Posted By: racefanigan on November 09 2018 at 08:34:56 AM
The $500k number is just a number, whether that number be $100k, $200k etc is irrelavent. I know there are people that do that, a lot of the drivers that do have the mindset of, "well, I need to protect myself and my family if we have a bad year or I get let go."
What I should have said, is also that a lot of sponsorships might not be on a year to year basis, a lot of big time sponsorships are on a contract over a period of time, just as Greg Wilson stating at the banquet that Hurcules Tires just signed for a 3 year deal. I am sure a 3 year deal for a team on tour is in the range of $500k. (I know, before we get crucified here I know that he is no longer full time, but I think he will still run 60-75% of the amount of races that the outlaws run a year, whether they all be with the outlaws or a true outlaw schedule.) Hell if a guy is sponsoring a WoO team 2 motors for 1 year, According to Kelly with Wesmar's numbers, 2 WoO motors would be $150k at $75K each, then gotta plan on a $15k freshen on each at some point through the year. that puts you in the $180K range just for two motors for one year.
Just to clarify, I am not saying you are wrong, just trying to shed a different perspective. No, there is likely not a sponsor that puts out $500K per year besides the owners themselves. But there likely are $500K sponsorship contracts in sprint car racing, and if a drive IS taking some of the sponsorship money to protect himself, they are likely taking a decent chunk. Not saying half, but probably 20%.
The rality of all this is though, that now days nobody knows what the real story is behind a sponsorship. Now days, with WoO being so (Nascar Owned) I will call it, its not like a lot of those drivers are out getting their own sponsors anymore. Shane likely didnt get Chevy Accessories on board with KLR, and Daryn likely didn't get Ionomy and Off Road Heat on board himself. I say likely, because anything is possible. My thoughts and what I have seen with my friends that are drivers, were guys that hit it hard and hustled their own sponsors, to bring monry to the team. That may be where the difference lies today.
Either way, it is an interesting concept to have a conversation about. See, not everyone in this board is an asshole!
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