Ferrari 1 and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are pleased to announce the launch of Tofu-si. A special merchandise line from PETA for fans of the most successful racing team of all time, the Scuderia Ferrari. Tofu-si is a vegetarian pun on the word Tifosi, the Italian term for fans of the Scuderia.

The Tofu-si line includes many shirts, sweaters, mugs, hats, stickers and an apron (for vegetarian cooking of course). Each item displays a "Tofu-man" wearing a Ferrari hat and the slogan, Eat Green, Race Red. Now you don't have to be a vegetarian, or an animal activist to enjoy these products, but it certainly does help. Ferrari fans can also appreciate that all funds raised from the sale of Tofu-si items go to preventing cruelty to animals, PETA's very important mission.

Michael Schumacher’s and Ferrari’s biggest fan is the president and Co-Founder of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Ingrid Newkirk. She coined the phrase Tofu-si and created the inspiration for the new line for vegetarian Ferrari fans. Ferrari 1's Dale Calkins, spoke with Ms. Newkirk about Tofu-si and her passion for Ferrari:

Dale Calkins: Ms. Newkirk, I have been told that you are an adamant supporter of Michael Schumacher and the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team, how and when did you become such a fan?

Ingrid Newkirk: The long answer is that I'm like Frank Williams, always watching the new blood for potential. When Schumi emerged, his Germanic concentration and determination combined with rampant enthusiasm made him look like a winner to me from that very first race. I looked up his karting history and thought "you are the one!" That was confirmed when I saw him in the drivers' karting race and watched him do something I'd never seen: jump out of his seat on a corner, turn the steering wheel while his body weight was "missing" and then resume his seat after the start of the turn, a phenomenally simple maneuver but one that helped win him the race.

Ferrari, like Lotus, is a legend and to drive for that team must be magical (unless you clash with your teammate, and unlike his seemingly troubled relationship with Rueben's, Schumi really feels kindly towards Massa) When Schumi jumped over from Benetton, Flavio Briattori had started dating Naomi Campbell - who wore fur, including endangered wolf, despite signing a PETA petition saying she wouldn't, compelling me to shout at her as she walked to the pits - so I was doubly delighted.

DC: It has not been easy for Ferrari at times this year, yet they are close to taking the title. Have you been enjoying the 2006 Formula 1 season?

IN: Very much, always surprises. I was relieved that Schumi postponed his "announcement" which was scheduled for testing last week. I don't want him to retire, and Ferrari fans fear that the announcement might just be that. He's had a tough year, including the silly incident in Monaco, and if he ever leaves, I'd like it to be on a high note. The racing has been great this year, lots of ups and downs, I feel lousy for Kimi, I see Ralf's star fading further, there are some exciting new racers on the track - watch out for 19 year old Sebastian, the attempt to lure the US in through Scott Speed is amusing, and of course Alonso is a great racer, a pleasant fellow and it has been grand to see him race even against "my man."

DC: What about this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, any predictions?

IN: Schumi will take it. He has to. The point spread is at danger point.

DC: On to the Tofu-si product line, what exactly inspired you to launch this campaign?

IN: I hang out with lots of race fans in the US and abroad and, like the general population anywhere, a growing number of them are vegetarian or vegan. After a few beers (thank god beer is vegetarian), an American race fan mispronounced Tufossi and that clinched it. Now vegetarian or just health conscious Ferrari fans have their very own "club" and shirt.

DC: A rather funny and clever name, though do you expect many Ferrari and Schumacher fans to respond to it and the campaign in general in a positive manner?

IN: I was at the track at Monza all last week and particularly Italian Ferrari fans thought it was very cute, very funny. I'd run out of shirts and one woman in the press area had me go into the WC and swap the one I was wearing for her old Italian Ferrari shirt.

DC: I assume that you would be pleased to know that the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro team no longer use leather in the cockpit and seat design of their Formula 1 car. Does PETA have campaigns to specifically discourage the use of animal skins and furs for vehicular upholstery?

IN: We do indeed, and have had lots of luck with most makes from Mercedes to Ford. We work with pleather manufacturers for breathable fabric that doesn't smell, sweat or stick like animal hide. One of our well-heeled members has just ordered the new Lamborghini with custom pleather seats - that's a first. It should be delivered in December or so. At over $550,000 I think you should be able to get the "cheap" feel of leather out of your car!

DC: One final question if I may. Any predictions for the outcome of this year's World Championship? Will Fernando Alonso hold on for two-in-a-row, or can Michael Schumacher reclaim his title?

IN: The pit is divided on the outcome, it's so close, and I dare not speculate. I want Michael to secure the title, if only because if he does to decide to win, he'll go out on a high note (as it would have been nice for Agassi to do) and then "Fer" can reclaim it in 2007.

If you would like to find out more about the Tofu-si line of merchandise, as well as to purchase items please visit:
The PETA Store

For more information on the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and to learn more about animal rights activism, please visit: PETA.org

For a limited time, you can win one of four Tofu-si baseball jerseys (show right) from Ferrari 1 in the Eat Green, Race Red Contest! Please click the banner below to proceed to the entry form for the contest. Or click here: Enter the Eat Green, Race Red Contest

September 8, 2006