race car sponsorship info

[Slapnut]

Hi all,

I have a question about race car sponsors and how to get them. I am not looking for any hand outs or any such thing, also i am not begging for any thing. I am just in need of info on what steps and how to go about getting sponsors. Last year I had 5 of them, and this year it's only 3, and all of them where friends of mine. All i had to do was ask them and it was a done deal. This year I need to get 2 more and I am not aware of what to say and/or do. I am wanting to ask some companies, but once again I know noone that works for these companies. Some info on what I do.... I have a 92 mits mirage 2dr, and i race it at an asphalt oval track, last years car totals was 80+. This is my second year racing in this class. I finished 4th in points last year and had no break downs. I am looking for $$ for parts, travel...etc...etc. I am LOST, any help would be great.

Thx Tim

 

[Ludachris]

I haven't been sponsored myself, but plan to seek sponsorship in the future. I'd suggest checking out some books written by people who really know the industry. That's probably your best bet. I doubt you'll find a lot of members here who would have much input on the subject - though there might be a few. I did a quick search on Google and found this resource:
http://racingsecrets.com/speedtalk_sponsorship.shtml

I'd start there.

 

[Greg Collier]

Sponsorships are few and far between. What makes you unique that someone would want to give you hard cold cash, parts, or discounts on parts? What is your fan base? Would your fan base buy the products that are advertised on your car? What kind of a salesmen are you? Are you passionate and diligent in your race endeavors? Are you successful in your race endeavors?
Getting people i.e.. "sponsors" interested and involved in your race program is a difficult task. A sponsor wants to see that your personal investment is greater than their's. It's a here today gone tomorrow concept as far as a sponsor is concerned. If a sponsor fears that your commitment isn't genuine there's no way they want to back you. You need a track record of a consistent period of time and success with your race program. You need to prove your commitment through that consistency and your own personal investment. If you have magazine articles or any other type of exposure that might show a sponsor you have some visability and viability they may be more likely to consider you.
Their are a lot of good musicians but very few rock stars. There are a lot of good race car drivers but very few sponsored cars.
With anything it's diligence and perseverance and a constant drive to succeed that will get you what you need. There are no free rides...........

Greg

 

[Illicit TSi]

I am going thru this now.. AGAIN and I am still working on this one and Having a harder time finding sponsors to fit my needs than i ever did with my lancer.and Supposedly its easier for girls to get sponsorships but I have YET to see that.Sponsors are unbiased IMO.anyways..on to my point...

I drag race and getting sponsors for that with a car that is common is not an easy feat.. with a more rare or not so well known car its a better chance to get MORE parts made for a car like a 1st year production vehicle thus getting a parts or partial sponsor.I suggest Sending out Race proposals to a company(s) you are interested in.Contrary to popular belief you likely WONT get fully sponsored your first year or second year so dont get your hopes up too high.

In said proposal include some background on you,your car,and your racing career.Also include the obvious things such as:

Pictures~ Car(inside,engine,and exterior),you racing,any victory pics..etc
Goals
Prior seasons/wins
What you can bring thier company
What your "market" is interested in seeing
How serious you are about racing(remember they get alot of "Sponsor me" apps)
How much of a gain/profit there could or would be by you representing thier company
And why you deserve to be sponsored by them.



Just a few ideas for you Good luck.And stay away from Certain "GET SPONSORED" sites.. those can be a joke sometimes.Try Mailing or Emailing These to companies.Also Call a few to ask their criteria for proposals.. Some comapnies like few pics and more words others like less words and more pictures.And some like a good balance.Also calling helps to see if they prefer it to be mailed or Emailed.Most prefer Mailed but some like the latter of the 2.
Good luck and hope you get what you are looking for.

 

[Microrcdude]

Yeah, as greg says, you dont get sponsored yourself, youve really got to make your name and show some major potential. It could take months, it could take years, just have fun racing.

 

[Slapnut]

 

[loweperf]

Being a shop owner I get asked to sponsor someone almost everyday. Most of the time I just ignore them. The ones I will talk to come in with a plan(how often they race,where,points earned, pictures of the car ect...)The thing I look for most is exposer,if your not in the winners circle every week it don't matter(though it helps)but you have to be seen. I don't want to lay out my money and after 2 races you tell me your car broke and you'll be out the rest of the season. Be prepared to agree to so many appearances or give the money back. Being seen also means appearance-you are representing my business and I want to be sure you look professional. No shirts,beer drinking,loud-mouth crews have never brought me business. (I'm not saying you have to have uniforms) but think of it this way I spend alot of money on uniforms for my mechanics because I would never take my car somewhere where the head mechanic wore a ragged t-shirt and dirty bluejeans. Just be presentable win or lose. I also sponsor people in different ways depending on what they have to offer me. They run my decal but don't race maybe they get cost on anything they buy. If they go racing every week they may get some money too.

 

[Slapnut]

ok, thanks for the thoughts and info, but i should stream-line my question.

I race in a class called the "Hornets" which is Any 3 or 4 cylinder compact car. Maximum wheelbase of 103”. Stock engine for that make and model from the carburetor to the exhaust manifold, stock transmission, stock body and frame, and unmodified suspension. Dash, steering and pedals must remain stock. This class is only in its 3rd season at the track ( www.elkospeedway.com ). There was 80+ cars last year, at all 8 of the races we had. Out of 80+ ( i think 83-84) cars i finished 4th in points. I was unable to capture the first place spot, butcamein second place many times. We do have Team shirts that matched the car, along with a website that has our sponsors listed. We had no break-downs last year, at all.

From this, how would i write a proposal?? i do have more info, but i am just get my question across better.

 

[loweperf]

ok, thanks for the thoughts and info, but i should stream-line my question.

I race in a class called the "Hornets" which is Any 3 or 4 cylinder compact car. Maximum wheelbase of 103”. Stock engine for that make and model from the carburetor to the exhaust manifold, stock transmission, stock body and frame, and unmodified suspension. Dash, steering and pedals must remain stock. This class is only in its 3rd season at the track ( www.elkospeedway.com ). There was 80+ cars last year, at all 8 of the races we had. Out of 80+ ( i think 83-84) cars i finished 4th in points. I was unable to capture the first place spot, butcamein second place many times. We do have Team shirts that matched the car, along with a website that has our sponsors listed. We had no break-downs last year, at all.

From this, how would i write a proposal?? i do have more info, but i am just get my question across better.

Take out the first and last sentence in your last post and you got a perfect start. Also try to get an attendance number for the track last year. A company needs to know how many people will see there name. If need be have a friend write it up so it sounds good(with proper spelling and grammer)take a picture of the team and give a link to the website. I would also have an idea about what you want money,how much?parts,what kind? it just depends on what the company does. Talk to the owner or person in charge but don't use up his whole day and don't expect an answer right away. Most companies will want to check up on you. Good Luck

 

[Microrcdude]

thats an entry level calss. by the time you get out of the novice class(Other name for hornets) and get a good oval car and get a good finish you'll have sponsors.

 

[Illicit TSi]

Take out the first and last sentence in your last post and you got a perfect start. Also try to get an attendance number for the track last year. A company needs to know how many people will see there name. If need be have a friend write it up so it sounds good(with proper spelling and grammer)take a picture of the team and give a link to the website. I would also have an idea about what you want money,how much?parts,what kind? it just depends on what the company does. Talk to the owner or person in charge but don't use up his whole day and don't expect an answer right away. Most companies will want to check up on you. Good Luck

Perfectly said. I couldnt agree more with how that was put.

The ones I had for my lancer wanted pictures of me racing and would "pop" in to races without me knowing they were gonna be there just to make sure i was there and i was doing what i was supposed to.Winning does help alot,but if you are in your first year or 2 then showing an effort to win and being a sport about it even if you lose helps alot.This shows you have the drive and will to succeed and thats one thing big companies look for.

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

As they say, "Save the drama fo' yo' mama" I don't want any personal crap on this site and I will ban both of you if you keep it up.

 

[Slapnut]

WHAA.. ban who.. for what?? did i miss some posts or something??? I am getting threatening pm's now too?? WTF happened??

 

[L2RTSiAWD]

WHAA.. ban who.. for what?? did i miss some posts or something??? I am getting threatening pm's now too?? WTF happened??

That post was not directed at you.

 

[Slapnut]

kk

 

[Greg Collier]

That post was not directed at you.

It was me...................

 

[Illicit TSi]

No It was A chick that Starts shit with me all the time and me.. Sorry guys.Slap.. Alls I said was stay out of it..I know she prolly said something to you to try and drag you into it.Its between me and her and I am taking care of it lil by lil.Dont get involved in it please.

Greg.. Wasnt you wither.You have been Right on par with this thread and prolly dont even know what the heck went on before the posts were deleted.

Slapnut-Hows the Sponsorship thing coming?

 

[Tevenor]

You want to get sponsored? Prove you have the desire, skill and talent to do what you are looking to get sponsored to do. You don't jump from playing Basketball in Gym class to playing in the NBA, and nobody will hire you for a big time job if you have no experience and no proven results. Sponsorships are no different.

 

[Microrcdude]

Do what i am doing. write a letter, and put in the following:

-bennifits of sponsoring you
-exposure
-previous race results
-2005 plans and races