Racer Promotion / Sponsorship

[Admin]

Now, why do you have to make the whole bottom of the post black?!

Shawn :)

[GSXRGUY]

I hear ya, ok Papa.
Well, the fact that the even entry level racing series get TV coverage, sort of forces them to present a certain image. I can not be 100% sure about this, but I am certain that the series would not allow any questionable behavior/image to be presented.
The reasons are numerous, but it would make the series look unprofessional, and that could jepordize their TV deal. Sponsors, TV advertisers, might be put off and decide not to continue their relationships.
All I am saying is that since I have been a motorsports fan, roughly 28 years, I have taken notice that the car guys have been setting the examples. Part of that is due to the fatc that they were one of the first motorized sports to be in the spotlight. But, they seem to have had the jump and have set the precedents for image. You look now and GP and WSBK almost rival F-1 in terms of image and pagentry. That was not always true in the past.
The series marketers have taken notice of how TV
brings big bucks and prestige, in turn they must present a polished and professional image. The bar gets set, and then goes higher. With so many racers and teams in the motorsports world competing for the same dollars, its a monumental task to sign a major sponsor who will put up large sums of money.
I just feel that if all your cards aren't in row...you don't have a fighting chance. Thats just my opinion though, I could be off about a few things.
Thanks.

However, not to stir the pot, but I'm curious about one thing.  What is the financial investment dfifference between that entry level car racer on TV and an entry level CCS racer?

I only ask because I feel that you have have to invest more, therefore making people in general more serious minded about there sport.  Where as in CCS a lot of people are just out there for fun and nothing else.

I agree with what you are saying about what it will take to draw serious sponsorship.  I guess I don't think you will get that at this level of the game, just because the nature of the beast.  However, Formula USA should be another story as you have alluded to.

[projekt9_racing]

No, you are right. The entry level cost of car racing in general is much higher than entry level bike racing-usually. It would apply better to the Pro series.
But, I guess I look at it from the angle, that entry level may attract dollars. But to attract the money you have to first spend the money. Then again why would someone invest in series that didn't pay dividends - in the form of ratings and viewership. But the reality is most of don't have alot of money to initially invest. Hey, I will tell that I had never even rode a bike until 1991. I didn't know about novice and regional bike racing either. I was always, and still am a big car racing nut. I will always dream of piloting a formula type machine...I had always wanted to race, but I could never afford it. Then when I found about amateure bike racing, i leaped at the chance. Because, I found out really all you needed was a half decent street bike and protective gear. Race prep the former street bike, throw on some race rubber and BAM! Your racing.
So, I am contridicting myself, because I was intially drawn to entry level bike racing because of its affordability, no other reason. Of course I love it now, for so many other reasons. I guess its a bit of jealousy, I want what I see, and can't have...
Oh, well....I can keep dreaming.

[RickyRacer]

TV promotions and or Race coverage would do it. Hell, any kind of promotion would help.  TV would be the most help.

There are lots of local cable stations that can be use for this. Why not use them? Cost would be relatively low.

[Sage]

I think that local TV would be a good start, and a place for local shops to see their names on TV. With word of mouth, email and a little promotion via flyers at the shops listing times and dates for the races on your local access channel you'd get a good turn out and the shop owner that doesn't want to play might see Joe blow down the street helping out & getting props on TV and change his mind. As a small shop owner I do what ever I can to help out racers for 2 reasons-

1. I love racing and can't afford it, so watching my bikes go around the track gives a little fix to the habit.

2. Most people that race are on a tight budget but have many loose friends that love to think their going fast but are scared to race, those are the people that spend the money.

Another approach to take when going to your local shop looking for help is letting the owner know of the tax write offs motorcycle racing opens up for a motorcycle shop. My attitude with this is the money is going some ware, why not help out the sport vs. sending Uncle Sam a check, at least racing might give some back!

As far as pit appearance goes, if I'm going to give somebody parts at cost & do most of the labor for free then I expect some effort on the racers part.

I'm not looking for the factory team look, it would be nice but lets get real, but if you have 4 guys its not hard to go to target and buy four pairs of matching sweats & tee shirts, a cheap garbage can so you can pick up after yourself and not leaving your tools scattered like a 2 year old. These things sound petty but really improve the look of the team and will get positive attention.

If your going to put your sticker on a dog at the dog show, do you want the dog the wasn't brushed and has a messy cage or do you want you sticker on a dog that has brushed hair and fresh paper down in the cage?

[RickyRacer]

Here is a way you can help. (I think this was mentioned, but I'll say it again)

I need numbers. How many people attended and how many may attend my CCS race weekends?  

I am working on putting together a sponsorship proposal. But I need some numbers. It would help me immensely to have this info. It will help to show that I am looking out for him/her interest too. These will be question that they will ask. I can't even imagine going to someone without it. I don't want to come across looking like Joe Blow. I want to be able to present a professional proposition.

Can you get these numbers for me? Post them along with race results.  That should be good enough.

BTW, I need these numbers yesterday. If you have numbers for at least the last two CCS events, that would be great.

September 22-23 -- Moroso Motorsports Park
October 17-21 - Daytona Int'l Speedway
:)

[CCS]

The average CCS event on the East Coast has 700 people, the farther to the Northeast you go, the higher the number is. Tracks like Roebling and CMP that do not allow spectators hurt that average bad. (VIR and Summit average over 1000 but then again they cost 2-3 times the rent too.)

For Moroso numbers you need to ask Henry DeGouw, and Daytona doesn't release the spectator numbers. (They are in charge of all spectator tickets and areas, so there is no way for us to accurately "guesstimate" spectator attendence.)

The paddock area at the Race of Champions had 1200 passes issued (600 of those were comps by the Speedway to riders, crew, vendors and sponsors.)


I hope that helps.

Kevin

[RickyRacer]

Yes, that does help, thanks.