PERSONAL ENDORSEMENTS
One of the Fastest Ways to Start Building Your Racing Career
As a Race Face driver, you've probably heard us talk about sponsorships many times.
But before you start asking companies for thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars, there's an important step that many drivers overlook.
It's called a Personal Endorsement.
Understanding how personal endorsements work can completely change the way you approach sponsorship and, in many cases, become the foundation for long-term partnerships throughout your racing career.
What Is a Personal Endorsement?
A personal endorsement is when a company chooses to support you as a driver—not necessarily your race team.
That support can come in many different forms, including:
- Free products
- Discounted products
- Services
- Apparel
- Equipment
- Travel assistance
Every one of these has value.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that because a company isn't writing you a check, they aren't sponsoring you.
Some of the strongest relationships in motorsports began with something as simple as a driver genuinely believing in a product and sharing that enthusiasm with others.
Think Like a Business
One of the biggest mindset shifts we want every Race Face driver to make is this:
Stop thinking like someone looking for sponsorship.
Start thinking like someone who can help a business grow.
That's an entirely different conversation.
Instead of asking:
"Can you sponsor me?"
Start asking yourself:
"How can I create value for this company?"
When you begin thinking this way, companies notice.
The best partnerships aren't built on what a company can do for you.
They're built on what both of you can accomplish together.
Why Would a Company Support You?
Companies aren't simply looking for race car drivers.
They're looking for ambassadors.
Someone who:
- Represents their brand professionally
- Uses and believes in their products
- Creates positive content
- Connects with customers
- Is dependable and trustworthy
- Makes their company look good
Notice what's missing from that list?
Winning races. Yes, performance matters.
But your professionalism, attitude, work ethic, and consistency often matter even more. Companies want to work with people they enjoy being around and are proud to represent their business.
Start With Companies You Already Believe In
The easiest endorsement opportunities are often right in front of you.
Think about the products and businesses you already use.
Your helmet.
Your firesuit.
Your gloves.
Your seat.
Energy drinks.
Nutrition products.
Fitness equipment.
Automotive products.
Local restaurants.
Family-owned businesses.
Ask yourself one simple question:
Would I recommend this company even if they weren't supporting me?
If the answer is yes...
You've found a great place to start.
Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds long-term partnerships.
Deliver More Than You Promise
This is where many drivers separate themselves.
If a company sends you a product...
Don't just post one picture and disappear.
Think bigger.
Create photos.
Create short videos. (Key Component)
Tag the company.
Tell your followers why you use their product.
Mention them during interviews.
Wear their apparel.
Introduce them to other racers.
Look for opportunities to help their business grow.
The more value you create...
The more valuable you become.
Your Reputation Matters
Here's something every Race Face driver should remember.
The racing industry is much smaller than it seems.
People talk.
Sponsors talk.
Teams talk.
Manufacturers talk.
One positive experience with you can open doors you never expected.
One negative experience can close them just as quickly.
Protect your reputation.
Be professional.
Show up on time.
Keep your commitments.
Return phone calls and emails.
Always say thank you.
And never underestimate the power of doing exactly what you said you would do.
How We Help You Build Partnerships
At Race Face, our goal isn't simply to help you find sponsors.
Our goal is to help you become someone companies want to partner with.
That's why we invest in building your personal brand through:
- Professional websites
- Social media strategy
- Press releases
- Marketing materials
- Sponsor presentations
- Friends of Jaclyn Foundation involvement
- Community outreach opportunities
- Professional communication
- One-on-one coaching
These aren't just marketing tools.
They're the building blocks of trust.
When companies see a driver who is professional, prepared, and consistently creating value, the conversation changes.
You're no longer asking for support.
You're presenting an opportunity for a business to grow alongside you.
Your Assignment
Before our next one-on-one coaching call, I'd like you to create a list of 10 companies that you would genuinely like to represent through a personal endorsement.
For each company, answer these three questions:
- Why do I believe in this company or product?
- How could I help this company grow its business?
- What makes me the right person to represent their brand?
Don't worry about whether it's a local business or a national company.
Right now, we're focused on learning how to think like a professional brand ambassador.
During our one-on-one call, we'll review your list together, discuss each company, and identify which opportunities make the most sense for you. From there, we'll begin developing a strategy for approaching those businesses and building relationships that can grow from personal endorsements into long-term partnerships.
Final Thoughts
The best sponsorships rarely begin with a large check.
They begin with a relationship.
A conversation.
A handshake.
A product.
A thank-you note.
A social media post.
A promise that you keep.
Treat every personal endorsement—no matter how small—as if it's your biggest sponsor.
Because one day...
It just might be.
And remember this:
Sponsorship isn't about asking for money. It's about creating value.
The drivers who understand that simple concept are the ones who build lasting partnerships, attract meaningful opportunities, and create careers that extend far beyond the race track.