Any good tips on how to get sponsors?

[NotimeforJail]

Hey kids,

My team-mate and I just got back from Ojibwe, and realized that we do not make nearly enough money to accomidate our little racing habbit. On the way to the 4th stage,which we were lucky enough to marshall, we made a list of some companies that could be potential sponsors, but have no idea how to go about it.

We are prepping our GTI for ClubRally next year, and figure that if someone can help with the financial side, we will not have to eat ramen noodles like we did in college.

If you have any tips on how to get sponsors, we would greatly appreciate it!

-Ted Weidman
MN 92 GTI #193+
Section 8x(

[mattjohnston]

Write nice letters... I got a reasonable parts discount from demon-tweeks, and a wheel sponsorship from ROTA, by simply writing them a nice e-mail.... I havent even competed yet, it isnt impossible. Free wheels are nice!

[Dirt Squirrel]

It definately isn't impossible, but if you figure out how to do it, tell me. You have to be very convincing when you explain that it's going to cost someone to put their name on "your little race car". Most of the time, sponsors consist friends that own companies or the companies the team members own/work for as a daily job. Hell, I'm trying to talk my company into spending money on me. What might help is the promotional packet that you can get from the SCCA for $6 a shot. It is a professionally produced "folder" type packet that contains demographic info and even a CD-ROM of video footage of what we "do". It also contains letterhead that you can write you proposal letter on. I used them before. Unfortunately, I didn't get anywhere with them. However I was also approaching Pepsi Bottling Co. for money. Apparently they have time for that bitch Brittany Spears but not for us serious people. Oh well.

In summary, read up on Marketing 101, get some of the promotional packets (contact Kurt Spitzner at SCCA ProRally). Get ready for rejection, but if you make it past the front door, have a plan. Know ahead of time what you are going to tell them. Don't corner them, give them options. Anything from product promotion to a full ride.
Remember, you are selling yourself. Be confident. No matter how many times you get rejected... never, never, never give up.

Hope it helps.

[Bruce]

When presenting your rally effort, don't forget that the car is going to be on display ALL THE TIME, not merely when it's racing. You can emphasize the miles the things gets towed with the sponsor's message on it, as well as places you could put it on display to improve customer traffic.

Ask Mad Mike...people constantly approach him at truck stops to ask about the Stud Bug...and one wrote him a check!

Bruce