USCA Podcast #230 – Chris “Smitty” Smith on Sponsorships, Building Relationships & Growing Your Racing Program

Whether you're chasing championships, building a race car in your garage, or trying to grow a business in the performance aftermarket, sponsorships are one of the most misunderstood parts of motorsports. In this episode, Rob Kibbe and Jimi Day sit down with longtime Ultimate Street Car competitor, builder, and business owner Chris "Smitty" Smith to pull back the curtain on what successful sponsorships really look like. From approaching companies the right way to creating lasting partnerships that benefit everyone involved, Smitty shares the lessons he's learned from years of building both race cars and relationships. This conversation isn't just for competitors looking for free parts—it's equally valuable for manufacturers, retailers, and aftermarket companies wondering how to get a better return on their motorsports investment. Chris explains why sponsorship is a two-way street, how racers can provide real value beyond logos on a car, and what separates successful partnerships from those that never get off the ground. Along the way, Rob and Jimi also catch up on summer racing, discuss the continued success of Forgeline Wheels at events like Le Mans and Spa, and preview what's ahead as the Ultimate Street Car Series returns later this season. If you've ever wondered how to earn support, become a better ambassador for the brands you represent, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how sponsorship works in grassroots motorsports, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Source