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Racing costs money, pretty big money. Here's a quick and dirty guide to offsetting some of the cost with sponsorship and contingency.
1. Write a letter/email. A phone call will be forgotten, as will a text message.
2. Keep it concise. One page If you attach a word file or PDF.
3. State your intentions for the following year. Be honest. If you are a 1:30 guy, don't say you intend winning 5 expert championships. The wins don't matter as much as the effort in our little pond. Even if you haven't raced yet, but intend to, state that. Tell them where and when you will be racing.
4. Describe you and your bike (your age, location, year make model of bike etc)
5. Include an action photo of you riding.
6. Don't apply to competing sponsors. For example, don't apply to Woodcraft, who supply clip-ons, stands and rearsets and also apply to Vortex who supply the same stuff. Those companies are competitors. Pick a product you WANT to use, not the one that gives you the best deal., or even worse, BOTH. That's just unprofessional.
7. State what you can do for the potential sponsor. Think of every way you can promote them and tell them. Facebook, online forums, word of mouth, newsletters etc.
8. Tell them what you want! You aren't getting money so forget about that. Ask for free or discounted product or services in exchange for promotion. Offer to attend open houses at your sponsors of possible. Offer to wear clothing from your sponsors.
9. Tell them why you want their sponsorship. Tell them why their product is better than the others.
10. Thanks them for considering you.
11. If/when you get a reply, make sure you tell them you are thankful for their consideration (even if they say "no thanks") and if they offer sponsorship, tell them that you are proud to use and promote them and that you hope it will be a long standing relationship. ask I you can offer your sponsorship discount to friends. You will be surprised how many companies will say "yes".
12. Don't forget contingency!!!!! Sign up for everything you are eligible for. It is a shame to see the amount of money/merchandise that goes unclaimed because people didn't hunk they would get a good enough result to win contingency.
13. Follow up with regular quick emails to your sponsors telling them about your season. Include a picture with their product or name in
That's about it. Good luck.