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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » pardon me good sirs, but thast how enlighten me upon sponsorships?
  • Javelin

    Dec. 13, 2011 2:35 p.m. Javelin SuperDork

    I want to take my car and budding autocross career to the next level. I'm also short on cash considering my first kid is due in 29 days and Mrs. Javelin is quitting work. I think I want to start trying to find sponsors. Even if it's just for discounts it would help me along greatly.

    Any advice?

    I was thinking about making a nice little pamphlet detailing my background/successes, the car, and the upcoming schedule including all of the events, etc the sponsor's name would be seen. I have a few places on my short list to contact.

  • jrw1621

    Dec. 13, 2011 2:37 p.m. jrw1621 SuperDork

    You have told us why you want to get the sponsorship money in, now focus on why someone would want to send the sponsorship money out to you to find the answers.

  • BBsGarage

    Dec. 13, 2011 2:38 p.m. BBsGarage HalfDork

    The pamphlet is good, but you need to tell them what you are going to do for them, How are you going to increase sales, what other promotional stuff are you going to do........

  • ransom

    Dec. 13, 2011 2:41 p.m. ransom Dork

    This is pertinent to my (distant, distant) interests, but we'll be vying in the same market, dangit! Actually, I don't expect to be pursuing anything of this sort soon, but it's info of long-term value.

    Long preamble aside, I believe the local SCCA's Loud Pedal has demographic information about members, and the PCA probably does as well. Noting the influence and affluence of you and your vehicle's audience is probably a good thing to put in that pamphlet... Whose eyeballs are you fetching for your prospective sponsor?

  • aussiesmg

    Dec. 13, 2011 2:46 p.m. aussiesmg SuperDork

    Unless you have a current model car in a series that gets TV and other major media coverage.

    If you like classic cars, it is very difficult. Unless you know someone who has a business and can write some advertising off.

    Steve

  • Javelin

    Dec. 13, 2011 2:48 p.m. Javelin SuperDork

    Well specifically, as I only race regionally really, I am targeted local small businesses. Shops and companies that already sell to racers, to get the word out to the racers they have yet to sell to. Basically, the SCCA guys don't look outside and the PCA guys don't look outside, but if I told each about the other they have wonderfully complimentary shops and equipment suppliers, etc.

    I would have the car at the races, plus a few big events (Rose Cup, Portland Historics), and some car shows. I would also allow display of the car during the off-season or between races. I plan on printing out flyers to hand out at races to interested parties with sponsor information and produce some videos. Obviously I would try and get as much media coverage as possible (Loud Pedal, Anzeiger, Sportscar, Panorama, Excellence, GRM, etc).

  • EvanB

    Dec. 13, 2011 2:50 p.m. EvanB SuperDork

    Well, how about that

    http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/autocross-sponsorship/40449/page1/

  • docwyte

    Dec. 13, 2011 5:06 p.m. docwyte Reader

    You need to show them ROI, specifically how you're going to get media and advertising for them.

    Every time I've been sponsored I've been able to show media coverage potential, either on web forums, national magazines or regional magazines.

    So first up, approach those venues and see if they're willing to feature your car. Once you've gotten that, then approach various vendors with a business plan.

    Vendors are far more likely to give you discounts on products and labor vs outright cash.

    Good luck! I'm about to do the same thing for One Lap...

  • kevlarcorolla

    Dec. 13, 2011 6:13 p.m. kevlarcorolla Reader

    I wish you luck,in my case I build everything myself so what would be best for me is cash for fuel costs etc.Anyone thats ever helped me wants to hand me a set of rotors or something similiar that cost next to nil in the grand scheme of things AND last me years per set. I've always made up nice plaques to have on their walls etc,usually ends up costing me as much as what I recieved so I don't bother chasing anyone anymore.

  • DaveEstey

    Dec. 13, 2011 6:22 p.m. DaveEstey Dork

    Well I can offer some advice on this since I raced this entire AutoX season as an arrive and drive for a local motorsports shop.

    The owner got into racing but was still learning the ropes. I offered him my personal instruction and to pay for half of a set of slicks to run his car for the season with the addition that any year-long winnings would go to him.

    Long story short, we both benefited. I got a championship title in a new class (SM), his shop got great exposure among racers, he learned a ton, and he got a check at the end of the season for $150.

    You have to give the sponsor something in return, and it has to be something of actual value.

  • vwcorvette

    Dec. 13, 2011 6:33 p.m. vwcorvette HalfDork

    You have to give the sponsor something in return, and it has to be something of actual value.

    Couldn't be closer to the truth than this. In all things, when you want something from another you have to put it in terms that explains their benefit to them first and foremost.

  • Kramer

    Dec. 13, 2011 8:24 p.m. Kramer HalfDork

    You need to make a very professional sales presentation piece to give to the potential sponsors. Then, after gaining their sponsorship, you'll need to become an employee of sorts to the sponsor. Your job is to garner them enough sales so that their net profit from those sales is more than what they paid you in sponsorship. Roughly...

 
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