“NASCAR was its showpiece property, but [RJR] underwrote 55 other events and sports teams: Camel Biker Rallies, Camel Smokin’ Joe’s [previously Winston Eagle] hydroplane, Vantage golf championships, Salem ProSail, RJ Gold Bass Tournaments, Doral Skiing and more.
“Says H.A. ‘Humpy’ Wheeler, president of Charlotte’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway, ‘When they write the history of marketing in the 20th century, R.J. Reynolds will be looked at as one of the most prolific marketing entities Western civilization ever had. They’ll be held up like Thomas Edison’s light bulb.’ ”
— From “The last beauty standing” by Liz Clarke in the Washington Post (Nov. 16, 2003)