Like the title said, how the heck do you get sponsored? It obviously is not easy but I have no clue how to. Anyone??? Let us know.
Thanks,
Anthony

 

no, it's not easy. you need to develop a reputation, which you can't do w/o having a nice car which you can't get w/o getting sponsors. it goes full circle.

personally, i've got my car to the point where i'm looking for a sponsor to do my stereo/video work. i'll be on the hunt when i head to HIN in LA in march.

i realize i'm not much help, but getting sponsors isn't an easy task without already having a reputation as being an asset and return on the money a company puts into you.

 

rj devera or whatever face wrote an article once, on "how to get sponsored."

there are many ways, but the easiest is to spend MAAAD money on your car, get recognized,
then submit your show participation schedule and short cover letter/ car spec,
along with photos of your car, to companies.

you can also practice driving skills,
show off your skills at track events or drift contest.
tire/ wheel companies will eventually recognize you.

beyond that is pretty much common sense.
ghetto show + ghetto parts + getto ride = ghetto sponsors.
big show + good parts + nice car = big companies.

 

girls wanna be models,
boys wanna get their car sponsored.
hoorah for the glorious modern american youth culture.
sadly, i'm part of it too... -_-...

 

yes im also a part of this sub culture. But here is what i am noticing...

I'm 19, and all my friends are into cars and at the same age level as myself. Most people we meet at shows around town are just obsessed with sponorships, and my friends also. The youth doesn't realize there are pros and cons to a sponsorship, they just want free parts. I myself do not care if i get sponsored, i build my car to my liking. Its not easy, and with sponsorship parts it could be done faster, but thats no fun IMO. To me its all about working my but off to make the car payment and saving a little extra on the side for parts. Seeing it come togethor pieve by piece is priceless, but it is also a PIA some times.

 

we all are seung

 

Any little bit helps, we race 4 spec miatas and have a tire place that mounts and balances our tires for free pending we have there stickers on our cars, figure the cost of mounting 24 tires and balancing ?!?!?!.... all e did to get that was talk to the owner, tell him what we do and they ok'd it. But if you want those big time sponsors you need to slowly build up a reputation.

 

exactly.

thats good you have a tire guy as a sponsor, all that money adds up down the road. Some people forget how much labor and misc. mechanic bills add to a car. I try to do my own work so i can learn how to do repairs, but theirs some things ordinary people can't do with out the proper knowlege and tools.

 

The whole reputation thing might work later down the road but you should also consider this:

1. When targeting sponsors you need to make it known what your intentions are. That way the potential sponsor will know if your going down the same marketing path they are.

2. Its not "Whats the sponsor going to do for me" rather "What am I going to do for the sponsor". Alot of people don't get this. When I raced professional watercraft (Jet-ski/Seadoos, etc) that's how I secured most of my sponsors. For example I had a hair care product company sponsor me and at every race I set up banners along the spectator area, handed out free samples, handed out brochures, etc.

3. Be willing to have the car available whenever your sponsor needs it. Timing can always be worked out but they need to see that they are getting exposure for the products they sponsor you with.

4. Always send thank you's to the company sponsoring you. Send pictures, send product testing reports to the company, send spectator feedback their way, etc.

Also invite rep's from the company out to the event your participating in.....they will see your keen interest and also like having been involved.

5. Keep your car clean all the time. No brainer but you'd be surprised.

6. Don't drive like a dick with the sponsors logo's all over the car. You'll quickly get dumped. Eg. I had a buddy who was sponsored by Oakley eyewear and one day just happened to be spotted wearing Spy Sunglasses....needless to say you never know when the company sponsoring you or one of their representatives spots you. How you behave reflects on the company sponsoring you.

Hope this helps.....PM me if you need help on writing a proposal/resume for the company....

Jetpilot3

 

Most people dont have much of a clue of what sponsorship really means.....

First, lets disband what "ricer" sponsorship means.....

*note, no company names I mention have anything to do with this, not are they bad in any way, I am just using their name as examples.*

Ricersponsorship means...you have an s2k....you fill it with every piece JLAudio or Mugen makes. (you paid for everything)....

JL Audio/Mugen then allows you to park your car in their tent, and you represent their products. This is ricer sponsorship.


Now, to get real sponsorship, such as Ford Racing, Garrett, Audiobahn, Toyo, etc....

First of all, you really need to know someone in the industry. That would help a lot. Second, the statement that you need to dump a TON of money into your car to get sponsored isnt true. Sometimes, it just so happens it cost you a lot of money to get there, but not always.

Scenario 1.

You are a really good driver, and take your s2k to SCCA. You win 5 races in a row. You can then go to Toyo, and say, hey, I am really good, I have 5 trophies to prove it, would you like to sponsor me in any way???

Toyo agrees to give you 3 sets of the best tires in exchange for a windshield or hood banner. However, there is still contracts involved regarding magazine appearances, special events, etc.

Scenario 2. You have a mustang and are a really good dragracer. You spent a ton of cash on your Ford Motor. If you get sponsored by Ford Racing, they will provide you with overnight service of parts, very cheap parts, etc (in exchange for banners.)

Scenario 3. Audiobahn (they have the best sponsorship program).....
*Note, electronics is the HARDEST to get sponsored with*

You will need to have a show quality system (audio/video) with 75-98% of the manufacturers product making up your system (depends on the manufacturer), win a few big shows (IAASCA, HIN, etc).....and then you can apply. In return, you get deep deep discounts on parts, service, and tech support.

I always laugh when I see someone with like a Spoon windshield banner on their windshield (unless they are getting paid for it of course), because they are advertising for free. Why would you do that?

Getting most sponsorships is VERY costly for regular no-name people, and honestly, no disrespect, but if you asked "how to get sponsored" you probably wont be able to get it. I learned a long time ago its a waste of time and money unless you make a living out of it.

P.S. The worst thing about a GOOD sponsorship is that your car will be traveling 5 months out of the year from show to show, and you have to let them take it. You dont get paid for that, and you are out of a car. Its insured of course by them, but you are taking the bus for a while.