Becoming a Rally Driver - Finding a sponsor/ the money?

Question

Okay so I've had an interest in cars and engines since before I can remember and I can't think of anything that comes close to how much I love rally driving and driving in general.

So I decided I would look into becoming a rally driver so I don't regret not trying when I'm older but as far as I can tell you need to have a lot of money or find a sponsor...now how do you go from being a nobody with like no money to someone with a sponsor? Cause surely you need the money to start off with to find a sponsor...

Someone please help...Give as much info as you can possible, thanks!

Answer 1

Hi,

Im only 17 (not yet passed my driving test) but i do rallying, only co driving at the moment though.

it depends really on the level you want to go with the sport i think. Events can cost around 250 to 600+ and thats just the entry fee, You also have to consider fuel, tires (you will need different tires depending on the surfaces/conditions) and also parts for the car as in rallying, anything can happen!

You will not get a sponsorship straight away sadly, you will have to put money into it. You will usually get noticed or will have to put yourself towards the right direction of people to get sponsors. Maybe asking a company if they would like to sponsor you (maybe there a shock assorter company) so they give you free/ or discounted shock absorbers for your car and you will put there logo or details on your car.

That in my opinion is the low case sponsorship level, when you start getting into the big time sponsorships from well known companies you will have to start really competing, also publicity events for the company may apply so i can get quite involved depending on your situation.

Im not sure if this has really helped you. I did have an article on motor sport sponsorship from the motor sport news paper,  if i can find it i will try to copy it for you.

http://www.motorsportads.co.uk/rallying/...

there is an online article just above ^^(haven't read it myself) but that might point you towards a better direction than what i really can.

:) good luck

Answer 2

You need to be able to sell...because that's what it is all about. I would actually put salesmanship a tiny notch above ability...there are a whole lot of really talented drivers who can't sell...that watch from the stands. Look at Danica Patrick. Yeah, she has near great skills...but Sarah Fisher is better...but Danica knows how to sell...so she gets the rides. Danica wasn't above doing a little T&A action to get the gig...I think it was cheesy, but WTF...she has a ride with Andretti, while Sarah mortgages everything she owns just to start at Indy. Think about it. Marketing>>Engineering.