Like the title says...I am sorry if this is the dumbest question and thread, but I am pretty sure other peole wonder the same thing sometimes (and I'm sorry if there is already a thread on this, close this if there is, but it's almost midnight and I am way too tired to search):

How would someone that owns an EVO that wants to make it really fast go about getting sponsored by a vendor such as AMS? I am in the Air Force stationed at Lackland AFB SA TX, we have our little meets (not that SA is a little city), get togethers, whatever you want to call it, but there is never anyone down here showing off the fact that they are sponsored by a company that is actually worth mentioning. You see some 16 year old handing out flyers at a local meet talking about how fast he will be after his no name sponsor allows him a 20% discount on his no name parts...I don't get it (please don't take me wrong here, I am not knocking the "no name" sponsors/companies, I have full respect b/c that is how we all start out).

I am a girl who is pretty new to this game, I've only had my car for about 7 months, but I thirst for knowledge, this is facsinating to me, and I think everyone here will agree that it's addicting. I will be over 750whp one day, maybe even more, and my four year old will be waving out of the back window as I pass you on the highway....but obviously off topic sorry

I just see how big this forum is and I realize how much I haven't seen, how much I don't know, and I am just wondering how would I go about getting someone like AMS to sponsor someone (me ) down here? I would love that opportunity to be sponsored, but no one ever speaks of it here because you don't see it at all...can someone please educate the new girl? Thanks!!

 

well, in order to get sponsored you'd have to demonstrate your capacity to increase revenue for the company in accord with the financial assistance they would provide you. so if they give you 20K in parts you'd better haul *** all across the US at road tracks, drag strips, and car shows to preach the AMS gospel to as many fellow enthusiasts as possible.

Considering that AMS and most vendors have shop cars which they use to serve this function, it's typically very difficult to demonstrate you'd be an advantage for them. But, then again, you're a girl, so you'll probably get sponsored on that gimmick despite my skepticism.

good luck!

 

I would PM warrtalon that guy seems to know everything.......

 

LOL, thanks...I guess my questions are really not being asked on the hopes that I'll be sponsored, well maybe but one can dream, but more on curiousity I guess. You see all these bad *** videos and races on TV and these, what seem to be, dumbasses are being sponsored, and it just makes me wonder why. Were they just in the right place at the right time, did they put a crap load of money already into their car and the majority of the parts just happened to be let's say Buschur parts...they see this guy with all the money already invested know they don't have to do a lot or spend a lot, and boom, it's done?

I 100% agree with you that someone is obviously going to want someone to travel the country, go to the shows/meets etc...but do you have any idea how much money I see driving around a base like Lackland?? It's crazy, all these people, a lot fo Airmen just out of tech school, with nothing better to do then spend their hard earned money on car parts, not that there's a problem with that because I'm right there in line with them LOL. Just a quick example, I work somewhere that puts thousands of Airmen through the AF every year, and when they're in school, they're bored...a few of them saw us get together on base, and the next thing I knew, I see one of them at a meet with an EVO, go figure....

 

trade your evo in for an outlander, and tell them you want to put a GT42R, built 2.3 motor, and make more than Chris's black evo i'm sure they'll sponsor you then

^^^ what the 1st poster said tho.....

 

I would start locally first. Mits dealers, graphix shops, smaller performance shops, auto parts stores, audio shops, and body shops. But 144mph is right, you would need to appear at all the shows, and track events talking up your sponsors. I would even try to find even small buisnesses that have nothing to do with racing or cars. If you do get sponsored by a bunch of places, remember to use magnets for decals (this is where the graphixs shop sponsor will help the most). It will make life easier and keep you from looking like Jeff Gordon going to the grocery store.

If you like doing it then go for the big sponsorships. The small sponsors will help you build credibility for the big ones.

 

Let me try and give an impression as being formally in the business. Despite my handel I am back in Texas and no longer employed in the industry but still have many ties and friends. I have much respect for AMS and hope that they dont mind me posting in their forum. Big shops like AMS, Turbotrix, Buschur, Vishnu, Roadrace, Dyno4mance, Tuning Tech ect get MANY requests for sponsorships. This is tricky as usually it is very big customers, friends and the like that request such things. As a previous poster suggested it has to do with exposure and the potential for revenue. No one I know in the industry is filthy rich. Some do well but their own ventures are MEGA money to fund and support. You can just imagine a set of real rims and tires cost 3K+ and last all of about 4 track hours and prepped cars are 70K+. This is aside from running a business, 100K+ dynos, employees ect. So you better bring the goods on your end. Im in your area and know the Texas scene, it is so minute compared to the Cali, East coast, and motor city area. This means you would at least have to be an established racer and be able to get into mags for a full sponsor deal. You might get some partials or discounts but a 750+HP EVO is major money and about 250 HP too much for road racing especially on Texas tracks. Now if your going for drag racing your sponsor wont be happy with the crappy times you will cut down here in Texas either. Dont want to be a downer but Im trying to be realistic. In Texas the imports are just catching on and the v8 still rule the streets and track, not to say that isnt changing but the big money import cars arent here (besides the previous generation supras, rx7s ect.)

I hope that helps a bit no negativity ment but it takes ALOT of sales to cover the bills and support outside sponsorships. Hell the manufaturers have a hell of a time doing it, much less shops that are splitting revenue from a market of low production "budget" cars. I wish you well and keep that 4 yr out of any 750 hp evo!

 

Thank you very much for the great input...I think I said it earlier that my questions are honestly more for curiousity as to how things work, I'm sure everyone and their brother would love to be sponsored, but then we all wake up. I know the quest for my build will be a hard one, but I'm up for the challenge, my wallet may not be ready yet, but it'll catch up LOL

I am such a little spec in the world and just trying to learn some of it's ways...thanks for schoolin me!! Oh, and don't worry, my little man will only ride in the car until it's 600hp LOL

 

sponsers, its not worth the effort.. you got to have alot of money and spend alot of money to get a return..

o.t. lastly see how nobody flames this person, cause this person came in here asking intelligently.. not, hey why wont anybody give me a free turbo..

 

EvoChic, have you done any organized racing with the Evo yet? Strap yourself in for a few drag days, Auto-x's, and even a few shows.. get some results on paper, build up a portfolio and go from there.. Show those sponsors that you DO get around with the Evo and make your presence known.. Best of luck!

 

I can vouch for this, pick up some extra hours at work instead. It will work out much easier for the point that you're at.

 

All you need is money... and someone to do the installation work if you can't do it yourself. Sponsorship has it's perks but it's a lot of work.

 

Well, thanks again ya'll, I appreciate it...I'll just do the build myself and not worry about sponsorships, good info though!!!

Oh, and the whole 4-year old thing was just a joke, I would never put my son in any kind of danger, he loves to ride in the car with me but I wouldn't do that...I'm not dumb.

 

Going racing is definatly one way to get sponsered. Say if a female with an Evo were willing to commit to 6 or more NDRA Events running the Nopi Chic class, she would have a VERY good chance at getting discounts on parts and labor.

That is just an example. Like someone said earlier, its all about your credentials, performance, and willing to race. We've been working for a long time to land a big sponsorship with our race cars. Its taken us almost 5 years to really get somewhere with it.