sponsorship questions.

[dragonfly]

Well as a few of you may know, I REALLY WANT TO RACE!!!! I am hoping to get the money together in time to have a bike ready for next springs novice school..
So with that comes a few questions.

Here goes;
I have approched a local business about possible sponsorship, and he seemed very open minded about the idea. (I have been doing business there for a long time)
He told me to put together a proposel asking for what I want, and he can go from there.
The question is, what in the crap do I ask for?!?!?!?! It is a motorcycle store/shop so I guess the sky is the limit on what I could ask for.
I was thinking about doing 2-4 differnet proposals just to give him some options.
Everything from just some contingency money, to tires & various parts, to supplying a bike and full ride...
I figure somewere in the middle, but I dunno. I know there are alot of guys on here that have sponsorship in one form or another, so just wanted to see what kinda imput I can get.
Ohh yea, I have someone that does grant letters profesionaly to write up the proposals...

Thanks for any help!
Micah

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Since I take it you are planning on starting to race next year, dont expect things like a free bike and everything paid for (you might get that if its your families business). Maybe ask for discounts on parts.

But pretty much every sponsor I ever had (back in cars) expected a return on their investment. People tend to remember sponsor's names on race vehicles that finish high up in the results. You'll just have to sell yourself to them and you might just have to take what you can get. There was a site that matched sponsors to racers, but I cant remember the URL.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Super Dave probably would be one of the better guys to answer this anyways. ;D I'm not to coherent at 2am. ;D

[sqidd]

Getting sponsorship when you are fast and proven is hard.

Getting sponsorship when you have never even raced is almost impossible.

If you sell a sponsorship package to someone for next year you may want to think about not racing and getting into sales. ;D

[251am]

  Hey Micah, there is a website out there dedicated to just this; asking for sponsorship. Someone will dig it up but it should probably be you who finds it, if you are serious. Ask for race sponsors, or, people who just sponsor 1 or 2 races a weekend; packages of $20, $50, or $160 donations. Then, you list them as sponsors. Start your own website this fall/winter to let everyone know who you are, who your sponsors are, and give regular updates on your race weekends.

  Your dealership friend who would like a proposal sounds relatively good. As an amateur you need to prove yourself, start small with what you ask for; 3 cases of oil and $20 per podium, for example. Tell them you will run their businesses vinyl graphics on your machine, tow vehicle, and trailer if it's an enclosed unit. You will put their business name in your signature line in forums like this one. Start thinking of exposure for your sponsor. Also, protect your ass; get your proposal to also be a contract signed and dated, with an expiration date. How's that for a start? What are you looking to race, which series, and what region?

[CCSRacer114]

http://www.amaprostar.com/press_releases/communications2004/noframe_sponsorship.asp

[gma]

Getting sponsors is easy.

Keeping them is difficult.

If you'd like my council, feel free to get in touch off the board. This is part of what I do for a living.

I wish you well.

[dragonfly]

Thanks for all the replys!!! ;D

The thing from the AMA prostars was a huge help!!
I would like to start out  racing in the 650 class (sv), but may settle for turning my Gs500 into a race bike due to $$ constraints. I WILL NOT DO THIS ON CREDIT!!!!
I am only aiming for the local OMRRA series, but my dream is the race Formula Extreme.. Well see if I have the talent and skills to make that happen.

The business I aproched, has been in business here localy for a while, but they dont have a huge store, and I dont think alot of advertising.. What better advertising than a bike on the track?? I have a great repore with them, and have refered quite a few repeat customers to them.

I really have no delusions about getting a full ride (for now), but am considering asking for Tires, and/or fuel, maybe even some help with entry fees. Cant forget parts!! But I will certantly be happy with whatever I can get.
As far as what can/will I do for them, ANYTHING!!! I have dont alot of shoping with them and they have always treated me awsome! So I am more than willing to put my own reputation on the line to promote there store/services.

Yes, I would like to start racing next year, but the timing is all up to God. He has alredy opened up quite a few doors for me, and I have an awsome support base here localy (as far as people willing to help me with time, and instruction.).

Homewreacker, I will be getting in touch with you, just not right now. Probobly as it becomes a little more relevant time wise.

Once again thanks for all the replys, and I will take anymore advice I can get!
Micah

[gma]

Cool - will look to hear from you.

Real name is Griff.

Get in touch any time.

All the best.