How to Get Sponsors for Your Race Team (Even If You’re Not Pro)
You Don’t Have to Be a Pro to Be Sponsor-Worthy
Let’s bust the myth: You don’t need a million-dollar rig, a full-time crew, or a national title to get sponsored. What you do need? A plan, a platform, and the hustle to show sponsors what’s in it for them.
Whether you're bracket racing on the weekends or running local events, here’s how to secure race team sponsorship - without going full pro.
Step 1: Know What You’re Offering
Sponsorship isn’t charity - it’s a marketing partnership. You’re offering exposure, loyalty, and engagement to a passionate audience. Even if your reach is small, it can be powerful when it's targeted.
Pro Tip: Put together a simple media kit with:
Who you are
What you race
Your reach (social media, local events, community)
Why fans care about YOU
Past results (on track + online)
Keywords: motorsports sponsorship tips, race team sponsorship strategy
Step 2: Build a Brand (Yes, Even as a Local Racer)
Your car is cool - but your brand is what sponsors invest in.
Make sure you:
Post consistently on social (behind-the-scenes content wins)
Show your face (people sponsor people, not just cars)
Engage with fans and fellow racers
Sponsors want to see that you’re visible and relatable - not just fast.
Keywords: race car driver branding, social media for racers
Step 3: Approach Like a Business
Treat your race program like a business proposal. Instead of asking “will you sponsor me?” say:
“Here’s how my team can help your brand reach [X] audience and build loyalty with race fans.”
Offer packages like:
Logo on the car or trailer
Tagged posts on social media
Product shoutouts or reviews
At-track appearances or giveaways
Include value at every level - even $500 sponsorships deserve perks.
Keywords: small team funding, sponsor package for racers, grassroots racing sponsorship
Step 4: Start Local and Build Up
Big brands are great - but don’t skip your local:
Auto shops
Restaurants
HVAC companies
Insurance agents
Real estate teams
These businesses LOVE the visibility and community connection that comes with racing. And bonus: they’re easier to reach than national brands.
Keywords: local motorsports sponsors, small business sponsorship, entry-level race team funding
Step 5: Deliver + Recap Every Time
Once you land a sponsor - overdeliver. Send photos, videos, and race recaps. Tag them in posts. Give them track shoutouts. Make them feel like part of the team.
At the end of the season, send a “sponsorship recap”:
How many races/events you did
Social/media stats
Photos of their logo in action
ROI highlights (new customers, leads, clicks)
That’s how you turn a one-time check into a multi-year partnership.
Keywords: motorsports ROI, sponsor retention, race team sponsor report
Final Lap: You’re Worth Sponsoring - Even If You’re Not Pro
Sponsorship isn’t reserved for elite-level teams. If you’ve got passion, a platform, and a plan, there are brands out there that would love to partner with you.
Be professional. Be consistent. Be YOU.
Need help building a media kit or branding your race team?
JW Brands offers sponsorship strategy, design, and marketing support for grassroots racers and small teams looking to grow.
