The Racer on Demand Show

Are you tired of posting into a void and feeling invisible to the sponsors you want to attract? In this episode, Amanda and Megan pull back the curtain on why most racers are failing on social media and how to fix it. Amanda shares the exact strategy that helped her gain 1,700 followers in just 55 days—and it isn't about chasing viral trends. It’s about a fundamental shift in how you view your racing program: you aren't applying for a job; you’re an independent freelancer selling a solution to a business problem.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:THE DIFFERENTIATOR TRAP: Why saying you're "chasing checkers" or winning races makes you invisible to sponsors and how to find a story that actually stands out.THINK LIKE A PRODUCER: How to turn your season into "Reality TV" by defining your character, building episodic storylines, and highlighting human moments.THE FREELANCE MINDSET: The "mic drop" moment on why you should stop treating sponsorship like a job application and start selling your services as a professional contractor.PRACTICAL TECH TOOLS: How to use Edits, Meta Business Suite, and AutoFluencer to automate engagement and drive people directly to your partners' products.CONTENT RECYCLING: Why you don’t need to work harder to post 2-3 times a day, and how to recycle your best-performing content to stay top-of-mind.GAMING THE ALGORITHM: The truth about what social media platforms actually want and how to make the algorithm work for you.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:AUTOFLUENCER: Start tracking your sponsorship ROI and earned media value for free. Use coupon code ROD to get the professional membership for just $29/month (normally $49) through the end of May. Get the deal here or find more information here.CHATGPT CONTENT CALENDAR COURSE: Access Amanda’s exact prompts to build your own 30-day content strategy, define your pillars, and write your scripts. Get the course here.RACER ON DEMAND MERCH: Visit racerondemand.us to join the community and set up your own free merch marketplace.META BUSINESS SUITE & MANUS AI: Explore the free automated DM tools (similar to ManyChat) and the "Manus" AI model to analyze your audience's specific interests.CREATORS TO FOLLOW FOR INSPIRATION:Brock Johnson (Instagram growth and content recycling)Ava Yuerger / Personal Brand Launch (Content strategy)Modern Millie (Editing styles and hooks)Chris Goor (Tactical filming and delivery tips)

Tired of being told your program isn't "big enough" for a partnership with a major brand? In this episode, we sit down with Troy Green, Midwest Sales Rep for Maxima Racing Oil and a 25-year engine building veteran, to discuss why Maxima is shifting away from pro-level banners to invest in the volume and loyalty of grassroots racers. Troy pulls back the curtain on how you can act as a marketing extension for a global brand, proving that your value isn't just a sticker—it's in the content you create and the connections you already have.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:-- BOTTOM-UP BRANDING: Why Maxima is focusing on grassroots volume over "banners on fences" and how you can position your program as a high-value asset for a brand’s sales goals.-- THE ENGINE BUILDER BACKDOOR: A masterclass in B2B networking—how to use your race car as a "test mule" to help a sponsor convert your engine builder.-- SOCIAL MEDIA ETIQUETTE: Why leaving a competing product in the background of your video can kill a renewal, and how to use proper tagging to ensure the corporate marketing team actually sees your hard work.-- THE DISCOUNT AUDITION: The secret to moving from a discount program to free product status, and why the hardest-working teams are always the ones promoted first.-- COMMUNICATION VS. JEALOUSY: How the "ugly word" of jealousy between teams destroys programs, and why you should pick up the phone to talk to your rep instead of making assumptions about the guy next to you.-- INTEGRITY AS A CAREER: Troy’s final advice on why being "straight up," respectful, and honest will carry your racing career further than any trophy count ever could.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: We are gearing up for our next Ask Me Anything episode! What is one specific hurdle in your racing business that you want us to tackle? Leave a comment with a question you want answered in the next Ask Me Anything episode.READY TO TURN YOUR LOSSES INTO LESSONS?-- JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us for resources, including how to sign up for your free merch storefront.-- CONNECT WITH US: Find us on social media to share your biggest takeaway from Troy’s industry-leading perspective.-- SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave us a review to help us keep bringing you these high-level industry insights!

You asked, and we answered. In this episode, Amanda and Megan ditch the guest chair and go straight to the community — tackling the real sponsorship questions you've been sending in through social media. From getting on a sponsor's radar to knowing what to charge, this is the straight-talk episode you didn't know you needed.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:-- HOW TO GET SEEN BY SPONSORS: Why waiting to be "discovered" on Instagram is a dead-end strategy, and the real behind-the-scenes legwork that gets you in front of the right people.-- QUALIFYING YOUR SPONSOR TARGETS: The two-step filter every racer should use before reaching out to a brand — and why approaching companies you don't actually use is the fastest way to lose the conversation.-- RACING LESS, EARNING MORE: How racers with only two or three events per season can still build a compelling sponsorship package by getting creative with off-track assets and local activations.-- FOLLOWERS VS. BUYING INTENT: Why chasing a massive social media following might actually work against you, and how to turn a small, engaged audience into your most powerful sales tool with the right data.-- WHAT TO CHARGE: How to take the emotion out of money and price your program based on the real-world value you deliver — including a formula for knowing when your ask is actually too low.-- THE SURVEY STRATEGY: The single most underrated tool in a racer's sponsorship toolkit, and how asking the right questions at the track can open doors with sponsors who have nothing to do with motorsports.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Drop your biggest sponsorship question in the comments — we're doing another Ask Me Anything style episode and your question could be answered on air!READY TO TURN YOUR LOSSES INTO LESSONS?-- JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us for resources, including how to sign up for your free merch storefront.-- CONNECT WITH US: Find us on social media and share your biggest takeaway from today's episode.-- SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave us a review to help us keep bringing you these straight-from-the-trenches sponsorship insights!

How do you bridge the gap between being a local racer and becoming a professional brand that a championship-winning team wants to represent? In this episode, we are joined by Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, CEO of JR Motorsports and one of the most influential business minds in racing. Kelley pulls back the curtain on how the Earnhardt family built a multi-generational legacy by focusing on the business side of the sport, offering a masterclass in professionalizing your program from the grassroots up.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:-- THE EVOLUTION OF SPONSORSHIP: Why the "sticker on a car" era is over and how modern racers must provide value through digital activations and measurable brand representation.-- THE BRANDABILITY FACTOR: The specific personality traits and professional habits that make a driver "marketable" to major corporate partners regardless of their trophy count.-- NETWORKING FOR THE LONG GAME: How casual interactions today can lead to life-changing opportunities years down the road, and why you should never stop building your "bank of people."-- MERCHANDISING STRATEGY: Kelley’s advice on building a fan base through apparel without falling into the "dreaded word" of over-inventory.-- SPONSOR RETENTION: The critical communication steps many racers skip after the contract is signed and how to keep a partner engaged for the long term.-- MANAGING EXPECTATIONS: Advice for racing parents on balancing competitive drive with family life and ensuring the next generation stays grounded.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Kelley mentioned that success in racing is often about the "bank of people" you build. Who is one person in the industry you’ve been hesitant to reach out to? Tell us in the comments.READY TO TURN YOUR LOSSES INTO LESSONS?-- JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us for resources, including how to sign up for your free merch storefront.-- CONNECT WITH US: Find us on social media to share your biggest takeaway from Kelley’s industry-leading perspective.-- SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave us a review to help us keep bringing you these high-level industry insights!

In this episode, Amanda Van Den Elzen and Megan Meyer dive deep into the essential "Know, Like, and Trust" factor and how it dictates everything from fan engagement to long-term sponsorship success. Moving beyond just podium finishes, they discuss how authenticity and influence are the real currencies in modern motorsports marketing.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:-- BEYOND THE PODIUM: Why sponsors are paying for your influence and ability to convert customers rather than just your race results or horsepower.-- THE POWER OF AUTHENTICITY: Why showing your vulnerable moments and true personality makes you more relatable to fans and more attractive to potential partners.-- MASTERING SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT: Tips for overcoming camera shyness, the importance of "reps" and multiple takes, and how providing unique value can rapidly grow your following.-- BORROWED TRUST: How racers can act as a bridge for their sponsors by extending the trust they have already built with their fans to a new brand or product.-- THE RISKS OF SWITCHING BRANDS: A look at how changing sponsors can erode fan trust if not handled with clear communication and a focus on product quality.-- PROVIDING AUDIENCE-CENTRIC VALUE: Shifting the focus from yourself to your audience by solving their problems and offering behind-the-scenes insights they can't get anywhere else.-- BRAND AWARENESS AS THE FIRST STEP: Understanding that a racer's job is often helping people simply "know" a sponsor exists before they can ever "like" or "trust" it.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: We are planning a special Q&A episode! Head over to the Motorsports Marketing Tips Facebook group or find us on Instagram to drop your most pressing questions about sponsorship, marketing, and the racing industry so we can answer them on the air.READY TO BUILD A BRAND THAT SELLS?-- JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us for resources and tools to help you professionalize your race program.-- CONNECT WITH US: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes content.-- SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you found value in today's episode, please leave us a review—it helps us reach more racers looking to level up!

What is actually happening on the other side of your sponsorship pitch? In this episode, we are joined by Josh Wiese, a business development expert at a Fortune 300 company and former host of the Sponsored Rider Club podcast. Josh brings a perspective that most racers never get access to: the reality of how massive corporate budgets are actually managed and moved.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:-- THE REALITY OF CORPORATE BUDGETS: Why your sponsorship proposal might be competing against a new set of office chairs or an internal social media hire rather than another race team.-- THINKING LIKE A CONTRACTOR: Shifting your mindset from "seeking support" to becoming a professional service provider that solves specific business problems.-- BEYOND THE END CUSTOMER: How racers can provide massive value through B2B (business-to-business) connections and supplier relationships that have nothing to do with stickers on a car.-- PROTECTING THE BRAND: The "checkered past" and social media pitfalls that can kill a sponsorship deal in 15 minutes, even after 15 years of building trust.-- THE POWER OF RAW CONTENT: Why Josh would rather see you post a "goofy" behind-the-scenes blooper or a technical explanation than a highly produced drone shot.-- STANDING OUT: How to use specific "visual cues" and unique personal branding to ensure you are memorable in a sea of generic pitches.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: We are still gauging interest in an in-person sponsorship conference or workshop! If you would find value in a live event to help build your program, please let us know in the comments or via social media.READY TO TURN YOUR LOSSES INTO LESSONS?-- JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us for resources, including the shortened "Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorship" ebook. -- CONNECT WITH US: Find us on social media to share your biggest takeaway from Josh’s corporate perspective. -- SUPPORT THE SHOW: Leave us a review to help us keep bringing you these high-level industry insights!

If you want 2026 to be the year your race program finally operates like a professional business, you have to stop "spraying and praying" and start executing with intention. In this episode, Amanda and Megan go behind the scenes of their own planning boards to share the specific business targets, personal milestones, and industry-wide missions they are tackling this year. From massive partnership goals to the "Power of 20," this is the blueprint for a high-performance season that lasts long after the checkered flag.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:-- THE $50,000 PARTNERSHIP CHALLENGE: We aren't just aiming for logos; we’ve set a target to help the racing community secure $50,000 in new partnerships this year through focused, solution-based outreach.-- THE POWER OF 20: Megan breaks down her "20" goal strategy—connecting with 20 new female industry leaders, reading 20 books, and conquering 20 pull-ups—to prove that personal discipline is the engine behind professional success.-- RACER ON DEMAND’S 2026 MISSION: Amanda shares her vision to support 100 racers through the platform and the ambitious goal of paying out $10,000 directly back into the racing community.-- BUILDING BRAND EQUITY: We discuss moving beyond "support" and focusing on entry-level partnerships and creative activations—like dealership events—to build long-term value for brands.-- THE KNOWLEDGE GAP: With the landscape of sponsorship education shifting, we discuss our commitment to keeping high-level professional resources alive and accessible for grassroots racers.-- BIG GOAL BREAKDOWN: We share our step-by-step process for reverse-engineering a massive vision into a manageable, year-long roadmap. Learn how to turn "someday" dreams into a checklist of actionable tasks that drive professional results.WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: In this episode, we talk about the idea of hosting an in-person event or conference for the racing community. Would you find value in a live, face-to-face workshop to help build your program? Leave a comment and let us know!READY TO LEVEL UP FOR 2026?-- JOIN THE COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us to see how we can help you hit your merch and partnership goals. -- CONNECT WITH US: Find us on Facebook and Instagram to share your #1 goal for the upcoming season. -- SUPPORT THE SHOW: If this episode gave you a "nugget" of value, please leave a review to help us reach more racers!

What does a major brand like AMSOIL actually look for in a racer? In this episode, we sit down with Sara Oettinger, Marketing Manager at AMSOIL, to pull back the curtain on high-level motorsports marketing. Sara shares why traditional "gold, silver, and bronze" sponsorship packages are a thing of the past and explains how racers can become true extensions of a brand's marketing team.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:-- THE RACING ECOSYSTEM: Understand the balance between series, influencers, and racers, and how you fit into a brand’s "giant puzzle."-- VALUE VS. BUDGET: Why a brand’s appreciation for your work doesn't always equate to their available budget—and how to navigate that conversation.-- SPOTTING THE GAPS: Learn how to identify what a brand is missing in their current strategy and position yourself as the solution.-- DISCRETIONARY EFFORT: Sara shares real-world examples of grassroots racers who stood out by showing passion and effort that went beyond a signed contract.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a grassroots racer, Sara’s "Sara-isms" and unique perspective from 15 years in talent acquisition offer a masterclass in relationship building and professional networking.STOP SELLING LOGOS AND START BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS.AMSOIL's Preferred Racer Program: https://blog.amsoil.com/preferred-racer-program

It’s the most overused word in racing, and in this episode, Amanda and Megan explain why it might actually be holding your program back.In this candid post-holiday conversation, the hosts ease in with real life (family Christmases, getting sick at the worst possible time), then shift gears into a deeper discussion every racer needs to hear: why brand awareness and logo placement alone aren’t enough anymore (and what sponsors actually want instead.) Using real-world examples, they break down the difference between being seen and being valuable, and why meaningful brand activations and authentic alignment matter more than ever.The episode wraps with reflections on growth, learning curves, and a lighthearted look at what’s next: for racing, business, and family life.If you’re a racer trying to build real sponsorship value, not just sell “exposure,” this episode will challenge how you think about brands, fans, and your role in the partnership.Related Episode: Episode 4 | What if you were Naked?

What does a brand really look for in a motorsports partnership?In this episode of The Racer On Demand Show, Megan and Amanda sit down with their very first guest, Dave, Marketing & Brand Activation Manager at B’laster Holdings, for a candid conversation about what actually matters on the sponsor side of the table.With a career that spans aftermarket performance parts, tires, and motorsports marketing (including his time at Nexen Tire USA), Dave shares how he got into the industry, what his role looks like today, and how brands think about partnerships beyond logos and lap times.If you’re a racer trying to understand how sponsors think, or a brand wondering how to create meaningful activations in motorsports, this episode pulls back the curtain.Tune in and learn how to show up for a partner as more than just a logo on a race car.

Who are you when you strip away the helmet, the car wrap, and the team colors? In this essential episode of The Racer On Demand Show, hosts Amanda Van Den Elzen and Megan Meyer reveal how to build a powerful motorsports brand based on your core identity, not just logos. Learn personal insights and actionable strategies for navigating brand identity, securing sponsors, and building a loyal fanbase across all racing disciplines.💡 Key Takeaways for Motorsports BrandingNaked Branding: Branding is about who you are without the graphics, logos, and colors.Sponsorship Alignment: Understanding your values is crucial for securing and maintaining lasting sponsorships.Authenticity: This is the key to building a loyal and engaged fan base.Creative Marketing: How unique strategies can set you apart in a saturated motorsports field.Community Engagement: Actionable ways to engage with the community to grow your brand.Consistency: Why consistent messaging strengthens your brand identity and memorability.Controversy Management: Strategies for handling difficult or controversial topics without alienating your core audience.Brand Story: Your brand is more than your achievements; it's the authentic story you tell.📚 Resources Mentioned in this Episode:This is Marketing: You Can’t Be Seen Until You Learn To See (Book) by Seth Godin (affiliate link)Build Your Intentional Brand: Define your Voice, Audience, and Message (Course) by Amanda Van Den ElzenTurn ChatGPT Into Your Social Media Assistant: Build a 30-Day Content Calendar in 30 Minutes (Course) by Amanda Van Den ElzenBe: A No-Bullsh*t Guide to Increasing Your Self Worth and Net Worth by Simply Being Yourself (Book) by Jessica Zweig (affiliate link)

In this episode of the Racer on Demand show, hosts Megan Meyer and Amanda Van Den Elzen share their insights and experiences from attending the SEMA show, with a focus on preparing for the upcoming PRI show. They emphasize the importance of having a clear purpose when attending trade shows, highlighting that these events are ideal for laying the groundwork for future sponsorships and strengthening existing relationships. The hosts provide actionable tips for racers on how to effectively navigate trade shows, including pre-show research, building genuine connections, and leveraging patience and persistence to secure sponsorships and foster long-term partnerships.

In this episode of The Racer on Demand Show, hosts Amanda Van Den Elzen and Megan Meyer dive into how social media and content creation in motorsports has evolved and why digital content creation has become one of the most valuable tools in a racer’s toolkit.They unpack how racers can generate income beyond traditional sponsorships through social media monetization, affiliate marketing, user-generated content, and brand collaborations. Amanda and Megan also discuss why authenticity and shared values matter more than ever, and how racers can use data and storytelling to create stronger, more meaningful partnerships with brands.

In their debut episode, Megan Meyer and Amanda Van Den Elzen kick off The Racer on Demand Show from Crandon International Raceway during the World Championship weekend. Megan shares what it’s been like shifting from drag racing to off-road, while Amanda gives an inside look at her own race at Crandon. Together, they talk about what’s ahead for the podcast — from building stronger connections with fans and partners to finding new ways to grow sponsorships, social reach, and funding. It’s a real, unfiltered look at what it takes to move your racing program forward in today’s world.