[lyjw88]

I've seen quite a few cars sponsored by vendors here.
How and why are they getting sponsored?

[convinceme]

Ya seriously how?

[kabalm18]

I want sponsored too!

[AllydNYC]

+over9000

[LOLrance]

Have something to offer.

Know people in the "scene".

[561design]

To gain sponsorship you essentially put a portfolio together. It's very much like a job resume with cover letter and all. It's been a few years but I remember having to list the shows I planned on attending for that year as well as past history if I placed or not. As included would be a list of mods, things planned, etc. You'd also have to let them know what you're looking for out of the sponsorship. It could be anything from paying your entry fees to your hotel stays.

I'm not sure how much has changed, but that's what you had to do to get a sponsorship from a reputable company.

Some of the contracts can be pretty harsh if you don't hold up your end of the deal. So be sure to read them over if you end up going into something like this.

[evoi19]

Alot of it has to come from knowing someone in the industry these days.

[just4kickz]

money + connections.

if your looking to get something free by a sponsorship, that sure as hell won't happen.

[Joonsup]

it's not what you know.. it's WHO you know.... i think

[spectrumphoto]

My past sponsorships came from my tuning shop (owners were friends of mine) and their close connections with companies. Quite often it would mean testing new and prototype equipment and having your car avail for testing, showing and demos. I would not really get full out "freebies" but was able to purchase the equipment for materials cost (really really cheap) and typically the manufacturer would cover the install costs.

[AutoTalent]

1. Be Friendly instead of demanding or expecting something
2. Active in community - Meets / boards
3. Having time to leave your car & willing to spend money on new products
4. Being at the right place at the right time
5. Get to know some magazine people - manufactures/shops like exposure
6. Keeping your mouth shut about the price paid
7. Try to not have a stock car or have plans & follow through - "show me the money"

The list goes on but can't think of anything else right now

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by 561design

To gain sponsorship you essentially put a portfolio together. It's very much like a job resume with cover letter and all. It's been a few years but I remember having to list the shows I planned on attending for that year as well as past history if I placed or not. As included would be a list of mods, things planned, etc. You'd also have to let them know what you're looking for out of the sponsorship. It could be anything from paying your entry fees to your hotel stays.

I'm not sure how much has changed, but that's what you had to do to get a sponsorship from a reputable company.

Some of the contracts can be pretty harsh if you don't hold up your end of the deal. So be sure to read them over if you end up going into something like this.

Originally Posted by AutoTalent

1. Be Friendly instead of demanding or expecting something
2. Active in community - Meets / boards
3. Having time to leave your car & willing to spend money on new products
4. Being at the right place at the right time
5. Get to know some magazine people - manufactures/shops like exposure
6. Keeping your mouth shut about the price paid
7. Try to not have a stock car or have plans & follow through - "show me the money"

The list goes on but can't think of anything else right now

Pretty much hit the nail on the head there with both of these posts.

This doesn't exclude track events also.