2023 Drag Racing Sponsorship Summit Part 1

Many brands like NGK don't sell direct to consumers - they sell through retailers and warehouse distributors. These retailers earn back a percentage of funds for marketing, which brands can use creatively to sponsor racers. If you partner with such a brand, you can represent both the brand AND their retail partners at the track. This can lead to additional partnerships - some racers who started through these programs have picked up direct sponsorships with retailers after the initial brand partnership ended. It's essentially a networking opportunity that can multiply your sponsorship relationships.

No - sending unsolicited sponsorship decks via email is generally ineffective and can be a turnoff. Instead, try to schedule time with the sponsor representative, meet them in person at races, and build a relationship first. The most memorable interactions come from people who introduce themselves, have genuine conversations, and follow up appropriately - not from hard sales pitches asking for immediate decisions on 'gold, silver, or bronze' sponsorship packages. Focus on building rapport before presenting any formal proposal.