Tip of the week “Sponsorship” Note: this is my opinion 1st and foremost. I know that this opinion is likely shared by many others. It’s that time of year. Sponsorship time! People going nuts gathering info, build resumes and apply to their favorite companies in the hopes of securing sponsorship. I get asked this question more often than not “What do you look for in a team driver?” Well let me answer that with a few questions and with some insight. Why do you want to be sponsored? Is it for a discount? Is it for being a part of the team? Is it for recognition? Do you think your racing would improve if you were receiving factory support? Now the insight…. If you’re applying just to get a discount, the potential sponsor can tell. Often right away I can read a resume or application and tell they’re slinging these out to everyone. Being a part of a team can certainly have its pluses, but it can also have minuses so be sure to think this one through. Do they have team drivers that you respect and know you can learn from? Positive! Is it a team where some of the drivers are of questionable character? Negative! If you’re looking for some recognition, you’re applying for the wrong reason. Being recognized in the hobby does feel great as long as it’s for the right reason. Getting a sponsorship just for a team shirt, getting your name on the website, etc. is cool. But that “freshness” often wears off and you may regret that down the road. If you think your racing would improve if you had the latest and greatest, got that discount help so I can buy afford more tires, “if I only have the stuff the pro guys have,” once again you’re likely wrong. I’d say your 99% wrong. Fast guys are always fast, period. I’ve seen guys drive complete rattled out cars, worn tires, mismatched wheels, put the smack down on guys that had the best of everything simply because they dedicated time to practice, and were better drivers. Being sponsored means you’re signing up for some give, and take. You’re going to give your dedication, time, and name to a sponsor. You’re going to take advantage of discounts, free equipment, factory support, factory knowledge, and a team of drivers that you can pool resources with. You’re going to be expected to promote the company’s products at all times, when they work, and even when they may not be the best of the best. Companies reward dedication, hard work, and loyalty…yeah I said it. If you’re sponsored by XYZ Tire’s and you’re travelling to a race where perhaps their best tire for the track is .1 or .2 slower than the fastest tire the other guys are running, you’re going to be tested with your next decision. Do you stay loyal and do the best you can with your sponsors provided equipment? Or do you attempt to quietly run what’s fast, hoping nobody finds out and your sponsor is none the wiser? Gold luck with that, do a little searching and you’ll find some top pro drivers splitting off from their “rides” due to poor decisions. This same analogy works for motors, batteries, cars, anything product wise that your sponsor should require you to run. This is when loyalty is tested. Taking the good times when the product is the best in the world, to when that product may only be 2nd best that day. Sponsors are looking for that “total package” driver. The guy that can not only win on any given day, but who puts in that extra effort to make sure his sponsors are getting a return on their investment. A few guys that come to mind are Ryan Lutz, JR Mitch, and Adam Drake just off the cuff. These guys make sure that their tagging their sponsors on social media, taking pictures highlighting their sponsors’ products during a build and making sure their race reports are sent in timely, with good pictures along with the products used, and any feedback about those products. This allows the sponsors to post reports, spread the news, and give some love to that driver. There’s also the guy that can make the local/regional A-mains but may never win that large annual race. He’s the type of guy helping everyone around him go faster. He’s knowledgeable, intelligent, and knows is sponsors products just as good as anyone. He’s the guy that everyone runs to with that esc setting question? He’s the “what tires are you running,” the “what’s your setup” guy. He’s also the first one to jump up when volunteer corner marshals are asked for by the RD, and the guy that leaves his pit spot cleaner when he leaves, than it was when he arrived. So before you’re applying I’d suggest you step back and consider what you’re getting yourself into. Ask yourself what can I do for that potential sponsor first, then ask what you can get in return. And be realistic with what your goals are. Trust me, I can read a resume do a little Google searching, check some social media and get a pretty good handle of what kind of driver you are. And yes if I can’t find what I’m looking for, I will start calling around. I wish you all good luck going into the 2015 race season. I hope this has shed some insight to what a sponsored driver and potential sponsor are looking for. I wish you all good luck going into the 2015 race season. I hope this has shed some insight to what a sponsored driver and potential sponsor are looking for.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 17:45:00 +0000
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