A guide to getting a motocross sponsor.

Preparing a race resume

Before you approach a potential motocross sponsor you need to have a resume. This should include all your past racing achievements and a page about you and your personal details etc.

Include a brief overview about the particular discipline of racing you participate in, this is particularly important if you're approaching a business or company outside of the motocross industry so they know a little about your sport. Explain what support you're requesting and outline what events you'll be racing in for the season, also include information about the events.

Put some good colour photos of yourself in, not only riding but also showing yourself in the pits with your sign written trailer or van, preferably with all your gear sparkling! Include references from past and current sponsors if you can, this will give you extra credibility. Also if you have received any media coverage in the past include this as well. Make sure all your contact details are current, phone numbers etc.

Contacting a potential motocross sponsor

Decide who you would like to approach, if you've been racing for a while you will have probably picked up a few contacts in the industry, it's a lot easier when you know someone personally to contact them. This is also true if you are seeking a motocross sponsor outside the industry. Is there a local business you have patronised for a long time?

Contact the business and ask to speak to the person who is in charge of sponsorship. Set up a meeting if they're willing to speak to you. Try to be confident, in the meeting outline exactly what you think you have to offer. They may take some time to consider your proposal, if the answer is no ask what it was that influenced their decision. It may be something that you can improve on.

Looking after your sponsor

Once you have gained some sponsorship make sure that you do exactly what you said you would do. Always try to present yourself in a professional manner regardless of the event. Whether you're racing a local club day or a national title meeting conduct yourself in a way that looks after your sponsors' and your own reputation. The motocross fraternity can be a small world and word gets around quickly.

Always have something positive to say about your motocross sponsor or their product. If you've got a problem then approach them directly about it, no-one else.

Practise your public speaking, it can be quite daunting to stand on a podium after a meeting in front of a crowd of people but with some practise you can appear confident and fluent. Too many times a rider grunts out a thank you to their sponsors and that's it. Thank the club that ran the event as well as your motocross sponsor, a lot of the time it's volunteers who run these race meetings and they appreciate riders recognising their work and efforts.

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