I am Mindy?

Written by Josh Katinger · January 11, 2006

The new face of the IRL

When I first read that the IRL has joined forces with ex-rocker and marketing whore extraordinaire Gene Simmons my first reaction was a quick little gag reflex. But then, ever the IRL optimist that I am, I said “now Josh, let’s give it a chance…read on and maybe something cool is going here.” No such luck.


ESPN.com: KISS circuit: Simmons signs deal to promote IRL
IndyCar.com: League forges marketing alliance with rock icon Simmons

The broad-based agreement will see Simmons Abramson Marketing actively engaged in the league’s marketing, event, public relations, sponsorship, merchandising and branding efforts

Comments

12 Responses to “I am Mindy?”

  1. peterg on January 11th, 2006 4:26 pm

    Oh Tony! What have you done?

    What’s next, Marilyn Manson in parc ferme with the Borg Warner trophy? Am I the only one who thinks old man Hullman is rolling in his grave?

  2. Paul on January 11th, 2006 6:11 pm

    As a rock and Roll fan and a racing fan, I must say I am embarassed for both parties involved. IRL: What were you thinking? Gene Simmons? It’s not like you are marketing his tongue…that i can understand. Was Ozzy booked? How about Metallica. Good thing Simmons got the job because Winger was on the list right under him!! Gene Simmons: Really what do you think will make you more $$$: Your name associated with a dying league, or another (sigh) retirement tour?
    Looks like I’m sticking with Cham Car this year…No Mindy’s for me!

  3. Marc on January 11th, 2006 7:32 pm

    You missed the most despicable portion of the news release Josh.

    The IRL “officials” were asked not to use images of Simmons in full face makeup.

    Yea, riiiight like that is gonna happen. IRL might not but every two-bit news service from Indy to Mumbai India will.

    I’s also interesting to note just who the Abramson half of the marketing duo is. His largest, and maybe biggest, claim to fame is producing the Paul “Pee-wee Herman” Reubens sit-com.

    Anyone know of a good and cheap gravestone ingraver near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

  4. Josh on January 11th, 2006 7:36 pm

    You calling FM a two bit news service? We’re three bit at the LEAST sir.

  5. peterg on January 11th, 2006 7:41 pm

    I always assumed we were two bit. You mean we are lower down the food chain? SWEET!

  6. Tim_s on January 11th, 2006 11:59 pm

    That is the absolute best song… to laugh my butt off to! Do corporate honchos not listen to the the drivel that’s being shoveled to the masses?

    I work for a tv station that’s owned by a large media corporation. They love to suck the life out of anything good I create, but even they wouldn’t allow such a travesty of musical mayhem.

    I AM MINDY, indeed. Riddle me this unmasked aging rocker: where is Mork?

  7. George on January 12th, 2006 8:23 am

    What a disgrace. A dead and dying series hooks up with a washed up rock star who never had the courage to show his face in public….kinda like Tony George!!

  8. WhollyMindless on January 12th, 2006 8:51 am

    When “Bob & Tom” (radio show, morning comedy syndicated all over the US) is where you hear this news initially, you know it can’t be good.

    I guess they didn’t pay Gene enough to come up with a song that doesn’t suck.

    At least Honda didn’t get involved - Imagine 100,000 people singing “I am Honda” “On to” what?

  9. Dale on January 12th, 2006 12:42 pm

    OMG, I am embarassed. Imagine this song worldwide as representation of the series. I hear the laughing from theUK already… Remember the 5-episode “School of Rock”? This is worse…

  10. Robert on January 12th, 2006 2:45 pm

    To put simply,this is more foolish than asking your mother-inlaw to move in permanantly.

  11. Marc on January 12th, 2006 4:52 pm

    “You calling FM a two bit news service? We’re three bit at the LEAST sir.”

    You allow me to post articles… need I say more?

  12. Wally Wanderpoole on January 12th, 2006 8:24 pm

    Maybe They thought it would sound good in promotional ads with Andretti screaming by in Wheldons car and Danica doing a Demi Moore bump and grind. Only the fans care about this I bet. The disinterest is too great elsewhere. (Bob and Tom’s radio show originates in Indy.)

    I for one don’t care what they do as long as they keep on racing. Go 16!

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