Sponsorshipby businesses is the lifeblood of auto racing. In local and regional amateurracing, the owners, drivers, and crews are in it for the love of the sport,not for the any financial reward. Although there is prize money in Saturdaynight oval track racing, drivers rarely, if ever, earn enough in prizemoney to cover the expenses of tires, fuel, and crew costs, let alone thecost of the chassis and engines and repair of body and engine damage.

In SCCA amateurracing, there is no prize money, just trophies for top three finishers.Racers are totally on their own unless they are able to obtain some sponsorsupport. Although sponsorship of racers at the local and regional levelcosts money, it is probably much less than you think and there are manylevels and types of sponsorship. The upside is the exposure your companygets. If properly prepared, your corporate identity is visible to the spectatorsall the time the car is on the track. In addition, drivers participatein shows and other activities where they can hand out your company literature.If you are interested in becoming a racing sponsor, contact your localracing organization via the web, or e-mail TomBurke at topazpubs.com.