How to Find Sponsorship Opportunities in Amateur Racing

Calvin Klein, Motorola, Kellogg's and Hyatt Resorts have one thing in common. According to race car service provider Moorespeed Race Engineering, they all sponsor auto racing teams. The fan base that avidly follows racing events provides a ready audience for businesses seeking to promote a product or service. As an amateur racer, you may not be in a position to attract these big names. However, you can definitely find local businesses to sponsor you -- provided you have a professional approach -- and focus on what the sponsor stands to gain.

Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a sponsorship proposal. Present information about yourself, your racing history and the events you plan to attend in the coming season. Give details of the number of people expected to attend these events and the demographic profile of the audience.

    • 2

      State clearly the benefits you plan to offer your sponsors; such as display of the sponsor's logo and name on your car, participation in their advertising programs or displaying your car at their business location. Make this section the highlight of the sponsorship proposal.

    • 3

      Make a list of people you know who own businesses in your locality. Meet them and present your proposal. Ask them to recommend you to other organizations with which they do business.

    • 4

      Watch racing programs broadcast on your local television channels and visit local racing events. Identify companies that sponsor racers in these events. Approach these companies with your sponsorship proposal.

    • 5

      Meet local businesses that deal in car parts, fuel and other supplies -- and those that provide car cleaning and maintenance services. Although they may not offer monetary help, find out if they are willing to provide indirect help through discounts on their products or services.

    • 6

      Focus on what the sponsor stands to gain when presenting your proposal. For example, don't ask, "Would you be interested in sponsoring my race car?" Instead, ask, "Are you looking for an opportunity to present your product to 1000 people every week for 10 weeks?"