[SStockDart]

In 2009, we started an organization called "West Coast Mopar Gang"…..This was a "not for profit" organization designed entirely on the concept of "Pay for Performance" for our Mopar racers.

As contingencies declined, it was our desire to have Mopar racers at a financial advantage by paying our members for: Win or Runner Ups at National, Division, or National Opens. Additionally, we paid our members for setting National Records. We gave out framed pictures to our winners, and they went into our "Hall of Fame".

Each member paid a minimal entry fee, one time only. The idea was to use the initial entry fees to fund the "pay for performance" until we could get sponsors and supporters on board. Then all of the "pay for performance" would be funded from sponsors.

Each member agreed that we could use their picture or likeness for advertising and to promote WCMG.

Additionally, we established a web site with pictures, performance tips, our "Hall of Fame" and advertising space. (since closed).

We presented our advertising/sponsorship opportunity to National Companies. Fifteen of them. We got agreements from our members to "show" our cars, prior to National Events, and sign autographs and hand out pictures. We promised to bring National Event winning cars and National Record Holders. This appeared to be an awesome idea for a Dodge dealership, or a Car Parts grand opening.

From the sponsors/advertising partners, we requested financial support and discounts/complimentary products.

We had a good plan and a "bullet proof" power point presentation……..We were prepared to deal with any objections.

The end result was that we had extreme interest from several large companies (with million dollar advertising budgets), but each indicated that budgets were set, they couldn’t promote Mopar and leave out the other brands, or they already support NHRA and can not justify spending any more.

The end result was that we paid out to our racers every cent that we took in…..via "Pay for Performance" and we folded the organization.

In hind sight……….I can think of nothing that we could have done better that would have gotten the desired results. However, I still think the concept is solid and could work………

It is extremely difficult to convince advertising partners that racing 40-50 year old cars will bring business for them.