how to get sponsored for obstacle course racing

Start making phone calls. Once you have decided who you will approach for sponsorship, you'll have to contact the sponsors. When trying to get racing sponsors, phone calls are much better than emails. Emails are very easy to ignore but phone calls are not.

Full Answer

How do you get sponsored for motocross?

So how exactly do you get sponsored for Motocross? Local dirt bike shops, companies like MotoSport and industry standards like Fox Racing, Fly and Troy Lee Designs offer sponsorship programs that require an application, your riding resume and proof of racing and results. When writing to these companies be personal and include specifics.

Can you get sponsored for dirt bike racing?

The following helpful hints and steps can shed some light on the often-misunderstood process of sponsorships and can give you a leg up on other riders looking for the same opportunities. This just might be your time to become a sponsored athlete and get paid for doing what you love—riding and racing your dirt bike.

How many sponsors do you need for a racing event?

So yes, choose a handful of sponsor brands, maybe a dozen or two dozen depending on how many sponsors you want for your racing event. You can target maybe one or two long-shot big brands, but I’d recommend creating a list of target sponsors more likely to say yes than no.

How do sponsors choose which riders to support?

The riders they choose to support usually represent its target market. In some cases, they are elite riders. In other cases, it might just be someone who is exceptionally marketable (for example, Tom Cruise has a TLD sponsorship for stunt gear).

How to learn about racing sponsorship?

What is it called when a business decides to sponsor you?

What is a sponsorship proposal?

What are the most common things of value offered in sponsorship packages?

Is it better to get sponsorship on phone or email?

See more

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How do you get sponsors in racing?

Motorsport Sponsorship: How to Get Racing SponsorsChoose a target sponsor company that's affiliated with motorsports or has sponsored motorsports organizations in the past.Determine your most worthy assets and put them on a valuation list.Work on your sponsorship package and sponsorship proposal.More items...

How do you become a sponsored trail runner?

Each company will have different race requirements, but runners have to expect to race to gain a spot on a team — this is the easiest way to promote the brand at competitive events. Brands want runners who will stay after the race, talk to other runners and be an ambassador for their products.

How do you become a professional obstacle-course racer?

How to Become An Elite OCR Athlete Know the Race Company. Each race company is a little different. ... Know the Terrain. ... Decide What TYPE of Athlete You Want To Be. ... Your Training Needs to Match Your Racing. ... Your Nutrition Needs to Be On Point. ... Take Phenomenal Care of Your Body. ... Get a Coach or Mentor. ... Work.

How much do professional obstacle-course runners make?

Even Brit Jonathon Albon — who made more than $82,000 as an obstacle-course racing (OCR) professional in 2016, including a $50,000 one-day payout on the top World's Toughest Mudder team — is getting a part-time job “to give my week some structure and help my Norwegian learning,” he told GrindTV.

Do trail runners get paid?

The Main Ways Trail Runners Make Money Here are some ways to make money in the trail running world: Racing Competitions: This is just like it sounds; entering and winning money at races. Landing Sponsorships: One or multiple companies support a runner through sponsorships.

How do you get sponsored?

How to Get a Sponsorship: 8 Key TacticsResearch potential sponsors. Look at your existing supporters. ... Tell your organization's story. ... Provide sponsor incentives. ... Reach out to established companies. ... Use data to legitimize your pitch. ... Find the right contact. ... Build a connection over time. ... Follow up.

Do Spartan racers make money?

Spartan gives the top elite male and female finishers at its world championship a $15,000 cash prize. McIntyre, the professional obstacle racer, wouldn't say exactly how much he makes annually nabbing podiums. But he says rockstars who compete throughout the year can rake in six figures.

Can you make money doing Spartan races?

Few endurance sports offer anyone a shot to make $1 million for 3 races. But Spartan has raised the stakes by offering the Spartan $1 Million Trifecta. Any Spartan in 2018 who takes 1st place in all three Spartan World Championships in the Elite category will take home $1 million USD.

Do adventure racers make money?

1. Adventure Racing: Entering it's 12th running this August, the Wulong Mountain Quest has become one of the most prestigious adventure races on the planet. With a $100,000 cash prize for the winning team, it is currently the richest adventure race on the circuit.

Who is the best obstacle course racer?

How much are the top racers in the obstacle racing world making? Nicole Mericle won more obstacle racing prize money that any one else in 2019. This is a massive jump from 7th on our 2018 list with $27,000.

Why did Warrior Dash go out of business?

According to a tweet from Warrior Dash, its parent company, Red Frog, decided to vacate the obstacle course industry to focus on “other endeavors.”

How much does Spartan Race make a year?

We suggest taking a look at Zippia's list of Best Companies to Work For in Boston, MA. Spartan Race is a small hospitality company based in Boston, MA with only 50 employees and an annual revenue of $690,000.

17 Do's and Don'ts for Seeking Sponsorship - Crate Insider

Contact. 828-468-1160. Crate Insider 592 S. Main St. Rutherfordton, NC 28139 United States of America

Sponsorship Agreement for Race Car Team - US Legal Forms

Agreements. Race Car Sponsorship Template. Sponsorship agreement for race car team this sponsorship agreement, hereinafter called the sponsorship agreement or agreement is made by and between , name of sponsor a corporation organized and...

How To Get Sponsors To Pay For Your Broke Ass To Go Racing

Rule #1: It’s not me, it’s you. When speaking with a sponsor, the amount of money you need to go racing is totally irrelevant. The only thing that matters to the sponsor is how much return ...

A&S Racing Sponsorship Proposal

A &S Racing Sponsorship Proposal A & S Racing 2N305 Virginia St. Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 888-299-0244 www.teamasracing.com

How to learn about racing sponsorship?

Understand the sponsorship process first. The best way to learn about racing sponsorship is to read as much as you can about the subject. Once you understand how the sponsorship process works , you can set out to getting racing sponsors on your own.

What is it called when a business decides to sponsor you?

This is called a sponsorship agreement and you should hire a professional lawyer to handle this aspect of the sponsorship process for you.

What is a sponsorship proposal?

A sponsorship proposal is basically a sales brochure for your sponsorship program. It outlines the benefits of becoming your sponsor and it includes all the costs of doing so.

What are the most common things of value offered in sponsorship packages?

Things such as logos on uniforms and equipment are the most common and basic things of value offered in sponsorship packages but sponsors are more demanding than ever. The more sponsorship offerings you have, the better your chances of landing a sponsorship deal.

Is it better to get sponsorship on phone or email?

When trying to get racing sponsors, phone calls are much better than emails. Emails are very easy to ignore but phone calls are not. Looking for racing sponsorship is a time-consuming process but the more people you reach out to, the better your chances of starting a conversation that might lead to a sponsorship deal.

Why are OCR races so lucrative?

Maybe it is because we are still a growing sport or because most races have sizeable entry fees that send out a message that racers are willing to spend money. Maybe it is because OCR tears up clothing, rips apart shoes and permanently stains some light colored clothing a shade darker. Whatever the reason, there appears to be a decent number of sponsors willing to throw free product towards racers in exchange for advertisement. As athletes get sponsored, people start asking, “Why am I not sponsored?”

What happens if you only show up at races and win but then retreat to your cave?

If you only show up at races and win but then retreat to your cave, it limits the exposure you have to potential customers of your sponsor. Companies want people who are active in both social organizations and social media. Both will get your sponsors name noticed by more people.

What happens if you don't apply for sponsorship?

This is another one that is so obvious; people miss it. If you are not applying to any company for sponsorship, your probability of being picked drops drastically. The Hollywood dream story of someone coming up to you in the gym or on the course and offering sponsorship is low unless you already a staple in this industry. If you do not apply to a company, how does a company know that you want to work for them? This also separates the free loaders from the hard working athletes. By applying you are showing the company that you are interested in representing them and are willing to do work in exchange for free or discounted product.

What do all of these things mean for the company that is providing sponsorship?

What do all of these things mean for the company that is providing sponsorship? The answer is sales . With high performance and large presence combined with applying to the right company, you can get sponsored. However, some expectation management is in order. If you are expecting all complimentary races, free travel, free lodging and free product you may be in for a surprise. Companies will offer what they can when they can. Furthermore, the more work you do for the company, the more likely they are to give you more free stuff. After all sponsorship is about business, and they are not going to invest on an athlete that results in a net loss.

What happens if you don't race?

If you don't race regularly then you won't get sponsors and you'll never prove yourself. Enter local and regional race events and if you're hitting up qualifiers to bigger programs like Loretta Lynn's you're going a long ways to build your resume and show sponsors they better get in now before you're a household name.

Do industry heavyweights get hit up?

Industry heavyweights get hit up throughout the year and those that have a specific period to apply, imagine the number of applications mailed. Most places have an actual rider or former or current pro reviewing the applications (we do!) because they know who they want to represent their brand. It might not be you.

Is Motocross a small town?

Are you the local hothead or a well-known dirty rider? People talk and as big as Motocross feels it's actually a pretty small town and everyone eventually knows your name. If word gets around that you're difficult to work with or you ride cheap and below the belt, don't expect the sponsors to come running, at least not in your direction. Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of sponsorship and pretty soon you'll have stickers all over your dirt bike.

Reason 2: External Pressure

Many people believe that publicly stated goals make you work harder because there is an external pressure to perform. When you tell people what you plan on doing, there creates a reason to follow through because you do not want to be seen as a hypocrite in the eyes of others. The same thing applies to sponsorship.

Reason 3: Cost Offset

I use the term cost offset and not profit or monetary gain purposefully. When people ask me how much I make from sponsors, the actual answer is I am losing money. That does not mean the sponsorship costs me money, but the added benefit they provide only offsets costs of racing and typically does not erase them.

About the Author: Evan Perperis

Evan is a Conquer The Gauntlet Pro, NSCA-CPT, owner of Strength & Speed along with a Hammer Nutrition sponsored athlete whose biography "Ultra-OCR Man: From Special Forces Soldier to Record Setting Pro OCR Athlete" is now available (hard copy, digital or audiobook).

What are the sponsors of NASCAR?

For example, there’s Arby’s, Best Buy, AAA, 5-Hour Energy, Lowe’s, AOL, Miller, Nicorette, McDonald’s, Burger King, Pepsi, Cheerio’s, General Mills, and Wonder Bread.

What is an asset in a sponsorship?

Assets are anything valuable that you have to offer your target sponsor, including tangible and intangible assets alike. For example, a tangible asset would be a branded sticker on your motorsport car for the big race. A non-tangible asset is your audience, which your target sponsor should be interested in.

Do motorsports have sponsors?

I know that most motorsports events often use a bevy of sponsors, so having a clear-cut, proven strategy to use will save you a lot of wasted time and guesswork. Also, if you’re a driver looking for sponsorship, you’ll be able to find a sponsor who could stick with you for years.

Do racers need sponsors?

Motorsports organizations rely heavily on sponsors, and often handfuls at a time rather than one or two. Even individual racers need sponsorship to fund them so they can possibly reach the big leagues.

Can you target one or two brands?

You can target maybe one or two long-shot big brands, but I’d recommend creating a list of target sponsors more likely to say yes than no. Then research their audience to ensure there’s an alignment. And yes, double-check that you and the target sponsor are aligned on goals and values as well .

Do you need sponsors for a motorsport event?

Also, don’t just choose your sponsors purely based on name recognition alone. Yes, in motorsports, it’s important that your sponsors are a who’s who of brands, but that can’t be your only criteria. You also need to look for audience alignment.

Do sponsors work for motorsports?

Drivers can hold onto the same sponsor for years, like I said, so taking your sponsor for a ride (not a literal ride) and making them pay more is not the best start to that relationship. The sponsor might decline to work with you again.

What matters to a sponsor when speaking with a sponsor?

The only thing that matters to the sponsor is how much return they get on their investment.

What is a race team?

A race team is a business like any other business. It has expenses—cars, drivers, crew, equipment, logistical, office, accounting, so much coffee, etc.—and needs to bring in revenue to cover those expenses. Where we go off the rails is in how we bring in that revenue.

What is 30-40 percent discount?

If you can get a company to give you a 30 to 40 percent discount on a product you need, that’s money saved on your end and most likely nothing more than unrealized profit on the sponsor’s side, as 30-40 percent is usually the profit margin on a lot of products.

Why do businesses exist?

Businesses exist to make money. If they give you some of their money, they are going to expect to make even more money in return. If they can’t show someone how they are going to make money by giving a racing team some, then end of story. It’s that simple—but there is an exception. Keep reading to the end.

Is sponsorship only about PR?

One of the big myths of sponsorship is that it’s only about PR and marketing. To be fair, there is absolutely a marketing component to almost every sponsorship deal. However, the primary driving force behind most of these deals is B2B (Business to Business).

Does Superstore sell race cars?

Yes. Their products are all sold at that superstore near you. The store wants to sponsor a race car program but doesn’t want to write a bunch of big checks all by themselves. So they go to some of their retail partners who have been asking for better placement and promotion for their product at their stores nationwide.

What is sponsorship in sports?

Different companies use different marketing strategies. Those that sponsor athletes use sponsorship as a form of marketing to sell its goods. The riders they choose to support usually represent its target market. In some cases, they are elite riders.

How to write a sponsorship proposal?

Once you have an audience, a sponsorship level goal , and a target company and the contact , you can begin formulating the actual proposal. Keep it very short and to the point. Tell them who you are, the size and demographics of your audience, and what you are seeking. Shoot between 100 and 150 words maximum. The people you’re contacting don’t want a biography; they want to know what you can do for them and how much it is going to cost. Be courteous and humble. Arrogance is almost always a recipe for failure.

When is sponsorship review time?

Being involved in these websites also gives you an advantage come sponsorship review time (which is usually August 1 through October 31). Companies will look to these websites to acquire “talent” and give special sponsorship discounts to the website members.

What should you hope to get from a company?

So what should you hope to get from a company? Depending on your skill level, the events you race, your past performances, and what you can do for your sponsors, it could mean anything from a small discount (10 percent) to a pretty substantial discount (50 percent or more). More elusive are deals for free product, contingency incentives for doing well at major events, or actual salaries. Those are reserved for the riders who show they can really move the needle in product sales, whether it’s through their blazing speed, exceptional PR skills, or some combination of the two.

Why Brands Sponsor Athletes

On the base level, a brand sponsors an athlete to be an extension of their marketing efforts. Brands want to be seen, borrow the influence of the athlete, and cross-promote ideas/products/events that mesh well with the athlete’s audience.

What Brands Are Looking For

AKA eyeballs. Attention is the greatest commodity that every brand is searching for more of. It helps to have a large blog following or social following… or Youtube or Twitter. Essentially, being able to lend some of the attention from your viewers to a brand is going to help you in your quest for sponsorship.

Know what you want

The most common sponsorships for athletes are free or discounted gear. Percentages of 20-50% are pretty common discount levels. Brands that give athletes free gear usually will give somewhere in the tune of $500-$2,000 MSRP/yr. Really though, it depends on the above factors and the type of gear the brand works with.

Pro Deals

If a sponsorship doesn’t work out, don’t fret about it. It takes time. It takes multiple attempts, and a little bit of luck. Most companies also offer pro deals, which get you a nice gear discount, usually somewhere in the 30-70% range. Google “ Company Name pro deal” to find out if they offer one; they typically don’t publicize them.

1. Pick the right race for you

Picking the right race and course is crucial, and there are ­many different OCR options. Spartan races, for example, regularly offer stadium races, which involve no mud, water, or fire-themed obstacles. Spend some time researching reviews on each type of race and research the course itself, as some are safer and easier than others.

2. Follow a strength training program

The best OCR training plans include a combination of cardiovascular and strength training. Cardiovascular workouts are important for increasing endurance, and strength training will help you with obstacles that include climbing, crawling, and carrying heavy objects.

3. Know your limits

It’s important to not overdo it when training. Jumping into an intense regimen can lead to overuse injuries, such as tendinitis or stress fractures. Instead, gradually increase your training. Start with one or two workouts a week and then slowly increase the frequency and intensity.

Race Day

Listen to your body on race day! If you feel uncomfortable with an obstacle, skip it. If you feel a tweak or twinge, take a minute to evaluate whether you should continue the race. Well-designed races will have a staff member at every obstacle that can help you if you need it.

How to learn about racing sponsorship?

Understand the sponsorship process first. The best way to learn about racing sponsorship is to read as much as you can about the subject. Once you understand how the sponsorship process works , you can set out to getting racing sponsors on your own.

What is it called when a business decides to sponsor you?

This is called a sponsorship agreement and you should hire a professional lawyer to handle this aspect of the sponsorship process for you.

What is a sponsorship proposal?

A sponsorship proposal is basically a sales brochure for your sponsorship program. It outlines the benefits of becoming your sponsor and it includes all the costs of doing so.

What are the most common things of value offered in sponsorship packages?

Things such as logos on uniforms and equipment are the most common and basic things of value offered in sponsorship packages but sponsors are more demanding than ever. The more sponsorship offerings you have, the better your chances of landing a sponsorship deal.

Is it better to get sponsorship on phone or email?

When trying to get racing sponsors, phone calls are much better than emails. Emails are very easy to ignore but phone calls are not. Looking for racing sponsorship is a time-consuming process but the more people you reach out to, the better your chances of starting a conversation that might lead to a sponsorship deal.