RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Warning Flags on the Race Track JF Journal of Advertising Research JO J Advert Res FD WARC SP 74 OP 86 DO 10.2501/JAR-52-1-074-086 VO 52 IS 1 A1 Joe Cobbs A1 Mark D. Groza A1 Stephen W. Pruitt YR 2012 UL http://www.journalofadvertisingresearch.com/content/52/1/74.abstract AB The globalization of media content has encouraged the growth of cross-cultural promotional channels. Yet, empirical evaluations of advertising strategies at an international level are sparse. This study advances research in this emerging area by analyzing the global financial markets' valuation of commercial sponsorships in Formula One (F1) motor racing. Although previous research indicated that U.S. markets have approved of similar promotional investments, the results of this international event study demonstrated that the market value of firms entering into F1 sponsorships decline upon announcement. The level of investment and nationality congruence of the sponsorship appear to enhance the probability for negative returns in shareholder value.