3 ways to invest in your race program (without spending money on your race car)
I know enough racers to know they are very familiar with shelling out time and money into their race programs. If your rotors were rusty and pitted (or drums – I see you, buggy folks,) would you take the time to resurface them, spend the money to replace them, or would you leave them as-is, even though they’re not performing well? You’d probably spend the time or money to make your car perform better, right? It’s a no-brainer. You recognize the value of an investment – making an expenditure upfront in order to reap a greater reward in the future.
But what happens when YOU’RE the rusty one? Are you so quick to spend the time and money to invest in yourself? If your answer is no, you’re missing a huge opportunity to grow your program and perform at the best of your abilities. I’m going to tell you three ways you can invest in yourself and give you a few tools and tips for each so you can bring more value to your race program.
1. Build a Fanbase
- Build your social media presence. Megan Meyer (Motorsports Marketing Tips) is the queen of motorsports social media marketing and she’s got a FREE webinar on August 5th or 6th where you can learn some of her trade secrets. This will only cost your time! If you’re interested in any of Megan’s other products, you can use code ROD for 20% off.
- Get involved in your community. If your hometown isn’t supporting you, you’re doing it wrong. Volunteer at local events, feature your race vehicle at local businesses, and spread the word with neighbors in-person and online when you’re racing.
2. Build Partnerships
- Attend the Off-Road Sponsorship Summit. If I could give you just one tool to grow your race program, this would be it. Alex Striler literally wrote the book on motorsports sponsorships, and this targeted summit gives you the opportunity to learn his tricks, ask him questions, and hear what companies like Eibach, AlpineStars and Monster Energy are looking for when they sponsor racers. We’ve been waiting almost a year since the last time this came up – you don’t want to miss it. Join Alex and his extensive panel of racers and business contacts on August 20th and use our code, RACER, for 20% off.
- Network with everyone. And I mean everyone, including your competitors and companies who aren’t giving you money. Every conversation you have is a chance to make yourself memorable enough that, when an opportunity for a partnership arises, your name is the first one that comes to mind. You’ll get turned down for 99% of the cold calls you make to potential sponsors, but you’re already half-way to a partnership when THEY reach out to YOU.
3. Build Skills
- Sign up for a Nex Gen class. Unless you’re winning every single race you’re competing in, you’ve got room for improvement as a driver. That’s where Robert Nash and Cole Daebler come. Spend a day at the track with a coach to build your skill as a driver. Last I heard, there’s still one spot open for the 8/3 class, so hurry to their website to sign up.
- Brush up on your public speaking. It’s not just about driving the car – it’s about your ability to tell your story. Whether it’s on the podium, one-on-one with a fan, or in an Instagram reel, you need to be able to speak well while selling your brand and your sponsors in a way that connects with your fans. We’ve got some things brewing in this space, but let me just tell you this: if you’re a youth driver with Champ Off-Road, don’t make any plans for Friday 8/9 after the pro races. We’ve got a FREE podium speech coaching session for you! Details will be announced soon – follow us on Facebook where we’ll be posting details.
These are just some of the ways you can take your racing career to the next level. Whether it's public speaking, driving skills, or marketing strategies, there's always something you can learn and improve on. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your race program. Sign up for these events today and get ready to make your mark in the racing world.