Sponsor Suggestions?
Discussion
I'm planning on coming to the UK to race cars on the Formula Renault BARC championship next season and I'm looking for some companies that might be interested in sponsoring me. I've ran out of ideas for companies to contact and have been talking with a group I race with over here for ideas and one fellow told me to post here hoping someone can point me in the right direction.
So if anyone can suggest some UK based companies or where I can look for potential companies that would be great.
Thanks in advance!
Max
So if anyone can suggest some UK based companies or where I can look for potential companies that would be great.
Thanks in advance!
Max
it very much depends on your previous experience and success levels I would think.
There are many UK racers that dream of sponsorship - as at the end of the day, in the UK pretty much anyone can race to some level (as there are so many championships to suit all budgets) So a lot of companies in a position to sponsor will pay for the MD to race, or someone they know well.
The only way is if the company feel they will make money out of you from marketing, i.e. you have a proven record and are young enough etc.
There are many UK racers that dream of sponsorship - as at the end of the day, in the UK pretty much anyone can race to some level (as there are so many championships to suit all budgets) So a lot of companies in a position to sponsor will pay for the MD to race, or someone they know well.
The only way is if the company feel they will make money out of you from marketing, i.e. you have a proven record and are young enough etc.
Yes of course, I'm well aware of all that and I've got plenty of creative skills that I would use for productive marketing/advertisement campaigns that I could then use to better the sponsoring company.
I'm coming from Canada and I figure it might be better to look into British companies rather then talking with several Canadian and American companies offering a relatively risky opportunity to spread them into the UK.
So as broad as the initial question is
, any help would be nice 
. The more expensive teams are charging up to £100,000 which hopefully I won't have to go with and I find support before the race seats on the more modestly priced teams are filled in. The average teams are around £60,000-£70,000.
I'm coming from Canada and I figure it might be better to look into British companies rather then talking with several Canadian and American companies offering a relatively risky opportunity to spread them into the UK.
So as broad as the initial question is
, any help would be nice . The more expensive teams are charging up to £100,000 which hopefully I won't have to go with and I find support before the race seats on the more modestly priced teams are filled in. The average teams are around £60,000-£70,000.
£100K for the BARC FR championship? is that the main national FR championship or the "clubbie" one for older cars? thats not a criticism by the way, just disbelief, at least Dick Turpin wore a mask...
anyway, as you have stated that you have good creative skills which you can use with a sponsor, i am reading that you have no championships, race victories or solid experience. sorry but thats the way i read it. i dont want to spoil the party but most companies are finding it tight financially here at the moment, and an unknown racing driver with little experience getting £100K for a season is nigh on impossible.
anyway, as you have stated that you have good creative skills which you can use with a sponsor, i am reading that you have no championships, race victories or solid experience. sorry but thats the way i read it. i dont want to spoil the party but most companies are finding it tight financially here at the moment, and an unknown racing driver with little experience getting £100K for a season is nigh on impossible.
pablo said:
£100K for the BARC FR championship? is that the main national FR championship or the "clubbie" one for older cars? thats not a criticism by the way, just disbelief, at least Dick Turpin wore a mask...
Yup that's the Club championship. The UK Series that supports the BTCC is £175k+ more like £225k for a top team. It is possible to do the Club championship for less but that would mean prepping your own car. It's £18-20k for the car on it's own before entry fees, spares, tyres, travel etc. BTW if anyone wants to buy one I know of a very good one up for sale 
OSR
100k!! I've been on the same bill as those a few times. I'm sure they are fun to drive - but they don't get big crowds........
unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
Edited by RacerMDR on Tuesday 25th November 15:14
RacerMDR said:
100k!! I've been on the same bill as those a few times. I'm sure they are fun to drive - but they don't get big crowds........
unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
much better idea, FPA is proven and all things should be equal, and if you do get a sponsor, i am led to believe that Dr Palmer and FPA look after them very well...unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
Edited by RacerMDR on Tuesday 25th November 15:14
pablo said:
RacerMDR said:
100k!! I've been on the same bill as those a few times. I'm sure they are fun to drive - but they don't get big crowds........
unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
much better idea, FPA is proven and all things should be equal, and if you do get a sponsor, i am led to believe that Dr Palmer and FPA look after them very well...unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
Edited by RacerMDR on Tuesday 25th November 15:14
I haven't won any championships or even races and I definitely know that that is a factor. But the reason behind that was my old 88 reynard FF2000 was toast, I bought it about the time EVERYTHING on it would begin to fail... no fun.. and then I ran out of money trying to fix it rather than race it, in fact I'm still fixing it. But what I did with the short amount of time I had was great, I even went to a racing school over here run by Allen Berg and I had the same driving style and technique as he did, I might of been able to get close to his time but he was rev limiting the students and we had to break in spots I knew we could have done flat.. He gave me some personal comments that I'm using on my sponsor stuff so I hope that helps a little.
It still does not stop the fact I haven't won anything but this is all I have so I'm doing what I can with it.
The prices I gave for the BARC FRenault include VAT so the average teams are pretty simlar to FPA, but if FPA has a better crowd base I will definitely look into that so thanks
It still does not stop the fact I haven't won anything but this is all I have so I'm doing what I can with it.
The prices I gave for the BARC FRenault include VAT so the average teams are pretty simlar to FPA, but if FPA has a better crowd base I will definitely look into that so thanks
So let me get this straight. You're planning on moving to the UK and "racing" BARC but first you have to buy your way into a seat with sponsorship money you need to find, all while you have no real racing experience from the sound of it.
So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
pablo said:
RacerMDR said:
100k!! I've been on the same bill as those a few times. I'm sure they are fun to drive - but they don't get big crowds........
unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
much better idea, FPA is proven and all things should be equal, and if you do get a sponsor, i am led to believe that Dr Palmer and FPA look after them very well...unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
Edited by RacerMDR on Tuesday 25th November 15:14
Edward9000 said:
So let me get this straight. You're planning on moving to the UK and "racing" BARC but first you have to buy your way into a seat with sponsorship money you need to find, all while you have no real racing experience from the sound of it.
So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
That's a bit harsh - he's been to a racing school and competed and tested his FR2000 already. That'll give him more experience than a lot of people in Formula Renault. I say go for it So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
To be honest though, if money is an issue then FPA might make more sense. It's jolly good value compared with Formula Renault.
Failing that, something like Formula Mazda in America might be cheaper?
RobM77 said:
pablo said:
RacerMDR said:
100k!! I've been on the same bill as those a few times. I'm sure they are fun to drive - but they don't get big crowds........
unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
much better idea, FPA is proven and all things should be equal, and if you do get a sponsor, i am led to believe that Dr Palmer and FPA look after them very well...unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
Edited by RacerMDR on Tuesday 25th November 15:14
Edward9000 said:
So let me get this straight. You're planning on moving to the UK and "racing" BARC but first you have to buy your way into a seat with sponsorship money you need to find, all while you have no real racing experience from the sound of it.
So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
That's a bit harsh - he's been to a racing school and competed and tested his FR2000 already. That'll give him more experience than a lot of people in Formula Renault. I say go for it So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
To be honest though, if money is an issue then FPA might make more sense. It's jolly good value compared with Formula Renault.
Failing that, something like Formula Mazda in America might be cheaper?
Seeing them go around Pembrey, with 3 men and a dog watching (on the same bill as Caterhams) isn't what i'd be hoping for if I came over from Canada with a dream of turning professional.
FPA has a lot of Pazzazz, good TV coverage and certainly would be a good starting point for a talented novice. You would certainly know after one season, and spending 55k plus VAT whether you were at the sharp end or not.
I think quite a lot of people have probably been through similar experiences to the OP - and realised that its actually rather difficultw without a stack of personal cash and/or experience.
RacerMDR said:
RobM77 said:
pablo said:
RacerMDR said:
100k!! I've been on the same bill as those a few times. I'm sure they are fun to drive - but they don't get big crowds........
unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
much better idea, FPA is proven and all things should be equal, and if you do get a sponsor, i am led to believe that Dr Palmer and FPA look after them very well...unless there is a pikey clubbie version that raced with us
Wouldn't FPA be a much better bet? 55k plus VAT and its very competitive and seems to be a springboard for some decent young drivers?
Edited by RacerMDR on Tuesday 25th November 15:14
Edward9000 said:
So let me get this straight. You're planning on moving to the UK and "racing" BARC but first you have to buy your way into a seat with sponsorship money you need to find, all while you have no real racing experience from the sound of it.
So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
That's a bit harsh - he's been to a racing school and competed and tested his FR2000 already. That'll give him more experience than a lot of people in Formula Renault. I say go for it So unless Im missing something here, it sounds like quite a dumb idea.
To be honest though, if money is an issue then FPA might make more sense. It's jolly good value compared with Formula Renault.
Failing that, something like Formula Mazda in America might be cheaper?
Seeing them go around Pembrey, with 3 men and a dog watching (on the same bill as Caterhams) isn't what i'd be hoping for if I came over from Canada with a dream of turning professional.
FPA has a lot of Pazzazz, good TV coverage and certainly would be a good starting point for a talented novice. You would certainly know after one season, and spending 55k plus VAT whether you were at the sharp end or not.
I think quite a lot of people have probably been through similar experiences to the OP - and realised that its actually rather difficultw without a stack of personal cash and/or experience.
I agree completely. Plus FPA may prove a feeder series to the new F2 championship that Palmer is creating, or at the least provide some links.I know several very talented drivers who can't get sponsorship. It's a tough game and of course to get sponsored you need some success, and that costs money in the first place! Personal cash really is the only way forward. Personally I've never done more than half a season of anything due to a lack of money (and a desire to race faster and faster cars, and dwindling mechanical support from my father, has kept it that way, even as my salary has increased!). Add to that the fact that you need more cash to go more quickly and motor racing seems (and is) a very money orientated world.
If a full season of FPA proves out of the OP's reach, I'd suggest a club series to hone the skills (Caterhams maybe or a club single seater series such as 750MC F4 or Monoposto), and then if things are going well racing and finance wise enter the FPA Autumn Trophy next year (£10k+VAT).
Note that an FPA test is about £1,000 if you want to get a feel for it. They're very different to FRenault, in that most of their grip is mechanical, whereas Renault has a lot of aero - no doubt it's a very different feel - they certainly look different in the corners.
RobM77 said:
FRenault is proven. Kimi Raikonnen and Felipe Massa both went straight from Formula Renault into Formula One!
Massa did a spot of Euro F3000 between FRenault and F1, but the sentiment is correct 
It's incredibly hard to attract sponsorship just because you think you might be quite quick. The OP needs to approach the sponsorship proposal with a business partnership mindset.
whlist i dont doubt that FR is proven, at BARC level maybe its not the best step for an aspiring pro. natioanl level maybe but even then massa and kimi had years of karting success before they got in one so the comparison doesnt quite work...
i would look at something like the Formula BMW series in Europe, better weather and potentially weaker grids on account of most people coming to the UK to make a name for themselves?...
i would look at something like the Formula BMW series in Europe, better weather and potentially weaker grids on account of most people coming to the UK to make a name for themselves?...
thats a good call on the Formula BMW.
Its a tough old game this motorsport. Some drivers have money, but less talent. Some have lots of talent and less money. (some have neither ;-) )
What is true as far as I can tell though - as you get nearer the sharp end - the talent level is high AND the money is high.
I.e. - you don't get many crap drivers in the high level series.
I remember when i started after having a bit of success in karts - thinking i'd be the b
ks! I quickly realised I had a lot to learn (I still do) after 3 years of racing cars.
Its a tough old game this motorsport. Some drivers have money, but less talent. Some have lots of talent and less money. (some have neither ;-) )
What is true as far as I can tell though - as you get nearer the sharp end - the talent level is high AND the money is high.
I.e. - you don't get many crap drivers in the high level series.
I remember when i started after having a bit of success in karts - thinking i'd be the b
ks! I quickly realised I had a lot to learn (I still do) after 3 years of racing cars.I have actually been in about 7 races, but I've only actually ever been able to compete in two of them.. driving(rolling) around in basically a chassis was accomplished in the other few. I've attended two schools, and my first school was a 3 day course and I started it off bad but by the second day I started posting consistent and considerably faster lap times (1-2 seconds faster) then a few hopeful and accomplished young go karters... then by the end of the third day I was about a second off some french Canadian drivers with racing experience. My second school was the Allen Berg school just recently in mid October which was a one day. On my first race weekend I was a little sketchy so I couldnt really gain up the field but I had a few passes and beat the previous owner of my race car's lap record by 1.7 seconds and he was a top 5 runner in my car. My other competitive race weekend I missed Qualifying cause of mechanical issues and then when I got it running I'd start in 13th which was last for the grid and every race heat of the 4 I did I made it to about 5th. the last heat I competed in I actually made it from 9th(there was some carnage) to 2nd in 2 laps, then got excited, dropped a wheel and dropped to 4th. Then after chasing and chasing I couldn't get past and then I saw an opportunity but misjudged my speed and didnt get right up side by side and he turned in... so a few rookie mistakes that race but I learn from them. So thats my accomplishments in a nut shell, only limited by the fact my 3 VISAs and some savings used to race/repair my car were maxed out or depleted.... Still basically nothing but the teams I've been in touch with say its good (probably cause they think I have money for a seat... suckers...).
I did look into the FBMW cause thats really good but theyve got a ridiculous age limit of 21, in the americas series its 18, and I'm 20 but would be 21 next summer... yes yes bring on the I'm too old crap cause I haven't thought of it myself or been told already...
I've been primarily focusing on all my sponsorship as a business perspective, the exposure at the race track is almost negligable anywhere but the top according to company standards so I sell myself as an off track thing AND the BONUS of on track stuff. Can't really say if it works though, I've had some interest but the couple companies I've talked to would rather spend the money on the damned 2010 Olympics! tough luck.
As far as racing in other parts of Europe, I'm not sure on France, but I was looking into the spanish F3 series over a year and a half ago when I first started doing this for planning purposes and it costs half as much as the british F3 series so I would imagine generally the prices would be less. Probably because England is THE place for racing.. you know, like similarly if you were to go to Las Vegas and get a hooker I'm sure they'd be about twice as much as accustomed to.... pardon my poor tastes in humor.
Alright well thats done, sorry that was long.
I did look into the FBMW cause thats really good but theyve got a ridiculous age limit of 21, in the americas series its 18, and I'm 20 but would be 21 next summer... yes yes bring on the I'm too old crap cause I haven't thought of it myself or been told already...
I've been primarily focusing on all my sponsorship as a business perspective, the exposure at the race track is almost negligable anywhere but the top according to company standards so I sell myself as an off track thing AND the BONUS of on track stuff. Can't really say if it works though, I've had some interest but the couple companies I've talked to would rather spend the money on the damned 2010 Olympics! tough luck.
As far as racing in other parts of Europe, I'm not sure on France, but I was looking into the spanish F3 series over a year and a half ago when I first started doing this for planning purposes and it costs half as much as the british F3 series so I would imagine generally the prices would be less. Probably because England is THE place for racing.. you know, like similarly if you were to go to Las Vegas and get a hooker I'm sure they'd be about twice as much as accustomed to.... pardon my poor tastes in humor.
Alright well thats done, sorry that was long.
RacerMDR said:
I remember when i started after having a bit of success in karts - thinking i'd be the bks! I quickly realised I had a lot to learn (I still do) after 3 years of racing cars.
I forgot to say that I'm well aware I have a lot to learn, but I use that in a positive way, as in I can get much faster then I am now ks! I quickly realised I had a lot to learn (I still do) after 3 years of racing cars.Allen Berg told me he really liked my open mindedness for the lessons at his school and then told me I'll never stop learning, even at the top. So note that to anyone who thinks they know it all... you crazy know it alls....
Anyways on a second note this is probably a half decent thread for anyone trying to figure this nonsense out.
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