Anyone work for a Newspaper?

[SupermanX24]

Ok here's my story. Last month I went down to North Carolina for a "development deal" with a nascar team. Basically I'm gonna start off in the street stock division for a few races and then work my way up the chain. The team also has Arca Remax cars and races a few times in the Craftsmen truck series. My problem? I need some sponsors. He said I should get an article printed in my local newspaper. I'm just trying to get my name out there anyway I can. If anyone has any info let me know. :-P

[Untamed]

First, get a charity to sponsor. Then contact the local paper in your town about the races you'll be driving, soliciting donations from other drivers whom you race against. Maybe start with drag racing at Island where we have some inside pull for maybe a soundbite from the owner to add to the news article. Great exposure for you, the charity and the track.

Once the autoX track opens in South Jersey, move your racing there so you have both straight-line and autoX experience, sticking with the same charity and maybe picking up local sponsorship. After a season of racing (yes this means NASCAR / Craftsman waits till next year) you'll have enough public exposure and local sponsorship that the pro's can take you seriously. Then seek out the same deal you are looking at now, for the 2009 season.

:shrug: Is there a faster path beyond one news article? Would they take you seriously with only one or two articles? How much experience do you have? Who are your amature / semi-pro references? Who are your corporate references?

Good luck!

[SupermanX24]

damn buddy, sounds like a great plan. I appreciate it

[Untamed]

The key here is exposure. It's gona feel like you're whoring out your name and activities, but that's how you grow in the eyes of everyone invloved. The charity has to see you in a good light and as a person who can make things happen. They accept donations as much as they want exposure - the more people know about the charity and fun activities that generate money, the more money they'll eventually receive. The race track also wants exposure. Events that put the track in a good light because of safe, fun conditions all for a good cause, makes them look like they are continuing to contribute to the community. And finally, your dedication to something selfless, while still paying your own track fees, gets you the exposure you need for the NASCAR program, the practice you need behind the wheel (regardless of your racing preferences for a career down the road) and the chance at gathering local sponsorship to move you from a weekend driver to amature and eventually semi pro in regional events. Make sure you network with the companies, drivers and track owners. The more people know about you, the more likely they'll be willing to give you a reference when you pursue a pro career.

Spend as much time as you can shmoozing as driving, and you'll enjoy bigger success.

[NJ Torque]

Gaspar for Nascar!

[SupermanX24]

Haha, hell yeah. That was back before I even drove for any sort of team. Now that I have team backing, I just need to get some sponsors.