[racingaddict]

i'm not really sure what sponors are allowed to do and help with. i also don't the best way to get them.

[goinincircles22]

FINDING A SPONSOR
20 BASIC STEPS YOU MUST LEARN


Now for some, probably many, a sponsorship consists of someone who will help pay for fuel, tires, or whatever, and in return their name/logo on the side of the race car and, possibly, the hauler. There are those who get discounts from various parts, equipment, and service suppliers, and in return the suppliers have their logo or decal on the race car.

Some racers are lucky enough to find someone who owns a business, has an ego, and simply enjoys seeing their name on a race car - no strings attached, no marketing involved. Just take the money, paint the name on the race car, and go racing.

Here is a list of 20 basic ideas that will help you find a Sponsor. Good Luck !!


1. Don't Sell Cheap
One of the biggest problems with most racers and their sponsorship efforts is that they will sell too cheap. If you don't feel that what you offer is worth much, potential sponsors will agree. Set a figure, a realistic figure based on the value you offer, and make it higher than what you are willing to settle for ( it leaves room for negotiations). You can always lower the amount you are looking for, but it's almost impossible to increase the amount.

2. Request a Realistic Amount of Money
Too many racers think that a primary sponsor should finance the race team. A sponsor is only going to give you what he thinks the deal is worth to his business. If you show that the package you offer will generate exposure, and bring in customers, your chances of getting a sponsor will greatly improve.

3. Run The Race Team Like a Business
I have seen many businessmen loose control of their common senses when they get involved in racing. Run the race team as you would a business, and you will impress potential sponsors.

4. Don't Beg
Never tell a potential sponsor that if you don't get a sponsor, you won't be able to race. They don't care, its a turn-off that will chase them away. A potential sponsor will begin thinking, "if I put money in this team, will they be around for the full season?"

5. Talk Racing Like It Will Grow Their Business
Most sponsors will not and do not care about racing, they do care about their business and what you can do to help it. Show them that you have ideas to attract customers, and they will listen. Telling them about all the wonderful things you have done in racing and plan to do will do nothing for their business, and they wont be interested.

6. Add Value To The Sponsorship Package
Put together a package if you haven't already done so. Many sponsorship packages/proposals are put together backward. There is 90% devoted to the race team and 10% devoted to the marketing efforts to make the sponsorship work. It should be the opposite. The days of offering to paint the sponsors name on the race car and calling it sponsorship are long gone. You have to offer a package of benefits.

7. Use The Hauler
I am amazed at how many racers do not include logo's on their hauler's as part of the sponsorship package. Some businesses pay thousands to have their signs /logo's on buses, trucks, and billboards. More people will see the signs/logos of your sponsors on the hauler as it travels to and from the races than on the car at the race track.

8. Generate Exposure
Make sure that the announcers and public relations representatives at events where you are racing have an information sheet about the team, including sponsor names. And don't forget about TV and radio media, if you have the luxury of such coverage. Most all track announcers will welcome this information. Keep in mind that the exposure generated in newspapers, websites, and broadcast is basically free. The same goes for the exposure generated by information given to the track announcer. All it takes is a little effort by you or someone who has writing talent.

9. Know The Difference
There are two types of sponsors, the one who gives you money and expects nothing in return, and the serious sponsor who expects a return on his investment.

10. Don't Make Extreme Promises
Do not promise to win races or win championships. Do not promise to get the sponsor media exposure. Instead, promise the sponsor or potential sponsor that you will be giving everything your very best effort.

11. Learn To Talk Business
Be certain that the finished proposal or cover letter includes good grammar, correct spelling, and the proper names and titles for those who are being contacted. There is nothing worse than a misspelled name or a greasy thumbprint on the letter.
If you can't write an good letter, find someone who can.

12. Research The Sponsor
If you have someone you are thinking about contacting about sponsorship, be sure the company can afford the deal. Make sure you are talking to the person who can make the decision.

13. Be Focused On The Phone
Don't try to do business over the phone with the TV blasting or the kids screaming in the background. Only those who are involved in the sponsorship proposal should be doing the talking. If a potential sponsor calls and ends up talking to the kids, chances are you wont be taken seriously. It may end any deal you may have in the works.

14. Don't Rely On Mass Mailings
Mass mailings to people you haven't talked with will probably end up in the trash can. Many times a well meaning secretary will save her boss the trouble of reading a proposal, one that was not expected, by tossing it in the trash. Be sure that you are addressing your proposal to a specific person.

15. Develop A Relationship With The Track Promoter
Let him know that you are available to help promote events. Make yourself available to do personal appearances, car shows, media work, ect. It is good for the sport and good for the sponsor, and it provides additional opportunities to meet potential sponsors. At the same time you are doing the promoter a favor, you put yourself in position to get better rates for your sponsors should they want to try some marketing opportunities at the track.

16. Get Involved With Local Charities and Civic Organizations.
A lot of businessmen belong to such organizations. This is a great way to meet them and start relationships that can possibly lead to sponsorship's. People in business gain a respect for sports figures, and racers are sports figures who are active in charity and civic work. It might not be a bad idea to carry a "sponsorship" from a charity on your race car.

17. Seek Sponsorship Locally
Its better to spend time working on local and regional companies that will have more interest and receive more benefits from the exposure you generate for them. And there is always the opportunity to bring in several sponsors rather than just one primary.

18. Give Potential Sponsors The Royal Tour At The Race Track
It may not seem like anything special to you, but to people who haven't been to a race track, showing them the behind the scenes activities can sell the deal for you. Allow them to sit in your race car, and have someone with them to explain what is going on.

19. Put It In Writing
To avoid future problems, even with a small deal, make sure that everyone understands what he can expect from the sponsorship deal. You don't need a full-fledged contract but a brief letter of agreement that outlines what the sponsor gives and what the sponsor gets in return. Have the sponsor and yourself sign the contract. Leaving no doubt as to who does what and when can save a lot of headaches for both sides.

20. Put The Needs Of The Sponsor First Once You Have Made A Commitment
I've heard too many stories about racers who couldn't be bothered for an autograph session or a radio interview. Getting racers to understand the importance of being available to talk with a fan or give a kid an autograph seems to be getting more difficult. When the sponsor remembers the mistakes made while the racer was carrying his company's name, a new deal will often result in the sponsor looking elsewhere.

[racingaddict]

some of the stuff i'm already doing but some i had thought of. i'm part of a youth group that could help. I don't for sure what i could do add more to the sponor package i denfinely can't give out free stuff at this point.

[torg38]

Not to be mean, but I would master the use of spell check. Appearing professional is the key in getting and keeping sponsors. If you look like an unreliable person no one will take a chance on you. MG
_________________
Effort equals results...Penske
Their is only air in my tires, Like your head...Evernham

[racingaddict]

i know i'm crapy with spelling and grammer i'm taking class to imporve on it.

[Mopar93]

Racingaddict,

It's good that you recognize that and are trying to improve yourself.

Like Mark implied, a sponsor wants someone who is presentable, intelligent, and speaks well. This is a mandatory requirement amongst the top racing divisions nowadays. With all the emphasis placed on marketing, the driver has to be more than a good driver. You have to know how to present yourself.

You should really spend some time next summer in the pits every week and get involved with one or more of the teams and learn all you can about the sport.

Don't just jump in and buy a car and expect to go racing and do well. You also need a place to keep the car, a place to work on it. And you need a way to get it to and from the track.

And be prepared for the mainaintence end of it. Many times, keeping a race car running can be a full-time job in addition to your regular full-time job.

-Maurice

[racingaddict]

i'm doing what have to do to find a way to haul and store a car. i know it will take time,money and most of all paitence. i have a lot work ahead of me but i'm not afriad of hard work.

[racingaddict]

I would gladly help on team if i could find one.