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In July, the EU banned tobacco advertising in Formula One racing (the largest spectator sport after the Olympics and soccer’s World Cup). And since some of the major teams are sponsored primarily by nicotine providers, many eyes have been waiting to see what the teams would do.

Two of the teams are currently mapping out their sponsorship future. But while one team was able to quit the tobacco habit cold turkey, another has refused to give it up until at least 2011.

The McLaren team is now in the market for a new primary sponsor after losing long-time German benefactor West Tobacco, even though today the team announced the addition of sponsorship from Hilton International, the world’s most recognized hotel chain. You will be able to see the Hilton logo on the rear spoiler of Team McLaren’s racers starting with the Belgian Grand Prix. My hunch is that after this year, the Hilton logo will creep its way to the fenders, side-panels, and hood of the team’s cars as well.

Interestingly, Phillip Morris, a veteran sponsor of the Ferrari team, promised to continue financial backing for the team until 2011 despite not being able to plaster the Marlboro logo on the cars during events held within the EU’s grasp. Phillip Morris reps have stated that they will still back the team in tobacco-forbidden races, but will do so without branding.

Since Marlboro’s logos have been gracing Formula One Ferraris for so long, and since teams will still be allowed to use taglines and similar paint schemes, many viewers probably won’t even notice the missing bow-tie shaped logo.

The tobacco sponsors of the BAR, Jordan and Renault teams have yet to announce whether they plan to continue putting their logos on Formula One racers.

The future of the 17 remaining schools on the NCAA’s list of colleges with “hostile and abusive” nicknames and logos will probably depend on how good the relationship is between the school and the associated tribe.

Florida State escaped a costly rebranding two weeks ago, citing support and an ongoing positive relationship between the school and the Seminole tribe. The University of Utah also sent in an appeal to the NCAA yesterday, in hopes of being taken off the offenders list as well. In their appeal, the U of U stated they no longer use Ute warrior mascot, cartoon imagery, feathered headbands for their drill team, Indian “cheers,” or “Redskins” moniker. Between these and the U’s positive relationship with the Ute tribe, I expect them to be able to continue using their current logo.

The University of North Dakota has not been so lucky.

UND suffered a setback yesterday in their appeal to continue using the “Fighting Sioux” name and logo. A Sioux tribe from the state called UND’s logo “an affront to the dignity and well-being of the members of Spirit Lake.”

More than 70 Spirit Lake tribe members approved the resolution, and the Tribal Council is expected to approve it by Friday. This resolution is likely to force UND to change their logo and nickname unless some other support from another Sioux tribe can be found.

For the schools not fortunate enough to be taken off the “black list,” re-branding will be expensive. There will probably be plenty of discussion about who should pay for the new logo design, uniforms, promotional products, etc. Hopefully the NCAA will have made enough money selling “hostile and abusive” university merchandise on their website (www.shopncaasports.com) to aid in costly re-branding efforts.