A question of sponsorship?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (#22 @ Nov 27 2008, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Ok, this may not be the best time to be talking about sponsorship, but I wanted to pick the brains of some fellow forum racers.

I know I don't race bikes but this year I have managed barely half the amount of races I wanted to do (and thats not much) due to a few reasons but maily finance. Where we live is a long way from most tracks (Oulton is the nearest at 4.5hrs) so what with entry fees and travelling costs you can see where it all goes. However I want to be able to do at least one race a month for 9-10 months of the year, so say a 10-12 race season and for this I need sponsorship, not a lot, but some.

So, if any of you on here have managed to get any (or indeed want to give any ) sponsorship? The problem with club racing/non televised championship is that you cannot go to a potential sponsor with a big wad of information about how much extra business they will get from seeing logo's or whatever on your vehicle, and so far i've had no luck from non official sources so any ideas?

Finally, if I may i'd like to spread my request via word of mouth so if anyone is interested please let me know and I can send you more details

Cheers

The tried and true method is not an easy one, my friend. You basically have to start knocking on businesses doors - every freaking one within a 50km radius of your base and literally beg for support. Its a long and disheartening job and you'll get more f-offs than you thought possible. But you'll find the odd one that may be a closet racer and take every pound you can get and start to build a relationship with your backers, however small. Go around and see them after every event, let them share a sense of accomplishment in your endeavours. Offer take one or two to the track with you every month (at their own expense) and build a friendly alliance. There's a good chance that someone, as their business grows, will be able to help more over time. All this takes more time and effort than preparing and racing so if your tight on that already... you understand the curse of the club racer.

BTW - the other method - be born with the dosh or have a rich relative!!!