusively on Stan Sport.
The return of a classic. #Penske60 pic.twitter.com/brV5YGitXn
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) June 2, 2026
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