In search of the lost sponsor: between dreams, emails, and (many) no’s
- allyoucandrift
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Yes, we’ll admit it right away: we thought it would be easier.
The idea was the classic one: fix the car, organize the race calendar, send a few messages around... and bam, the sponsors show up on their own.
Spoiler: it doesn’t work that way.
In fact, it turned out to be one of the hardest and most formative parts of the whole adventure.
Let’s go step by step.
A car, a championship, and a lot of question marks
The 2025 season of the Italian Drift Championship started with one certainty: we wanted to be there. With our E36 328i ready to hit the track, the support of ASD Syd Trike behind us (essential to do things by the book), and a good dose of our usual reckless determination.
There was a ton to do: strip the car, cut it, install the roll cage, sort out the engine, and find the cash. Lots of cash.
Drifting, as we know, is not a cheap sport, and without some outside help, it would have been really tough. Actually, no—IMPOSSIBLE!
Looking for sponsors: between excitement and reality
We started like everyone else: writing, presenting, proposing.
The first emails went out with enthusiasm you could almost feel vibrating in the words. The first responses? Very few. Then came the polite no’s, then the “interesting, but not right now,” “come back next year, we’d be happy to help,” and finally the classic “move to trash.”
Honestly? We were a bit demoralized. But then we realized it’s part of the game. It’s not a judgment on you; it’s a matter of timing, budget, luck, contacts, and networking.
Who said yes
In the end, persistence paid off.
We found several companies that helped us, from simple discounts to something more.
These are the two companies that believed in us the most:
🟢 Full Dip
If you know the car customization world, you know them: experts in removable spray paints, perfect for giving your car a new look without permanent changes. Thanks to them, our E36 has a completely new and easily modifiable look. Plus, we can go wild creatively without worrying about regretting it. If you visit our stand at the races, you can see their products, touch the results, and watch a live demonstration of how they’re applied!
If you don’t know them or want to check out their products, here’s the link to their online store:
🟣 Roadrunner Performance
Our main sponsor. A company that lives for performance, just like us. Their trust gave us the final push to finish the car on time and show up ready for the first round. Matte, a top-level mechatronics technician with a past at Ferrari, is our ECU wizard!
The 328 has never run this well, thanks to a dedicated, finely-tuned map. He also simplified the wiring—a massive job!
As if that wasn’t enough, he’ll also provide technical support at every race: we couldn’t ask for more.
If you want the best from your car—or you just lost your keys (yes, he makes those too)—contact him!
Special mention to those who supported us with generous discounts:
Mikinka Project
They supplied fiberglass parts to lighten the car. Beautifully made, great weight savings, and they look fantastic too. https://mikinka-projekt.com/
MaxCanopy
They supplied us with an incredible, beautiful, and super-customized canopy. They guided us through the entire customization process. Highly recommended! https://chinamaxcanopy.en.alibaba.com/
SuperEmme
A leading company in racing parts and clothing sales. All our technical gear is thanks to them! Super friendly and helpful.
MacAuto
Workshop for Repair and Maintenance of Road Vehicles.They welcomed us thanks to the passion we share. They have tons of experience and a state-of-the-art workshop with a dedicated area for car and van maintenance and repair.Services include servicing, vehicle inspections, routine maintenance, engine and gearbox repairs and overhauls. Tire replacement and, last but not least, a dyno for accurate electronic setups.
The Schmiedmann case: watch your wording
A separate note goes to Schmiedmann, a top Danish company in the BMW parts world. After weeks of negotiations, we thought we had secured a discount between 45% and 50%.
Unfortunately, the correct wording was:
“up to 45/50%,” not across the board.
A small difference that completely changed the deal. Regretfully, we chose not to proceed. Not out of spite or rigidity, but out of respect for our other sponsors and because it’s essential to have clear terms from the start of any partnership. Another valuable lesson learned.
🎯 How to find a sponsor without losing your mind
At this point, we felt it was right to leave a few tips for anyone wanting to pursue this path. Yes, it’s difficult… but not impossible.
Prepare a great brochure
A visually appealing but also clear presentation. Who you are, what you do, why you race, what your stats are, what you offer, and what you’re asking for. Include professional photos of your car, a bio, social media channels, and most importantly: show what the sponsor gains. If you’re a registered user, you can download and view my brochure in the download section.
Bonus tip: if you’re not a graphic expert, use Canva. It’s easy, free, and works wonders.
Show your face
90% of partnerships are born from human relationships. When possible, go in person: fairs, events, open days, or even just visit a shop. Shake hands, tell your story passionately. It’s a thousand times better than a generic email.
Send emails, but write them well
Avoid copy-paste spam. Personalize every message, research the company, show you’re not just sending mass emails. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t reply immediately (or ever).
Call!
Yes, really: pick up the phone and call. It might seem old-school, but it often works. A voice, a joke, a laugh... it’s worth more than a thousand emails sitting in someone’s inbox. This is the hardest part, where reality crushes your dreams fast. It’s exhausting, it feels like telemarketing (a grind), and if you don’t know what that means, you’ll probably quit after 30 minutes. But remember, it pays off!
If drifting is your dream, swallow your pride and call!
Be clear from the start
What do you want? What can you offer? If you talk about visibility, quantify it. If you offer car space or social media mentions, specify how and when. Transparency builds trust.
Conclusion: your first sponsor is yourself
The truth? You are your first sponsor. If you don’t believe in your project, no one else will. And even when the no’s come (and they will), remember every email, every call, every contact… is a step forward.
We’re now ready to give it our all on the track, also thanks to those who believed in us.
This article is our way of saying thank you…
🔥 – DIDE57
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