Sponsorship

[seamus88]

I like everyone else need to get some sponsorship.Does anyone have any advice or experiences that they would be willing to share.Also if anyone has a proposal and or resume that they are willing to share please e-mail to seamus88 at earthlink.net. I will keep any information private.

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Sean Christie
# 88
ITA Civic Si
Phila Region

[gran racing]

Sean,

What type of sponsorship are you hoping for? Finding a pure cash sponsorship is difficult. Companies have a difficult time forking over cash out of their pockets, but there are other ways which can be helpful to you. Think of any sponsorship you get as an extra bonus. If you need extra cash, seek other ways that are guaranteed to raise money. Basically, don't put too much stress on yourself.

From what I have found (and this really surprised me!) is that they don't care too much how well you do on the track. I thought you had to be a front runner to get sponsors, but that isn't true. I got my first two sponsors before I did my first license school. A huge part of their decision is based on if they like you or not.

Think hard about any businesses you have any type of relationship with. Do not target racing related businesses as 99.9% of the time they will not sponsor a car unless it is their own or an employees. Think of it this way, if they did start sponsoring one person, customers who spend a lot of money with them would get upset. (I learned this the hard way)

I bought a used car from Canton Auto Exchange in CT a few years ago. So I went back there and we talked and he had some interest, but wasn't sure how it all would work out. Here is another thing...be creative with things and take a look at their business and how developing a relationship could benefit both of you. After talking more to the Jonathan at the dealership, I learned that at auctions they purchase "lots" (groups) of cars. The dealership is geared at selling low mile, 2 or 3 year old max., very good condition used cars. But in the lot of cars they bid on, there may be an older car included in it. They then would just want to get rid of it and sell it at an auction. So, instead of selling one of the decent "junk" cars he gives it to me. Last year it was a Bronco that was used on a farm and need serious cleaning. Unfortunately I found out that one of the cylinders was dead (only found out when towing). But I was able to clean it up and sell it and got $600. For him, I made him a brocheur about their business for them to have at the dealership.

Bodyshops are also great! Maybe they are willing to paint your car and help out with maintenance. My prelude was stolen several years ago and the police eventually found it and towed it into a body shop. I thought the shop owner was really nice and he remembered me. This gave me a foot into the door although he kept telling me to come back later. So I did and eventually he agreed to help me out. (The weird thing is that he doesn't even like racing.)

Finding and keeping sponsors takes effort and time! You need to do it for the right reasons and without high expectations. Forget the resume. They won't care or read it anyways. Sell yourself in person and give them a brief proposal. Stress what you can do for them and not what YOU need. Keep things open and don't limit yourself to types of sponsorship. Be receptive to any types of help they might be willing to give you. Lastly, expect that most people will give you the not interested but don't give up. When you do land a sponsor, it is a great feeling! Best of luck.

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Dave Gran
NER ITB #13
'87 Honda Prelude si

[This message has been edited by gran racing (edited February 05, 2005).]

[Knestis]

Having played this game for 20+ years, at various levels I am confident saying that anyone who has a job would be money ahead working extra hours, rather than spending the same time chasing sponsorship.

This doesn't mean that when opportunity presents itself, you shouldn't take it. When you do, give your sponsors more than they expect and remember that having the sticker on the car is just an excuse for all of the other stuff that you can do, to build goodwill for your supporters.

K

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PhilsTireService.com Team GTI - ITB Class Winner, 2004 13 Hours at VIR (http://it2.evaluand.com/gti/enduro04.php) - Tuned with Cobalt Friction (http://cobaltfriction.com/) brake pads, KONI (http://www.koni-na.com/racing.html) racing struts, and quality OE Volkswagen and racing parts from Bildon Motorsport (http://www.bildon.com/)

TOYO and HOOSIER Racing Tires available at Phil's Tire Service (http://www.philstireservice.com/)

[gran racing]

Having spent the past 6 hours at the body shop with one of my sponsors, I would say it is well worth it! There are many unexpected things that you'll learn through the process. Such at the "ghetto" body shop methods (as he called it).

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Dave Gran
NER ITB #13
'87 Honda Prelude si

[SilverHorseRacing]

Sean,

Don't listen to Kirk... he's just bitter http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/smile.gif (Just kidding Kirk).

Anyway, this came up at a pretty good time, for you. I am currently putting together a book and preparing to offer my services to other teams / drivers that are looking to get sponsored. This year I am celebrating the fifth year of sponsorship of our primary sponsor, and our "club" sponsor is back for a 4th year. Two of my 6 deals (including the primary) are cash deals, the other 4 are services / parts.

I haven't paid to race a car since 2001, and I plan to keep it that way by keeping my sponsors happy, and their guests / customers. This is from a regional club driver, not a Speed GT or Trans-Am team.

Kirk is right though that it is VERY difficult to find and keep sponsors, and it is very time-consuming. Dollar-wise, you can come out ahead if you have a second job to support your racing, but by the same token, sponsors beget sponsors, and the more you have, the more people pay attention to you, so it can grow to be bigger than that job at 7-11. (Mine has grown into a real business)

Anyway, contact me via e-mail or ask here and I'll see what I can tell you.

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-Marcello Canitano
www.SilverHorseRacing.com (http://www.SilverHorseRacing.com)