Thanks for the advice. You're absolutely right, too. The results are not impressing anyone. If I promote myself, there's only a couple years to have any results from. If I give the results of the team, there's plenty to make their head spin. It just doesn't seem to interest anyone. I am sure its due to the fact of the almighty dollar. The Regional sales Managers of the midwest don't know much about Hillclimbing, so they figure there's no big market. Or even more likely, they are doing well enough without learning about the marketing potentials. I really would settle for promoting the sport. I would be super proud to convince a sponsor to throw some awards/trophies at a Race or to throw some promotional stuff in for Fast Time or for the Youth Participation, if it was appropriate.
The crowds are growing bigger all the time. We've been getting some radio and TV coverage, not to mention the boost in Magazine articles. Its only a matter of time before it makes business sense to market to the Riders and the Off-road loving Spectators. I tried to address a couple companies that I felt should be interested for their own benefit, but they only like the parts where I am using their products. They could care less about the venue.
You're also right about thousands and thousands of requests too. Also, a little bit of the "Joe Dirt" talking on my end, but this is Hillclimbing. Everyone should expect some Hillbillies, especially in the crowd. Kerry Peterson said it best, " Hilclimbing is the Original Extreme Sport." I have done lots of exciting things, in my life, but not too many things pack the adrenaline punch of Hillclimbing. Don't get me wrong, I love all Racing, especially on Motorcycles, and would not argue that your favorite racing has alot of adrenaline, I am just a big fan of the whole deal. Spectators get to see it all, and its very easy to follow. Little kids 3-4 years old, all the way to guys in their 60's. full spectrum of Bikes, Hills, People and Good Times.
I started with the Local Dealer, actually. They are not interested, unless I am buying new bikes. Then they would check into it. I tried a popular Race Fuel. They directed me to order some fuel and they would ship it out next day. Wow. I tried contacting a tire company about them discontinuing a tred pattern that we all like. ( Almost 20 bikes) They sent me a "Rider Support Package" that I mentioned already. Also some guys agree with what you said about being expected to work very hard for your sponsor. Then often getting very little, but still going the extra mile for the future. Thats why I am basically looking for a Company to Sponsor or Promote theirselves at the State Championships. To Sponsor the Event, and basically everyone wins, and I don't have to pretend to be Pastrana. What kinda things do you think, would make the sport attractive to sponsors? Spectators? Riders?
