NextGen NZ Championship organisers, led by Tony Quinn and circuit chief Josie Spillane, have come forward to defend historic car owners whose vehicles feature period-accurate tobacco liveries after broadcasting authorities flagged television coverage of their events. The controversy arose following the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix held earlier this year at Highlands Motorsport Park, an event that featured the Tim Miles Memorial Trophy dedicated to the late New Zealand racer and businessman who tragically passed away in a cycling accident.
During the event broadcasted by Foxtel, fans witnessed a notable machine from Miles' collection—an ex-Jos Verstappen Swift DB4 Formula Atlantic car. The historic single-seater appeared in its original livery complete with authentic Marlboro branding and Peter Jackson series logos. However, a formal complaint lodged with the Australian Communications and Media Authority resulted in a regulatory warning for the broadcaster over historical tobacco advertising.
Refusing to back down quietly, the championship leadership responded with a sharp statement highlighting the absurdity of applying contemporary advertising bans to rolling motorsport history. "It turns out our coverage of the memorable 70th NAPA New Zealand Grand Prix was so good, it caught the government’s eye across the ditch," the organisers posted. They pointed out that classic cars appearing on screens were simply wearing the exact colors they raced in decades ago, a practice now clashing with tightening regulatory frameworks.
The statement emphasised that original race cars are increasingly being forced to tape over historic liveries or having their broadcasts pulled entirely over paint jobs older than many current viewers. Comparing the censorship to absurd measures, they stated, "Taping over these liveries is a bit like putting a sticky note over the Mona Lisa in case she encourages people to smile too much." Organisers made it clear they fully support keeping modern tobacco advertising out of sports, while stressing a fundamental difference between a new commercial advertisement and an authentic historic car telling the story of the sport's origins.
Expressing disappointment with the current regulatory outcome, NextGen NZ stated its support for ongoing efforts on both sides of the Tasman Sea to protect classic car heritage and their historical sponsorships through a simple, sensible exemption. Defying the restrictive broadcasting trends, the championship reaffirmed its commitment to continuing race coverage where every authentic logo remains visible.
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