Sean,
What type of sponsorship are you hoping for? Finding a pure cash sponsorship is difficult. Companies have a difficult time forking over cash out of their pockets, but there are other ways which can be helpful to you. Think of any sponsorship you get as an extra bonus. If you need extra cash, seek other ways that are guaranteed to raise money. Basically, don't put too much stress on yourself.
From what I have found (and this really surprised me!) is that they don't care too much how well you do on the track. I thought you had to be a front runner to get sponsors, but that isn't true. I got my first two sponsors before I did my first license school. A huge part of their decision is based on if they like you or not.
Think hard about any businesses you have any type of relationship with. Do not target racing related businesses as 99.9% of the time they will not sponsor a car unless it is their own or an employees. Think of it this way, if they did start sponsoring one person, customers who spend a lot of money with them would get upset. (I learned this the hard way)
I bought a used car from Canton Auto Exchange in CT a few years ago. So I went back there and we talked and he had some interest, but wasn't sure how it all would work out. Here is another thing...be creative with things and take a look at their business and how developing a relationship could benefit both of you. After talking more to the Jonathan at the dealership, I learned that at auctions they purchase "lots" (groups) of cars. The dealership is geared at selling low mile, 2 or 3 year old max., very good condition used cars. But in the lot of cars they bid on, there may be an older car included in it. They then would just want to get rid of it and sell it at an auction. So, instead of selling one of the decent "junk" cars he gives it to me. Last year it was a Bronco that was used on a farm and need serious cleaning. Unfortunately I found out that one of the cylinders was dead (only found out when towing). But I was able to clean it up and sell it and got $600. For him, I made him a brocheur about their business for them to have at the dealership.
Bodyshops are also great! Maybe they are willing to paint your car and help out with maintenance. My prelude was stolen several years ago and the police eventually found it and towed it into a body shop. I thought the shop owner was really nice and he remembered me. This gave me a foot into the door although he kept telling me to come back later. So I did and eventually he agreed to help me out. (The weird thing is that he doesn't even like racing.)
Finding and keeping sponsors takes effort and time! You need to do it for the right reasons and without high expectations. Forget the resume. They won't care or read it anyways. Sell yourself in person and give them a brief proposal. Stress what you can do for them and not what YOU need. Keep things open and don't limit yourself to types of sponsorship. Be receptive to any types of help they might be willing to give you. Lastly, expect that most people will give you the not interested but don't give up. When you do land a sponsor, it is a great feeling! Best of luck.
------------------
Dave Gran
NER ITB #13
'87 Honda Prelude si
[This message has been edited by gran racing (edited February 05, 2005).]
