THE HUNT FOR SPONSORSHIP

Here we are only two months out from The Race, the engine and airframe are coming along, jackets are being sold, the "Bear" is getting increasing attention here on the web and in the press, and everyone on the team is asking the question: "Where in the world is the "Bear's" sponsorship?" This is one tough question, and the answer at this point of time is also a very tough one.

Our Team's effort to secure funds to race and win with the "Bear" has changed complexion considerably in just the last few years. Only a few decades ago it was actually possible (though not very feasible), to come to Reno and race on a "shoestring". That has changed drastically in the last few years. In the past we didn't have all that much difficulty arranging corporate and individual sponsorship to a level that allowed us to race competitively. The landscape has changed...A rather ominous sounding statement...but one with positive along with negative overtones.

As many race fans may know, for us to race competitively for the Gold Championship in Reno, we need solid financial support somewhere in the low "six-figures". We have had that support from single, large, corporate sponsors in seasons past and the team has done well with that support. Finding that singular, large support package in today's world is an order of magnitude more challenging... especially since 9/11. Security concerns and the economy, in general, has a lot of boardrooms taking a much more conservative, wait and see attitude...particularly as related to aviation events. And, the free spending "dot-coms" have dried up in the last two years. Lyle and I keep plugging away at any leads we hear about, however, and we court anyone who expresses a "good faith" interest.

"Good Faith" is a difficult parameter to define, however, when we get an E-mail from someone saying he wants to get his company involved and support the "Bear". On so many occasions "his company" is the one he works for, and NOT the one he owns! The contact simply intends to get one or more of our sponsorship proposals and "Rare bear" autographed pictures. There have been scores of those contacts since we last raced. The cost to publish each proposal combined with the cost for our "Rare Bear" photos and shipping ends up being an expensive trinket for someone who never had the resources, or intention to contribute financially. That's not to say, however, that we haven't been prodigious in our search for meaningful sponsorship support.

The last couple of years we've courted numerous "Big" prospects, including: a telephone company, hotel and casino chains, commercial advertising exchanges, tool companies, car dealers, car racing organizations, major airplane engine manufacturers, corporate jet FBO's, software companies...to mention a few. We've also enlisted the help of several sponsorship "headhunters" that didn't bear meaningful fruit. We currently are talking with two software companies and working prospects with government organizations north of the border.

While efforts to land the "big fish" so far have not yielded large commitments, interest from web surfers has brought scores of purchases of jackets from the "fan sponsorship" program. Success of this program is due almost completely to the tireless efforts of Ms. Sharon Coates. The income from the jacket program has gone a long way to keep the engine program going...along with the singular large parts support we've received from Dodge Bros. Automotive in Southern California. Tony, thank you very much!!!

So, where do we go from here? We keep trying with each and every lead we hear about. And again, because of our exposure here on the internet, we seem to be getting more interest. Keep in mind, however, that Lyle and I are just pilots...with degrees in Engineering...NOT...Marketing and Sales. We can expound enthusiastically about the airplane's and the team's capabilities, but everything we've done in pursuing sponsorship has been through "OJT"! We need help from anyone out there who may have a better idea, approach and/or viable contacts with ANY potential sponsor...big or small. From there we'll do all we can to foster a relationship with a sponsor that will help us end up in the winner's circle and give meaningful exposure to our partner in sponsorship. Seriously, anyone who has any ideas contact Lyle Shelton, Sharon Coates or me (John Penney) on the addresses shown on our website.

We'll keep all of our supporters advised of our progress. And from the pilot's seat, I want to express my sincere appreciation for all the hours of hard work every one of our hard working team members is putting in (and the dedicated support from our fans), to getting our team back in the air!

So, Keep it Low and Fast...Lot's of Rudder in the (Left) Turns!...John

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