General Motors Is Considering Ending Its Sponsorship Of Test Track

  • Posted by Joel
  • March 3, 2009

General Motors is considering pulling it’s sponsorship of Test Track at Epcot according to the Sun Sentinel. With the 10-year contract with Disney expires this year and GM losing over $31 billion last year, GM might not be able to afford to renew the contract which is close to $5 million a year. GM has indicated it should have a resolution by the end of this month.

“We’re still in discussions with them and haven’t made a decision,” GM spokeswoman Kelly Cusinato said. “It’s definitely one that I think people are doing everything they can to preserve.”

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March 3rd, 2009
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Comment Number:
1
Written by:
Grumpwurst (aka Ray)
Posted on:
March 3, 2009 at 8:55 pm

As much as I enjoy Test Track, I feel it would be irresponsible of GM to give Disney $5M in sponsorship dollars when they are constantly begging Washington for more money in allotments measured in Billions

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Randy
Posted on:
March 3, 2009 at 8:57 pm

Well, can’t say I’m surprised about this. I was expecting it. But the whole attraction is so tied to GM, I don’t see how it could be re-branded or would make any sense stripped of all GM references. Maybe Disney and GM can work out a deal so GM can remain the sponsor while they struggle to be profitable.

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
Daniel
Posted on:
March 3, 2009 at 8:59 pm

I could see Toyota or Honda taking over .

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
micsaund
Posted on:
March 3, 2009 at 9:27 pm

While I can see that it would seem irresponsible to continue to sponsor a theme park ride, at the same time, GM is in a world of hurt brand-wise and TT is a great brand-booster. I’m no fan of any of the Big-3 American car companies in any way, but I must admit that when I get-off Test Track, my feelings toward the GM brand are slightly increased. I found this odd the first time, but it’s happened every time since, so I guess that’s why companies sponsor things like this.

Epcot is already in a world of hurt for Disney-quality rides, so if GM quits sponsoring TT, I wonder if it would go the way of Horizons. Certainly, TT is not in the same class as Horizons, but it is a good time and I smile each time I ride it.

Comment Number:
5
Written by:
Todd (twh)
Posted on:
March 4, 2009 at 5:07 am

I wouldn’t complain if Ferrari took over sponsorship!!!

Either that, or TT will be the first US government owned attraction!!! (technically speaking, of course) :)

Comment Number:
6
Written by:
Cedric
Posted on:
March 4, 2009 at 6:50 am

Maybe Hanes can take over sponsorship of this ride too…

Comment Number:
7
Written by:
Bob
Posted on:
March 4, 2009 at 10:03 am

While I don’t think bailed out companies should spend the tax-payer money frivolously, I don’t agree with them not being able to promote themselves. Claiming the companies shouldn’t be allowed to sponsor golf tournaments, sporting events, Disney rides, etc. is a knee-jerk type reaction.

Comment Number:
8
Written by:
JungleCruiseBarbie
Posted on:
March 5, 2009 at 11:32 am

Let’s see Brawny sponsors LMA, Hanes sponsors Rockin’ Roller Coaster, hmmmm I think quilted northern would be a lovely sponsor.

Comment Number:
9
Written by:
This Week in Disney History (March 15-21) | NETCOT.com
Posted on:
March 15, 2009 at 2:06 pm

[...] Bookstore, and the House of Magic all close. 1999: In Epcot’s Future World, Test Track, sponsored by GM, officially opens. 2005: On the Disney Channel, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody premieres. 2006: [...]