In this actionable episode, Belinda Riseley dives into the foundational steps of building motorsport sponsorships with local businesses. Whether you’re racing karts or cars, Belinda shares practical tips and seven clear steps to help you partner with businesses right in your community—because your first sponsors are often just around the corner!

If you’ve been wondering how to get started or how to make the most of local partnerships, this episode is packed with ideas, examples, and templates to elevate your sponsorship game.

What You’ll Learn

- Why local businesses are the BEST place to start your sponsorship journey
- Seven actionable steps to secure local business partners
- How to get clear on your audience and gather useful data
- Making a targeted list of local businesses to approach (and why knowing the owner or staff helps!)
- The art of offering valuable benefits—way beyond just putting a logo on your kart or car
- How (and why) to engage with a local business gradually before pitching
- Crafting your approach to be about the business’ marketing opportunity—not just your career needs
- Tips for simple, transparent packages and making it easy for a sponsor to say “yes”
- How to thank, over-deliver, and build lasting partnerships, including sending race reports
- Creative ideas for benefits you can provide, even as a junior or grassroots racer
- The importance of nurturing sponsor relationships, not just making the ask

Resources Mentioned

- Free Checklist: Download Belinda’s checklist, “How to Partner with Local Businesses,” for step-by-step guidance
- Sponsorship Agreement template

- Race Report Template

Key Quotes

- “Sponsorship is marketing, not a donation.”
- “The more data you have about your audience, the better your sponsorship conversations.”
- “It takes over 13 touchpoints to get a ‘yes’—nurture the relationship!”
- “Overdeliver for your sponsors: that’s how you build lasting support.”

Next Steps

Ready to take action?
- Download the free checklist
- Join the Motorsport Sponsorship Club for deeper mentorship and more sponsor strategies (perfect for all levels!)

Thank you for tuning in!
If you found these tips helpful, share the episode and leave a review. Every successful sponsorship starts with one great conversation—good luck, and see you next week!

Connect with Belinda:
- motiv8training.com.au
- Download the checklist & templates: [Link in show notes]
- Join the Motorsport Sponsorship Club

If you missed last week’s episode on “Five Ways to Get Started with Motorsport Sponsorship,” check it out here for even more actionable advice!

In this episode of the Motorsport Coaching Podcast, host Belinda Riseley shares her top five actionable tips to help motorsport athletes get started with sponsorship—even if you’re brand new and don’t have any sponsors yet. Belinda emphasizes that you don’t need a huge trophy cabinet or a flashy pitch deck to begin; you just need a plan and the right support. From tapping into local businesses and building authentic social media profiles to identifying your unique benefits as a partner, Belinda covers practical ways to make yourself attractive to potential sponsors.

You’ll also learn why thinking of sponsorship as “motorsport marketing” can change your approach and unlock more opportunities. Belinda walks you through building a digital resume, offers creative content ideas for social media (even if you’re not always racing), and explains how to practice and pitch your value to sponsors confidently. Plus, she highlights the importance of consistency—not perfection—when reaching out and nurturing sponsor relationships.

If you want to level up your off-track game, don’t miss Belinda’s advice and resources, including a free Sponsorship Kickstart Checklist and details about joining the Motorsport Sponsorship Club for more support.

Starting his racing journey at just seven years old, Tom progressed from karting with his brother to competing in international racing series. Now at 23, Tom reflects on his transition from winning championships in Formula Ford to debuting in the Porsche Carrera Cup series and moving into GT3 racing. Despite facing challenges, including those brought about by COVID-19, Tom's perseverance has led him to race in America, competing in globally recognized series such as the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship.

Tom delves into his experiences on the track, sharing insights into the technical and emotional challenges of major endurance races like the Daytona 24 hour. He highlights the vital role of mental preparation in overcoming hurdles, such as adjusting to new environments and racing schedules. Tom also discusses the passionate fan culture in the U.S., with their unparalleled enthusiasm providing a unique racing atmosphere. His journey with sponsorships reflects the differences between the professional racing landscapes in the U.S. and Australia, and how networking and relationship-building play crucial roles in sustaining a career in motorsport.

Listeners will be inspired by Tom’s dedication and adaptability, learning about the behind-the-scenes aspects of being a professional race car driver. From rigorous physical and cognitive training to the balance of seeking sponsorship opportunities, Tom offers invaluable advice for upcoming racers. Concluding with his aspirations, Tom shares his dreams of one day racing in the Bathurst 1000 and climbing the ranks in IMSA to compete at the highest levels of motorsport. Join us in this episode to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic world of racing through Tom’s remarkable journey.