The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #38369

Janet Abbott, BA, Tobacco*Free Challenge Racing, Public Health Institute, 490 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, 925-680-7818, jlabbott@infi.net and Nedra Kline Weinreich, MS, Weinreich Communications, 23724 Stagg Street, West Hills, CA 91304.

In the past decade, the Tobacco*Free Challenge Racing Project (TFCR) has brought about significant changes in tobacco-related social norms among racetrack attendees in Northern California. By sponsoring race cars, establishing no-smoking sections in the grandstands, and educating about tobacco at racetracks, schools and events in the region, TFCR utilizes comprehensive prevention strategies that combat the extensive presence of tobacco company sponsorship in the auto racing world. Racing fans, who are typically blue-collar workers with higher rates of smoking, tend to be the most loyal to the sport’s sponsors of all types of sports. Motorsports sponsorship is an ideal vehicle for public health programs to get their anti-tobacco messages accepted by auto racing fans by offering healthy role models who are consistent winners.

Both adults and youth respond positively to TFCR race car sponsorship and other project activities, with statistically significant changes in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to tobacco use. Adults who have been exposed to the TFCR race cars or received TFCR promotional items are more likely to: be tobacco-free, intend to quit or cut down this year if they do use tobacco, have quit tobacco use in the past year, believe that peers and race car drivers use tobacco at lower rates, have negative attitudes toward environmental tobacco smoke, be aware of the no-smoking section at the Speedway and want to sit in that section. The youth exposed to TFCR activities are also less likely to have tried tobacco.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize the effectiveness of using race cars as a vehicle for an health message.
• Identify the different levels of sponsorship for a racing program.
• Understand the steps needed to replicate the successful program.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Health Education Strategies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Tobacco*Free Challenge Racing Project, Public Health Institute
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Project Director