Looking for sponsors for my son's GP Road Racing. He is training hard for the Red Bull Rookies Cup Tryouts.

Question

He will be 13 in March. He has 5 years Flat Track racing exp. and holds national and local titles. Is now involved in the mini GP Road Racing, and will be riding a 125 Honda this upcoming season. He was selected out of over 700 applicant's to try out for the 2008 Red Bull Rookies Cup Selection Event this past Sept.. He didn't make the cut. He wrecked during tryouts. He will be racing a 125 this entire season (which is the exact bike to try out on with Red Bull), so this experience all season will benefit him greatly. We are anticipating trying out again for the next Red Bull tryouts for 2009. He's fast, he's dedicated, and he's determined. We need financial help with this entire racing season, so that we can afford to make it to every race possible. We are serious and so is our son. We've literally sacrificed everything, including our home, just so that we can help him with his racing career. Any advice on gaining sponsors for financial support would be appreciated.

Answer 1

It is a tough situation when you have a kid who only wants to ride, but I certainly wouldnt recommend putting everything on it.  My son was tipped to do really well in the last national titles we had in Australia and he dislocated his leg a couple of months prior so could really only race at 80%  as his fitness just wasnt there.  So you really never know what is around the corner as one major injury can change everything.  

If you want sponsors you really have to market your son just like you are  selling a product.  get his resume together and send it to everyone.  At one stage when my son first started he was sponsored by a timber yard so you never know who is likely to help you out, you just have to get his name and ability out there for all to see.  You also have to remember not to be disappointed as so many kids want help and only a few will get it.

I know we would be a lot better off if my sons had taken up golf or bowling as a sport instead of motocross and supercross.  Just the petrol to get to events is a killer without adding the entry fees and all the cost of the bikes.

Answer 2

i commend you on supporting your son in his dream. I have  12 yo MX girl myself. I would caution you to temper you all out support with this.as hard as this may be to read ....it goes through my mind every time she mounts up..  he is one crash away from never racing again... there must be something for him support him in that event. if everything is gone what will be left to fall back on??? as for sponsors start small and local maybe a local motorcycle shop will cut you a break on parts and gear. good luck and best wishes

Answer 3

I quote : " He will be racing a 125 this entire season (which is the exact bike to try out on with Red Bull), so this experience................... "

You have got a KTM 125 GP racer ?

Where from ? I know 2 people who would sell the own Mums for one of these!

Dont worry about sponsors. They will find him, but he needs to come in the top 5 of R.R.C.

My only fear is that at 14 for next year's try out, he may be 1 year to old. I know it sounds mad to say it, but its true.

True grit, will shine through Im sure. Keep us posted on how is doing.