Team Support and Sponsorship:
By Daniel Blair
Today’s lesson is about support—whether it’s worth it to ride for a team or take on a sponsorship. This is something you’ll ask yourself many times in your racing career. Do you want or need that extra support? Let’s dive into why this is such an important question, and I’ll tell you a story from my own racing journey to help explain.
Back in 2009, I was racing Supercross on my own, as a "privateer." I had a good bike, nothing special, but it worked for me. I was doing great and improving. I finished 9th at one race, 7th at another, and things were looking up. Then, an amazing opportunity came my way—I was offered a ride with Geico Honda, one of the best teams in the sport. It was a dream come true. I stepped in to fill in for a rider who got injured. But, here’s the thing: even though I was with a factory team, my results stayed the same—or even got worse.
Why? The factory bike was too different from my own. I didn’t feel comfortable with the bike's suspension, and I wasn’t riding at my best. The pressure was higher, and I wasn’t comfortable enough to push my limits. In the end, it was the beginning of the end of my Supercross career.
The lesson here is that even though I had the chance to be on a factory team, sometimes it’s not the right move if the support doesn’t fit your needs. That’s why it’s crucial to know if you want support or if you need it.
Want or Need?
When you’re thinking about joining a team or taking on sponsorship, ask yourself: Do I want it or do I need it? There’s a huge difference!
Financial Support
Racing can be very expensive. Having a sponsor or team support you financially is a big help. But, always think about the obligations that come with it. If the sponsorship helps you save money for other parts of your program (like travel, gear, or bike parts), that’s great. But if it means you have to do things that don’t help your racing, then it might not be worth it.
Performance
Performance is key. Sometimes, sponsorship might look good, but if it causes your performance to drop, it’s not worth it. You need to ask yourself if the support will help improve your racing or hold you back.
Logistics
Traveling for races is tough, but sometimes having a team to help with the logistics, like transporting your bike or giving you a pit spot, can make things easier. But is it worth it? Will the support help your performance, or are there better options where you have more control?
Team Experience
Who’s running the team? Who’s your mechanic? What’s their experience like? You should always ask about the team’s history. Have they been successful? Have they learned from past mistakes? The experience of the team will play a big role in your success, so make sure they know what they’re doing.
Status
Riding for a team often means a boost in status. People will notice you more, but are you ready for that? Do you want the attention and the pressure that comes with being on a team? If you’re not prepared for the extra expectations, it might not be the right time to take that sponsorship.
The Tip: Always Chase the Better Product
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to always choose the better products first, especially in the beginning of your career. Don’t take sponsorships or offers just because they give you lots of stuff. Choose quality products that will improve your racing. The best products are what will make you faster and help you progress.
Personal Support
Early in your career, personal support is key. Go to local businesses or ask family and friends to help. People want to support you, and if you can share your journey with them, they’ll be happy to help. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help a young racer. Be kind, stay grateful, and share your progress on social media.
Seeking Sponsors
As your career progresses, sponsors will come knocking—BUT, you also need to be proactive. Don’t just wait for them to come to you. Reach out to them. Be polite, follow up, and show them you’re serious about your racing. Sponsors want to know that you’re dedicated. Be professional and positive in your approach.
Quality Over Quantity
When you get sponsorship offers, always choose quality over quantity. Sometimes you might get offers with lots of gear or support, but is it all top-quality? Focus on getting the best products, even if it’s fewer items, rather than taking everything that’s offered. Quality products will help you perform better on the track.
Build Relationships
Once you find good sponsors, build relationships with them. Stay in touch and be loyal. If you can stay with the same sponsors for a long time, that loyalty can be rewarding. When you build strong relationships, they will be more invested in your success.
Grow Your Network
Networking is important. Get to know people in the industry, not just the sponsors you want to work with. Meet as many people as you can, even if they’re not sponsoring you right now. You never know when a connection will come in handy in the future.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to take on team support or sponsorship is a big decision. Always ask yourself if you really need it or if it’s just something you want. Be strategic, look at the big picture, and make sure that the support will help you achieve your goals. And remember, quality products and loyal relationships are key to long-term success in racing!
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