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Since this subject comes up so often on these boards, I've written a blurb regarding Project Vehicle Sponsorship. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, or add to it.
Here's some good information on sponsorship:
http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=9663
From my experience:
*sit down and make up your plan, and for each part you'd like, try several different avenues in case one doesn't pan out
*have a through and professional proposal--please make sure your grammar is correct (I see so many that are just pathetic, like two paragraphs of run on sentences)
*break it down into sections
--cover letter, addressed specifically to the person in charge of marketing/sponsorships (that necessitates a phone call prior to this process)
--rendering of completed concept (front 3/4 usually will suffice, although a front and rear is always good) or, if the car is already done exterior wise (like if you're adding performance mods or going for ICE), good, hi res glossy pictures of the car
--overall concept (list mods and sponsors that you've already done in this area)
--performance (motor/drivetrain/brakes)
--aesthetically (suspension stance, bodykit, wheels/tires, paint/graphics)
--ICE and interior
--then your marketing strategy:
--list of events it has been at, including awards
--list of events it WILL be at (and I mean WILL)
--list of magazines you'll solicit for coverage, and contacts, if possible
--then a blurb about yourself:
--who you are, what you do, how you got involved in cars, etc.
--a resume of past vehicles and their accolades
--then a few pages of pics, that can be the buildup of the car so far, as well as pics/scans of past projects, magazine ink and features, etc.
Most importantly, don't be a dick. I don't know how many kids used to call Modern Image with total attitudes about how 'great' their POS Hondas/Fords/Cavaliers/Pintos were and wanted to be hooked up cause they won some award at a show in BumFackEgypt, Nebraska. When I'd ask them to send in a proposal, they'd send in one paragraph and polariods, and where to ship product to. And mind you, that was for a $200 graphic kit--not something like a $1000 bodykit or $3500 supercharger.
Don't expect to get everything for free. Some companies will give you product at W/D, some will refund your money once they see ink, some have a set sponsored rate, some give you a discount the first time around then completely comp you once you've proven yourself, and some just don't give out free product unless you have a stellar past resume and the car is guaranteed to be high profile. Some don't give out anything, they only do in-house projects.
Be patient. It takes a long time to build up to where you're at a level where larger, more expensive product will come your way. Start small, with accessories, etc., and move up. Things like SCs and turbos are harder to come by, because they cost so much to manufacture, and giving them out drains marketing budgets quickly.
If you get the parts, live up to what the manufacturer wants from you, as far as logo placement, show attendance, etc. Make your car available to be used by them for promotional and marketing purposes. Take it to shows detailed and perfect. For instance, don't get a bodykit, then show 'under construction' for six months with 1/2 the car in primer. Send your sponsors email updates with pics of it at shows, where it's been, what awards it's won, etc.
Be persistent, be thorough, be professional. I realize that some people at these companies won't return phone calls and can't follow up to save their lives, but what matters most is YOUR attitude in the long run. Sometimes one avenue won't work out, but another door may open, and you should be prepared to jump on it. Live up to your end of the 'contract'--which should be the easiest part, because it's your 'baby' that you're showing off!
Good luck!
Here's some good information on sponsorship:
http://www.enjoythedrive.com/content/?id=9663
From my experience:
*sit down and make up your plan, and for each part you'd like, try several different avenues in case one doesn't pan out
*have a through and professional proposal--please make sure your grammar is correct (I see so many that are just pathetic, like two paragraphs of run on sentences)
*break it down into sections
--cover letter, addressed specifically to the person in charge of marketing/sponsorships (that necessitates a phone call prior to this process)
--rendering of completed concept (front 3/4 usually will suffice, although a front and rear is always good) or, if the car is already done exterior wise (like if you're adding performance mods or going for ICE), good, hi res glossy pictures of the car
--overall concept (list mods and sponsors that you've already done in this area)
--performance (motor/drivetrain/brakes)
--aesthetically (suspension stance, bodykit, wheels/tires, paint/graphics)
--ICE and interior
--then your marketing strategy:
--list of events it has been at, including awards
--list of events it WILL be at (and I mean WILL)
--list of magazines you'll solicit for coverage, and contacts, if possible
--then a blurb about yourself:
--who you are, what you do, how you got involved in cars, etc.
--a resume of past vehicles and their accolades
--then a few pages of pics, that can be the buildup of the car so far, as well as pics/scans of past projects, magazine ink and features, etc.
Most importantly, don't be a dick. I don't know how many kids used to call Modern Image with total attitudes about how 'great' their POS Hondas/Fords/Cavaliers/Pintos were and wanted to be hooked up cause they won some award at a show in BumFackEgypt, Nebraska. When I'd ask them to send in a proposal, they'd send in one paragraph and polariods, and where to ship product to. And mind you, that was for a $200 graphic kit--not something like a $1000 bodykit or $3500 supercharger.
Don't expect to get everything for free. Some companies will give you product at W/D, some will refund your money once they see ink, some have a set sponsored rate, some give you a discount the first time around then completely comp you once you've proven yourself, and some just don't give out free product unless you have a stellar past resume and the car is guaranteed to be high profile. Some don't give out anything, they only do in-house projects.
Be patient. It takes a long time to build up to where you're at a level where larger, more expensive product will come your way. Start small, with accessories, etc., and move up. Things like SCs and turbos are harder to come by, because they cost so much to manufacture, and giving them out drains marketing budgets quickly.
If you get the parts, live up to what the manufacturer wants from you, as far as logo placement, show attendance, etc. Make your car available to be used by them for promotional and marketing purposes. Take it to shows detailed and perfect. For instance, don't get a bodykit, then show 'under construction' for six months with 1/2 the car in primer. Send your sponsors email updates with pics of it at shows, where it's been, what awards it's won, etc.
Be persistent, be thorough, be professional. I realize that some people at these companies won't return phone calls and can't follow up to save their lives, but what matters most is YOUR attitude in the long run. Sometimes one avenue won't work out, but another door may open, and you should be prepared to jump on it. Live up to your end of the 'contract'--which should be the easiest part, because it's your 'baby' that you're showing off!
Good luck!
