Previously I mentioned that I was working with Bushkill Twp driver Corey Lewis (read the post here), today Keith Groller of the Morning Call reported on Corey’s quest to transition from Karting to professional open-wheel racing (read the article here).
While we were unable to get the funding together for Corey to compete in races 2 and 3 of the Formula Mazda Winter Series this weekend in Phoenix, AZ, it looks promising that Corey will participate in the Star Mazda Championship Open Test in Sebring in late January.
The series released its 2010 calendar recently and a big change from last season is that there will be two events held in conjunction with the Indy Racing League and a third will be in Indianapolis the night before the 500. These additions more closely align the series with the IRL. The Star Mazda Championship is the equivalent of AA baseball with some drivers advancing direct to top tier series and others first moving to IndyLights.
If your company is interested in sponsoring Corey, there are a variety of levels that can be accommodated. Contact me at Nunamaker.ross@att.net or learn more at www.coreylewisracing.com
7 comments:
Ross,
I haven't completely followed the story on this, but are the Andretti's helping his cause in anyway?
The families are friends, and I can't really speak to specifics, yes he has gotten some help, but landing the sponsor is on his shoulders.
He is not officially sponsored by Andretti Autosport (the former AGR, they have an IndyLights team, but not Star Mazda) and the Star Mazda Championship is mostly structured as an 'arrive and drive' where drivers must secure dollars and bring it to the team.
Most teams are seeking in the neighborhood of $500,000 for the season and testing, so it really requires corporate funding.
Fortunately, we've found him a team with very good people that are working with us and we have some business-to-business programs we are trying to utilize so it isn't simply a sponsorship cash pay-out (which is really hard to get in the current economy).
Right now its patience, persistence, and hopefully just enough luck to make it work before time runs out - first race is in March.
I know the Lewis family and I happen to know that Corey gets no monitary help from the Andretti's, friendship and mentoring aside.
The biggest shame is that racing has shifted from teams having the sponsors and selecting drivers with the most talent, to the drivers having to find the money to bring to the team in order to race.
Consider this, if Mario were 18 today working at the gas station and wanted to race an open wheel car - would he get a chance? He'd need between $7000 and $10,000 for a single day test and if he wrecked the car he'd have to pay for it (say $90,000 - $120,000 for a total loss).
One crash can end a driver's career, not due to injury, but money.
Would be great to see it turn around and have the most talented drivers getting the opportunities as opposed to those with the most money.
I have known Corey since he was a baby and I knew from a very early age Corey had what it takes. He lives and breathes this stuff. He is not like most of the "affluent" drivers in open wheel this day that have talent but get bored with the details of the car/setup and mechanics. Corey loves it all. Ive seen him become one with the track, he memorizes every little flaw,bump, mark and can replay it over and over in his head. I know he will make it one day. Only question I have is what companies can he help and let ride on his coat tails to an Indy Podium finish???
I know with the economy the way it is and bureaucratic red tape would make it difficult but what about approaching..____..for sponsorship?
Air Products
Crayola
Just Born
Sands
Agere
We've reached out to quite a few companies, locally, regionally, and nationally.
At this level, without a national tv audience, your talking about on-site audience and recognition via industry specific media or local media.
You almost have to have your own money (family company or very high ranking executive) or a good B2B program - that is what we are working on now.
Not to say you can't get some, but I think most companies are still being pretty conservative, especially with new spending.
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