Sponsorships - who's actively searching?

[Paul_E_D]

Just what exactly can a clubracer "DO" for any company out there, except spend their money and use up their equipment?

Racers themselves are cheap bastids. Very few of them buy new bikes, or buy anything at prices that profit the dealers of these goods.

I'm just not seeing what benefit any shop would get in sponsoring anyone. Other than the satisfaction of giving back to the sport?

The one exception are shops that actually performance tune bikes. Those guys CERTAINLY benefit from supporting racers because street squids go spend big with them due to their rep.

[Mr. Kurtz]

On this same note, I've had people actually ask me to send a resume, but have no idea what a racing resume should look like and entail. Anyone have tips on that sort of thing? Is it basically just what I'm trying to accomplish and where I've been, or should it be more in depth, where I see myself in a couple years, all that sort of thing?

Not sure what independent dealers look for, but Cyclegear asks for a "racing resume" to be put on our Rider Support program. All it needs to do is detail at least one years worth of race experience, as in what classes you competed in. No real requirement for finishes or anything, but then again, it isn't for monetary sponsorship or even FREE parts. For regional racers, the structured discount is:

10% off Helmets, Boots, Exhaust and Tires
5% off Race Gas
20% off all other normally stocked items
20% off Special Order items from Tucker Rocky(our "first choice" SO vendor)
20% over cost + actual freight charges for Special Order items from all other vendors

[mmracer37]

Not sure what independent dealers look for, but Cyclegear asks for a "racing resume" to be put on our Rider Support program. All it needs to do is detail at least one years worth of race experience, as in what classes you competed in. No real requirement for finishes or anything, but then again, it isn't for monetary sponsorship or even FREE parts. For regional racers, the structured discount is:

10% off Helmets, Boots, Exhaust and Tires
5% off Race Gas
20% off all other normally stocked items
20% off Special Order items from Tucker Rocky(our "first choice" SO vendor)
20% over cost + actual freight charges for Special Order items from all other vendors

Mike, tell Cycle Gear I want them to buy me a new bike and all the parts I need. I'll put it all together and ride it all season for FREE!!!! That's an awsome deal (at least for me)

[Mr. Kurtz]

Mike, tell Cycle Gear I want them to buy me a new bike and all the parts I need. I'll put it all together and ride it all season for FREE!!!! That's an awsome deal (at least for me)

If I could get them to do that...needless to say, I'd probably get lost on the way to bring you the bike...

[Pittenger5]

I think Kawasaki should offer to buy me a new race prepped ex500 for offering to show up all the hot shots on their brand new liter bikes out on the street how important corner speed is. In that a 16 year old 500 can beat a brand new 1000 if the rider has even a LITTLE skill. Thats what I have to offer. Maybe the insurance companies can sponsor me too cause maybe then it will be cooler to ride little bikes.

Ahh ok enough dreaming. I dont have much to offer sponsors right now

[Honclfibr]

I think us EX500 guys should get the sponsors to pay us not to put our stickers on their bikes.

"Give me money or I'll pretend I'm representing you"

[Pittenger5]

Brilliant! I never thought of it that way!

[CAT3]

Just what exactly can a clubracer "DO" for any company out there, except spend their money and use up their equipment?

Racers themselves are cheap bastids. Very few of them buy new bikes, or buy anything at prices that profit the dealers of these goods.

I'm just not seeing what benefit any shop would get in sponsoring anyone. Other than the satisfaction of giving back to the sport?

The one exception are shops that actually performance tune bikes. Those guys CERTAINLY benefit from supporting racers because street squids go spend big with them due to their rep.

If I may address this as a Business Owner and Sponsor of other racers through multiple venues.

I benefit from sponsoring you, or whomever, clubracing, by virtue of free advertsiement and your word of mouth. My companies name gets spread out, not only because we sell parts, but the fact that we can sponsor your clubracing shows we give a shit about the sport. And as you mentioned I also get the satisfaction knowing that someone out there racing is getting help that I wished I would have gotten when I was younger (and my knee wasn't so fucked up). Now the best sponsors in my opinion are either Dealerships, of course you need to target your brand specific and usually they already have someone else on that route, OR business' not even remotely associated with MC's... like Countrywide Mortgage, or "ing" financial.. the love the free advertisement and often will be the one that pays the fuel cost, or tires..

I sell MC parts, no-OEM stuff all after market, some flashy bling bling shit, and a lot higher performance stuff more closely associated with Drag Racing or Land Speed Racing. Fuel I don't carry, and tires are rare as their are associated costs for me to deal them as a low volume dealer. Is there something I have that you might need? Maybe, but the advertisement, getting my companies name out there, at the same time your getting your name out there in hopes of landing a full sponsored race season is what its about... even if your just clubracing for fun it helps to have someone on the other side of the US spreading the word.

Charlie

[mmracer37]

All kidding aside, companies do like to advertise. Over the years I've had a few companies, not even remotely related to the sport, give me financial support. Granted, it was not enough for me to get a tractor trailer to haul my stuff, but every little bit helps. If you get enough resumes out there, you'll find money or products flowing in.

[Paul_E_D]

All I could ever get was discounts on products I could get cheaper on-line, or through my local dealer (ironically). I guess I'm just bitter...

[SVRACER01]

All I could ever get was discounts on products I could get cheaper on-line, or through my local dealer (ironically). I guess I'm just bitter...

maybe on line companies are what people should look into. ones that dont have the exposure because they get lost in the black hole of the internet. i need to get a racer resume together and just try to sell "ad space" since i have 2 30'x10' billboards.

[Trackday Guru]

I benefit from sponsoring you, or whomever, clubracing, by virtue of free advertsiement and your word of mouth. My companies name gets spread out, not only because we sell parts, but the fact that we can sponsor your clubracing shows we give a shit about the sport.

.. the love the free advertisement and often will be the one that pays the fuel cost, or tires..

Charlie

Well said. (Although by nature the "advertisement" isn't free)

And there it is folks. Spoken from a business owner willing to sponsor the right program who understands both sides of the "hunt".

When you enter the hunt, realize that fundamental changes need to take place withing your team or organization. It's not about you anymore. Your program must change focus because the first thing that happens is that your team becomes a marketing company instead of just a race team.

I know, the race team is still what gets you going in the morning and all that, but you now have more responsibility than to just show up at the track and race. Your "job" as team owner is now to be the best marketing opportunity, with the best marketing strategies out there for your sponsors. And these strategies usually need to be more than just adding a sticker here and there to your bikes, putting a banner on your tent, or wearing nice pit shirts.

What are you doing to help your sponsors grow their business?
And what benefit does the sponsor see by sponsoring my program?
If your answer to either question is "I don't know", then ineffective or unsuccessful strategies are the reason(s) why you can't find (or retain) effective sponsorship.

How well you put your marketing strategies to paper and pitch it (in person) to the company, and execute those strategies will determine how many sponsors you get more than what place you finish in the races.

Don't believe me? Here's an example:

Those of you who are subscribers to RoadRacerX mag will notice in the Nov/Dec '07 issue (page 50) an nice little advertisement for a giveaway of a Geico sponsored GSXR 600. Geico sponsors a rider in the FXtreme series in the AMA. But this rider is not Mladin, Spies, Duhamel, Hayes or any other top name out there - it's Critter Gittere. Certainly not a "top finishing" rider, or even a rider who is anywhere near a title contender in the series. He's just a guy who can promote well, and this ad proves it. Hell, he even has a huge blowup gecko at his pit area!

When you obtain even a single sponsor you must focus your efforts not only on winning or competing - but you must give the sponsor an effective means of promotion first and foremost.

Get your head around that little morsel, and your sponsorship search will become infinitely easier.

[BMFR6]

Was that your plan?
Seriousley?
(LOL)

yes.

[zx1012r]

Sometimes they come to you at the track!

Last year a Dunlop rep (some guy checking out the track for Dunlop and hangin at the Dunlop garage) noticed I was running their tires and asked why I didn't have any stickers on my bike. "Would you like some stickers?" "How much discount will I get on the tires if I run your advertising on my EX500?" "Discount?" "Yeah, I thought so."

The VP guy at the fuel truck. "Do you need some VP stickers for your bike?" "Why, you don't pay in my class." "But aren't you required to run our stickers?" I think that's only to collect contingency." "Yeah, that's what I mean." But you don't pay contingency for Productions Twins." "Oh."

I have a hard time getting sponsors, I guess.

Mark Dages

[Trackday Guru]

yes.

LOL.
Please refer the part above where I mention the "ineffective or unsuccessful" strategies.

[BMFR6]

apparently my sarcasim went a little too fast or needs a more thourough explanation so i will try again.

i am not sure i will be racing a full season next year so i am not looking for sponsors. (okay, is everyone clear up to this point? if not raise your hand and i'll attempt to answer your question). even though i'm not sure if i will RACE a full season, i would still like to get some track time (still with me?), preferably free track time (okay, by this point you should start to catch the drift of my comment). i thought it would be comical (see also; funny, laugh, chuckle) to post about being a control rider for a track day org in a thread started by a trackday organizer. i suppose another way to look at it, i don't need a sponsor, i would just like some free track time and the opportunity to help some people out. did that make sense for everyone??

[Degsy]

First rule is don't blab all over the internat about what sponsorship deals you MIGHT be getting.

Do your deals, keep it quiet, announce them when the ink is dry.

FWIW, I think it is harder now than ever to get sponsorship. EVERYONE who has raced a full year should join Lockhart Phillips USA team privateer program. Dealer pricing on nearly everything in the catalog.

If you have decent results, you used to be able to get 30% off Woodcraft, 30% off Sharkskinz.

I had a sponsor who did all my leather repairs and patches for free.

Do you frequent a local sports bar or restaurant? Ask if they will kick in a couple of hundred bucks in return for a signed picture on their wall. Sports bars like that kinda stuff.

Degs

[Pookie]

Well said. (Although by nature the "advertisement" isn't free)

And there it is folks. Spoken from a business owner willing to sponsor the right program who understands both sides of the "hunt".

When you enter the hunt, realize that fundamental changes need to take place withing your team or organization. It's not about you anymore. Your program must change focus because the first thing that happens is that your team becomes a marketing company instead of just a race team.

I know, the race team is still what gets you going in the morning and all that, but you now have more responsibility than to just show up at the track and race. Your "job" as team owner is now to be the best marketing opportunity, with the best marketing strategies out there for your sponsors. And these strategies usually need to be more than just adding a sticker here and there to your bikes, putting a banner on your tent, or wearing nice pit shirts.

What are you doing to help your sponsors grow their business?
And what benefit does the sponsor see by sponsoring my program?
If your answer to either question is "I don't know", then ineffective or unsuccessful strategies are the reason(s) why you can't find (or retain) effective sponsorship.

How well you put your marketing strategies to paper and pitch it (in person) to the company, and execute those strategies will determine how many sponsors you get more than what place you finish in the races.

Don't believe me? Here's an example:

Those of you who are subscribers to RoadRacerX mag will notice in the Nov/Dec '07 issue (page 50) an nice little advertisement for a giveaway of a Geico sponsored GSXR 600. Geico sponsors a rider in the FXtreme series in the AMA. But this rider is not Mladin, Spies, Duhamel, Hayes or any other top name out there - it's Critter Gittere. Certainly not a "top finishing" rider, or even a rider who is anywhere near a title contender in the series. He's just a guy who can promote well, and this ad proves it. Hell, he even has a huge blowup gecko at his pit area!

When you obtain even a single sponsor you must focus your efforts not only on winning or competing - but you must give the sponsor an effective means of promotion first and foremost.

Get your head around that little morsel, and your sponsorship search will become infinitely easier.

Well said...

[Crash Dummy Denno]

First rule is don't blab all over the internat about what sponsorship deals you MIGHT be getting.

Do your deals, keep it quiet, announce them when the ink is dry.

FWIW, I think it is harder now than ever to get sponsorship. EVERYONE who has raced a full year should join Lockhart Phillips USA team privateer program. Dealer pricing on nearly everything in the catalog.

If you have decent results, you used to be able to get 30% off Woodcraft, 30% off Sharkskinz.

I had a sponsor who did all my leather repairs and patches for free.

Do you frequent a local sports bar or restaurant? Ask if they will kick in a couple of hundred bucks in return for a signed picture on their wall. Sports bars like that kinda stuff.

Degs

...:::Team CGS Triumph Racing:::...

[kermita]

Congratulations! The website looks great.

[a13x]

Most racers are extremely bad at assembling resumes, websites, presentation files, etc. If you can't represent yourself well how do you expect companies to believe you can represent them?