How to get race sponsorship.

[Jim]

wow, there's a lot of work to do on this site.
need to add results to every race. list every sponsor.

there's no way Savas is going to have a higher score than me


edit: score 2,271 now

[Petorius]

What is reasonable to ask for? I would guess it looks like this, ordered from 'reasonable' to 'getting laughed at':

1. Discounts on products or services
2. Products or services
3. Race fees

[MFChop]

What is reasonable to ask for? I would guess it looks like this, ordered from 'reasonable' to 'getting laughed at':

1. Discounts on products or services
2. Products or services
3. Race fees

No disrespect with only one round under your belt you're in no position to "ask" for anything. Happily take whatever they give you, thank them, and represent them as if they are funding your whole season....

[Jim]

you wont get race or tire fees covered unless you get a deal with a local shop or a tire vendor.
generally you'll get discounts on various parts that you'd buy.

think smart. what do you use. use Woodcraft stuff? great, apply there. use oil? great, apply with them.
you get the point.

[Kurlon]

What is reasonable to ask for? I would guess it looks like this, ordered from 'reasonable' to 'getting laughed at':

1. Discounts on products or services
2. Products or services
3. Race fees

Flip the equation around - What are you offering to them?

1. A 'Like' on Facebook and never to be heard from again
2. Sticker placement, sponsor listing
3. Actually discussing them in person and online
4. Your bike and kit will be on their lot / site on Tuesday as part of an event their holding
...
10. Ken Block and Marcel Irnie wait for your video releases to see the newest tricks of the promotion trade

Once you have that sorted, that'll help you decide what's reasonable to ask for in return.

[Petorius]

A few more questions... Will sponsors frown on an ugly bike? I would think that keeping a clean bike is important for maintaining some degree of professionalism, but cosmetics have no place in my racing budget.

It seems like picking up a sponsor could actually cost a fair bit of money, initially. I am thinking of a certain local manufacturer of racey bits/distributor of bodywork. I would love to have support for the racey bits, but would be hesitant to shell out $1000 (less discount) for the requisite new bodywork + paint. Is this a common concern?

[butcher bergs]

...but cosmetics have no place in my racing budget.

Stick with contingency signups then.

[Mr. Kurtz]

A few more questions... Will sponsors frown on an ugly bike? I would think that keeping a clean bike is important for maintaining some degree of professionalism, but cosmetics have no place in my racing budget.

It seems like picking up a sponsor could actually cost a fair bit of money, initially. I am thinking of a certain local manufacturer of racey bits/distributor of bodywork. I would love to have support for the racey bits, but would be hesitant to shell out $1000 (less discount) for the requisite new bodywork + paint. Is this a common concern?

Again, look to those sites like hookit and such(can't recall any others but I believe there are a few). There are some companies that will offer xx% off their products to anyone who'll run their sticker. You won't be scoring killer deals, but if you're looking to save a few bucks and don't have much to offer(not knocking you, going by your own admission of presentation...deficiencies + relative newness and lack of historical results) they may be your best bet.

[Mr. Kurtz]

No disrespect with only one round under your belt you're in no position to "ask" for anything.

Disagree. Personally, I think if you're truly approaching sponsors directly, you should have an idea what you want, and you should ask for it...preferably while doing as Josh mentions and telling them exactly what you plan to do for them in return.

Happily take whatever they give you, thank them, and represent them as if they are funding your whole season....

Agree. You drop your brass balls on the desk and ask Motul for 12 cases of free oil, and they instead give you 1 case, you scored, and you really should do everything you said you would do for them, and promote them appropriately.

[nt650hawk]

Hell 4th 5th and 6th can get a piece of the action..

2014 Contingency - CCS/ASRA/USGPRU

[Jim]

i wish i got a case of free Motul oil

[GixerJockey]

i wish i got a case of free Motul oil

You wish you had balls big enough to drop on anything, let alone Motul's desk.

[The Snowman]

Nick is no longer with Woodcraft - please email sponsorship@woodcraft-cfm.com to contact our rider support team.

Can you tell that Pete has been handling the team's contract? I wasn't aware of this. Thanks for the clarification.

Keira even writes notes with your order and draws pictures on your boxes.

[Pigman]

Hookit is a great way to open the door to a sponsorship that you wouldn't ever get the chance other wise...


EX.....for me Yoshimura R&D or GoPro

So it does have a bit more weight than just a discount..... but its all in how you approach it and what You bring to the table

[mzdagrl]

Can you tell that Pete has been handling the team's contract? I wasn't aware of this. Thanks for the clarification.

Keira even writes notes with your order and draws pictures on your boxes.

No worries. Personnel doesn't change very often around here, and he was here for a long time. Just doing something different now.


The biggest takeaway a newer racer should get from this is that the focus is largely on what YOU as a rider and person bring to the table to offer any sponsor. Your willingness to go above and beyond the normal "I'll run stickers and mention you on all my stuff" speaks volumes to a company.

[tsorfas]

you wont get race or tire fees covered unless you get a deal with a local shop or a tire vendor.
generally you'll get discounts on various parts that you'd buy.

Speak for yourself Jimmy boy

[OreoGaborio]

Nick is no longer with Woodcraft - please email sponsorship@woodcraft-cfm.com to contact our rider support team.

*GASP!

So THAT'S why I got the contract from Ryan & not Nick. Bummer.

Can you tell that Pete has been handling the team's contract? I wasn't aware of this. Thanks for the clarification.

I didn't know either! Just talked to Nick on the phone last month about our contract.

[mzdagrl]

*GASP!

So THAT'S why I got the contract from Ryan & not Nick. Bummer.

To be fair, Ryan has been part of the sponsorship team for over 2 years

[OreoGaborio]

That long?? Damn... all my dealings have been done with Nick.

[theducman]

Agreed, matter of fact, I became real good friends with the yoshimura support liaison

Hookit is a great way to open the door to a sponsorship that you wouldn't ever get the chance other wise...


EX.....for me Yoshimura R&D or GoPro

So it does have a bit more weight than just a discount..... but its all in how you approach it and what You bring to the table

[Petorius]

Does anyone have a basic racer resume that they can send to me as an example of what I need to put together? It would be greatly appreciated! E-mail is montignp@gmail.com.

[Jim]

want me email you a copy of mine?
it's basically my professional resume template...applied to racing

[Petorius]

Please and thank you! Although I imagine yours is probably not so basic given the season you had.

[FirstDuc-1098]

just do like Jimmy and include nudes when you send it

[Jim]

Emails sent