Can any one advise me?
Discussion
Hello, I was wondering if somebody could help me please? I have heard about Pistonheads from my nephew, so thought I would ask all you experts for your advice!
My son currently karts, and loves his driving. Unfortunately, money is tight but I was wondering whether there were any opportunities for him to continue with his dream of becoming a racing driver? Are there any opportunities out there to get racing car experience, when you haven't got much money floating around?
Thank you so much, in advance!
Margaret.
My son currently karts, and loves his driving. Unfortunately, money is tight but I was wondering whether there were any opportunities for him to continue with his dream of becoming a racing driver? Are there any opportunities out there to get racing car experience, when you haven't got much money floating around?
Thank you so much, in advance!
Margaret.
Margaret!
It goes without sayign that you will need lots of money. But here’s one way that might help you to get a “lucky break”:
See if you can get any local businesses to provide consumables free of charge in return for logos on the kart/suit/helmet. This might be something as simple as lending you a motorhome to get to evens (whack a massive logo on the side), or a local Organic health drink supply you with hydration for races, etc (logos on the kart, suit and helmet).
Then you should write race reports and send them to all the local newspapers with photos (sponsor logos visible), to get the sponsors even more exposure. Get him onto local radio chats (they are always open to this sort of thing), tv, etc if possible. He should always wear the main sponsor's logo on his cap when being interviewed.
You can then arrange events to get the sponsors more involved, such as asking them to bring their key clients to races, and lay on hospitality for them. Their clients may then want to get involved. Then you start asking for money - but you really have to show how they will make a return on their investment, and deliver on that promise. It becomes a business after that, and if you're successful at getting the finances whilst he's stepping up to being successful at motor racing, then it’s onwards and upwards from there.
Easy Peasy! (not)
Good luck
Yes?
It goes without sayign that you will need lots of money. But here’s one way that might help you to get a “lucky break”:
See if you can get any local businesses to provide consumables free of charge in return for logos on the kart/suit/helmet. This might be something as simple as lending you a motorhome to get to evens (whack a massive logo on the side), or a local Organic health drink supply you with hydration for races, etc (logos on the kart, suit and helmet).
Then you should write race reports and send them to all the local newspapers with photos (sponsor logos visible), to get the sponsors even more exposure. Get him onto local radio chats (they are always open to this sort of thing), tv, etc if possible. He should always wear the main sponsor's logo on his cap when being interviewed.
You can then arrange events to get the sponsors more involved, such as asking them to bring their key clients to races, and lay on hospitality for them. Their clients may then want to get involved. Then you start asking for money - but you really have to show how they will make a return on their investment, and deliver on that promise. It becomes a business after that, and if you're successful at getting the finances whilst he's stepping up to being successful at motor racing, then it’s onwards and upwards from there.
Easy Peasy! (not)
Good luck
Yes?
in order to achieve the above, the first piece of advice I would say, is that you have to think of your son as a product.
Think what your son could offer a company in return for the money they might offer to (in part) support his racing. What coverage will he get them, can he be an ambassador for them in the target market of their product? That sort of thing.
To use an easy example, look at Lewis Hamilton - he's reasonably articulate; he's a good looking bloke; he's immensely talented; he's young; he's black. In short, he's a great person to hang things off and that means he can pay his way as a racing driver.
First and foremost of course, your boy has to be very good at racing in order to stand a chance of getting a sponsor - which is ultimately what you need.
Think what your son could offer a company in return for the money they might offer to (in part) support his racing. What coverage will he get them, can he be an ambassador for them in the target market of their product? That sort of thing.
To use an easy example, look at Lewis Hamilton - he's reasonably articulate; he's a good looking bloke; he's immensely talented; he's young; he's black. In short, he's a great person to hang things off and that means he can pay his way as a racing driver.
First and foremost of course, your boy has to be very good at racing in order to stand a chance of getting a sponsor - which is ultimately what you need.
Edited by MrKipling43 on Tuesday 24th June 16:52
There is a competition (run by Vauxhall I think) where you can win a drive in one of their cars for the race season. My friends who kart a lot entered last year and got through to the semi finals. Can't remember the web address, but will have a google for you now...
But really as everyone else has said, it is about making corporate friends for your son - turn him into a marketable package and write down what he can do for local businesses etc. Try and befriend a local journalist too, and see if they will cover his racing!
But really as everyone else has said, it is about making corporate friends for your son - turn him into a marketable package and write down what he can do for local businesses etc. Try and befriend a local journalist too, and see if they will cover his racing!
I think your best bet would be to contact the MSA (Motor Sports Association) as I'm sure they will have the necessary information and be happy to help.
http://www.msauk.org/site/custom/home/default.asp?...
Good luck!
http://www.msauk.org/site/custom/home/default.asp?...
Good luck!
Gassing Station | General Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff