Here is more motorsport sponsorship advice to start off 2026 in this edition of the Business of Being a Race Driver. You will learn about the difference between sponsorship decks and proposals, the power of polite persistence and more!
Overview
For Sponsorship Hunters
The January 15th Paradox
The Drive Line Agency describes a phenomena known as the “January 15th Paradox,” a phenomena you should be aware of. “Most drivers think the season starts in March. But the grid is actually formed this week. Team Principals are nervous. They need cash flow for winter testing. The first driver who brings 30% of the budget gets the seat. The others get Ghosted,” Read more here.
The Power of Polite Persistence
In this premiere episode of the Motorsport Prospects Podcast, I speak with renowned driver coach Ross Bentley of Speed Secrets where we discuss:
- The importance of having the right people around you.
- The power of polite persistence.
- Why people buy who you are.
In addition, since I forgot to ask Ross what his favourite racetrack was, I followed up with him after the recording and, as he could not pick just one, these were his picks:
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park because of its fast corners.
- Laguna Seca because it’s fun and I love the Monterey area.
- Phillip Island in Australia because it’s beautiful and there are kangaroos!
- Spa because… well, it’s Spa.
Additional Resources Mentioned:
- Speed Secrets website: https://speedsecrets.com/
- The 3 Essentials for All Motorsport Professionals
- Motorsport Prospects Website: https://www.motorsportprospects.com/
The episode webpage can be found here: https://motorsport-prospects-podcast-1.castos.com/episodes/the-power-or-polite-persistence
You can subscribe to the podcast through all the popular podcast apps as well as on its own dedicated website here. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter!
Stop Selling Sponsorships, Start “Joining Dots”
Imagine racing at the pinnacle of motorsport against legends like Senna and Mansell, but having to sit in your team’s finance office, refusing to leave until your paycheck clears. In this episode of the Business of Speed Podcast, former Formula One driver and Le Mans winner Mark Blundell reveals the brutal reality of the “Piranha Club”—the cutthroat politics and financial instability of 90s F1. Mark explains why wrestling a 900hp car was actually the “easy part” compared to the business hustle required to stay on the grid.
Art in Racing: Community Steps in Where Motorsport Falls Short
The Voice profiles award-winning artist Elicia McKenzie joins forces with two promising British drivers as trio creativity into a pathway for opportunity, visibility and much-needed support in motorsport through the Art in Racing Project.
“This is why Art in Racing feels so important. It stands as a declaration that talent exists everywhere, even if opportunity does not. And on a quiet Thursday evening in Brixton, a private audience gathered inside The Department Store to witness award-winning visual artist Elicia McKenzie, two extraordinary young drivers, and a community determined to push open the doors of motorsport together.”
2026 Motorsport Sponsorship Outlook
Drive Line Agency has released their 2026 Motorsport Sponsorship Outlook. “Here is the harsh reality of the 2026 Sponsorship Market: Liquidity has moved.”
A Tool for Choosing the Right Sponsorship in Motorsport
RTR Sports Marketing has released a tool for choosing the right sponsorship in motorsport. “Effective sponsorships are always tailor made, and for a long time now the concept of a sponsorship “package” has become obsolete. Every project brings value when it is built around the goals, history, ambition, and equity of the sponsoring brand and when it limits waste.”
Read the full details here.
Brooklyn Law School Launches Sports Law Clinic to ‘Protect the Rights of Emerging and Underserved Athletes’
Brooklyn Law School (BLS) has announced the launch of the BLS Sports Law Clinic, a new in-house legal clinic that will provide free legal services to athletes and sports organizations facing complex legal challenges. Led by Professor Jodi Balsam, a nationally recognized expert in sports law, the clinic will give law students hands-on experience working directly with clients whose access to sports—and ability to pursue related opportunities—is hindered by legal barriers.
Sponsorship Decks vs Proposals
Applications Now Open for the 2026 Rod Campbell Award – Deadline February 18
The Rod Campbell Award, established to honor the memory and legacy of the late motorsports executive Rod Campbell, is returning for its sixth consecutive year. With the 2026 edition now upon us, the prestigious award is now accepting applications from individuals aged 18 to 23 who are pursuing careers in automotive or motorsports journalism, public relations, marketing, sales, business development, or sponsorship. The application window will close on February 18, 2026.
The application process is open to individuals aged 18 to 23 who are pursuing careers in the following fields including but not limited to: automotive or motorsports journalism, public relations, marketing, sales, business development, and sponsorship.
Get all the details here.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
