In the sport of motocross, we all want sponsors. Someone or
a company that we can slap on our bike or bikes even just for the stigmatic
purpose of “it looks cool”. And motocross is a sport that thrives off of the
support of many companies, and individuals that are both fiscally and
emotionally invested in this great sport.
Now before we dive into the depths of what "I" know about this topic, I must clarify that I myself am not a Pro rider. I made it to Intermediate status and then broke my back in 2005 and that pretty much ended any and all aspirations I had of making it Pro. I am still currently racing for the fun of it in multiple clubs and am now starting the journey of getting my daughters involved in the great sport of motocross.
Firstly and this my absolute number 1 rule for attracting the right kind of attention, act and project yourself in and professional and courteous manner. You may not be the fastest, you may not have all the new current gear or swag, but if you are respectful and mindful towards your competitors, and the people in the pits and around you, it will come back on you tenfold. There are most always sponsors or reps at the track looking for new talent and or people to represent their companies. They look for the riders that have not only talent, but a good positive personality at the track. I myself am not the fastest, but I always make time to say "hi" or converse with the people at the track in an pleasant and respectful manner. And I should stress that this is something that can be learned, as when I first started many years ago I was a somewhat shy and introverted person and had to learn to really step out of my comfort-zone at times and just make small talk. "Did you see that race last weekend RC and Stewart were hauling" etc. You're at the racetrack, remember that, as most are as interested in the many same things you are. Especially motocross.
Secondly give something back to your community. After being involved in this sport now for over 20 years, I have seen many riders come and go. I try and dedicate at least 3 days of riding/practice time at my local tracks. When there you always come across some new blood that are looking to test the waters in the world of motocross racing/riding. Go over and help them out, we were all there once. Whether they be a younger kid hitting the track for the first time or a 40 year old finally crossing "racing" off their bucket list. I myself try and dedicate a chunk of time to others while I'm at the track, giving what knowledge I have whether it be about jetting a carb (for those still riding 2 smokers you'll know what I mean), general maintenance, to riding form or practicing starts with them. At the end we're all in it for the fun of racing, and the more we act as a big family the better we all are as a community. And I can tell you first hand that this community talks. Word of mouth is probably still the best form of sponsor attraction.
Thirdly, hit the pavement. Just like the business world, you need to be prepared and do your homework. Have a formal race resume handy, a cover letter and source out companies that are either already involved in the sport or ones that you would feel could benefit from the added exposure. What I mean to say is, when you are picking out companies to go and drop a resume off with, I'd try and stick with the companies that you think other riders may benefit from their products or services. I wouldn't hit up a hockey store and expect them to support a sport that has no relevance to them what-so-ever. I'm not saying it absolutely won't happen but your chances are definitely substantially lower. Don't just email resumes to anyone and everyone. I have found the most successful way to get picked up by some of the bigger race companies is to join a sponsored website like Hookit or MX Sponsor keep your profile updated and post videos and pictures of you riding and in the pits. Make sure to apply early. Many motocross companies start accepting resumes in late September until December. Don't procrastinate and wait until the season has begun. By then, you are too late and have completely missed the boat. The other option is to hit local businesses in your area. This one is a little harder and even more full of rejection. You will have to learn to take "No" for an answer more than once. But just know this, just because they said "No" today, doesn't mean they are lost forever. If they have a certain product, purchase or service support them from time to time and stay in contact with them because there is always next year. The biggest thing I can address is to be completely honest and realistic in your expectations. Don't just stroll into your local bike dealer and ask for a free bike loaded to the nines with accessories, you are most likely no Ricky Carmichael. Take any and all the help that you can and be exceptionally grateful for it. Businesses are constantly being asked (especially moto related business) for this or that. Make sure that you are prepared to do the work for them. This is a professional deal and both parties have to gain something from each other. It is your job to promote said companies to the public to help boost the companies sales and sell more product for them, hence the always act professional in the pits and around the track.
Finally, once you land the first of your sponsor(s), do everything in your power to help them and their business. That means social media (Insta, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook), word of mouth, decals on bikes, trailers, gear. You are essentially a mobile salesperson/billboard for them, so SELL, SELL, SELL, because the more you go to work for them, the more they will usually resiprocate back in your favor.
The last thing I will touch base on, is like any career or job DO NOT sponsor hop. Try with all your might to stay loyal the brands that have supported you from the beginning. Yes you may come across some better deals from time to time, but jumping ship over and over has a negative impact on the image that you as a rider are trying to establish for yourself. This industry is big and vast, but it's also very tight knit and companies talk to each other whether they are competitors or not, and company reps move from company to company as well and they all have good memories.
So get out there, be proactive, professional and start promoting yourself. Next thing you know you've got your first offer.
Now before we dive into the depths of what "I" know about this topic, I must clarify that I myself am not a Pro rider. I made it to Intermediate status and then broke my back in 2005 and that pretty much ended any and all aspirations I had of making it Pro. I am still currently racing for the fun of it in multiple clubs and am now starting the journey of getting my daughters involved in the great sport of motocross.
Firstly and this my absolute number 1 rule for attracting the right kind of attention, act and project yourself in and professional and courteous manner. You may not be the fastest, you may not have all the new current gear or swag, but if you are respectful and mindful towards your competitors, and the people in the pits and around you, it will come back on you tenfold. There are most always sponsors or reps at the track looking for new talent and or people to represent their companies. They look for the riders that have not only talent, but a good positive personality at the track. I myself am not the fastest, but I always make time to say "hi" or converse with the people at the track in an pleasant and respectful manner. And I should stress that this is something that can be learned, as when I first started many years ago I was a somewhat shy and introverted person and had to learn to really step out of my comfort-zone at times and just make small talk. "Did you see that race last weekend RC and Stewart were hauling" etc. You're at the racetrack, remember that, as most are as interested in the many same things you are. Especially motocross.
Secondly give something back to your community. After being involved in this sport now for over 20 years, I have seen many riders come and go. I try and dedicate at least 3 days of riding/practice time at my local tracks. When there you always come across some new blood that are looking to test the waters in the world of motocross racing/riding. Go over and help them out, we were all there once. Whether they be a younger kid hitting the track for the first time or a 40 year old finally crossing "racing" off their bucket list. I myself try and dedicate a chunk of time to others while I'm at the track, giving what knowledge I have whether it be about jetting a carb (for those still riding 2 smokers you'll know what I mean), general maintenance, to riding form or practicing starts with them. At the end we're all in it for the fun of racing, and the more we act as a big family the better we all are as a community. And I can tell you first hand that this community talks. Word of mouth is probably still the best form of sponsor attraction.
Thirdly, hit the pavement. Just like the business world, you need to be prepared and do your homework. Have a formal race resume handy, a cover letter and source out companies that are either already involved in the sport or ones that you would feel could benefit from the added exposure. What I mean to say is, when you are picking out companies to go and drop a resume off with, I'd try and stick with the companies that you think other riders may benefit from their products or services. I wouldn't hit up a hockey store and expect them to support a sport that has no relevance to them what-so-ever. I'm not saying it absolutely won't happen but your chances are definitely substantially lower. Don't just email resumes to anyone and everyone. I have found the most successful way to get picked up by some of the bigger race companies is to join a sponsored website like Hookit or MX Sponsor keep your profile updated and post videos and pictures of you riding and in the pits. Make sure to apply early. Many motocross companies start accepting resumes in late September until December. Don't procrastinate and wait until the season has begun. By then, you are too late and have completely missed the boat. The other option is to hit local businesses in your area. This one is a little harder and even more full of rejection. You will have to learn to take "No" for an answer more than once. But just know this, just because they said "No" today, doesn't mean they are lost forever. If they have a certain product, purchase or service support them from time to time and stay in contact with them because there is always next year. The biggest thing I can address is to be completely honest and realistic in your expectations. Don't just stroll into your local bike dealer and ask for a free bike loaded to the nines with accessories, you are most likely no Ricky Carmichael. Take any and all the help that you can and be exceptionally grateful for it. Businesses are constantly being asked (especially moto related business) for this or that. Make sure that you are prepared to do the work for them. This is a professional deal and both parties have to gain something from each other. It is your job to promote said companies to the public to help boost the companies sales and sell more product for them, hence the always act professional in the pits and around the track.
Finally, once you land the first of your sponsor(s), do everything in your power to help them and their business. That means social media (Insta, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook), word of mouth, decals on bikes, trailers, gear. You are essentially a mobile salesperson/billboard for them, so SELL, SELL, SELL, because the more you go to work for them, the more they will usually resiprocate back in your favor.
The last thing I will touch base on, is like any career or job DO NOT sponsor hop. Try with all your might to stay loyal the brands that have supported you from the beginning. Yes you may come across some better deals from time to time, but jumping ship over and over has a negative impact on the image that you as a rider are trying to establish for yourself. This industry is big and vast, but it's also very tight knit and companies talk to each other whether they are competitors or not, and company reps move from company to company as well and they all have good memories.
So get out there, be proactive, professional and start promoting yourself. Next thing you know you've got your first offer.
For more information and to stay current, be sure to checkout our website at www.seven1racing.com
#motocross #moto #sponsors #mxlife #dirtbikes #braap
Very well spoken, every fact hit the nail on the head with proven evidence backing it up. Well done!
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