As I sat down to start
the proposal, I realized how hard it can be to try to talk someone into handing you a rather large sum of money in these very
difficult economic times.
I took time to look up
stats in order to give them some idea of the numbers of viewers, both live and TV that they could expect to reach. I
explained how race fans are some of the most devoted and loyal customers in the world. I tried to explain how the investment
is very reasonable compared to other forms of advertising. I put a great deal of effort into conveying how passionate
I am about the sport and how I personally make a conscious decision when buying products or services to deal with a company
that sponsors racing.
I came up with what I
hope will be a proposal that will catch the attention of some corporate executive that may have never watched an auto race
in their lives. Will anyone even open the letter? Will they read it and give it any consideration or will it be
tossed in the trash without a second thought? Who knows what will come of it. If nothing else, it made me stop and
think, once again, how tough it can be to try to make it in this racing business.
Now a word about something
that I take part in every year that also involves giving your hard earned money.
NASCAR Day 2008 is coming
up in May. This will be the 5th year for this national day of fundraising to support the various charities that are near
and dear to the hearts of the drivers, owners and fans. I have participated every year and I really look forward to taking
part once again.
I make a pledge to gather $125
in contributions which allows me 25 of the special lapel pins. In doing this, it gives me the opportunity to approach
people and tell them about my passion and the reason why I am so passionate. I am able to share with the uneducated public
how much NASCAR does to help the children, pets, the underserved and underprivileged. Again, these are tough times and
it can be hard to approach people to ask them to donate, especially if they have no interest in racing.