SPONSORSHIP

Many of you write to SHIFT inquiring about sponsorship. How do you increase your chances of catching the eye of our Rider Support Department when seeking sponsorship? Here are some general tips, including examples of a resume and a letter of reference you should submit with your application packet.

GENERAL TIPS

Applications for sponsorship are accepted via postal service only. Do not e-mail or fax in your resume. Mail your application material to:

2009 sponsorship is now closed. SHIFT will be accepting applications for sponsorship during the months of August 1, 2009 to November 1, 2009 for the upcoming 2010 season.

SHIFT will be accepting applications for sponsorship during the months of August 1, 2008 to November 1, 2008 for the upcoming 2009 season.

Your application packet should include these items:
• resume
• two or three letters of reference from teachers, coaches, community/church leaders, employers (volunteer work DOES count)
• report card (if still in school)
• one action photo of you (wearing SHIFT gear doesn't hurt)
• one head and shoulders photo (school photo will do)


• Do not bother sending in videos or CD's... our Rider Support guys are too busy to view them.
• All material should be presented in a professional manner..... take the time to do a spell/grammar check and be sure everything is legible. If you have lousy handwriting, type everything or print it out from a computer using the best quality white bond paper you can afford. Don't make the Rider Support guys struggle to read your material. Bind everything in a folder like an important school project so that it all stays together in an orderly fashion.
• At the events, be sure that you and your crew act like professionals at all times.... our Rider Support team is constantly traveling, attending all the major amateur events and some lesser known events as well. They purposely do NOT advertise who they are many times, but they're out there and they notice athletes and crews who conduct themselves in a professional manner. SHIFT Racing is only interested in elite athletes who will represent our company with professionalism and dignity. If you're competing at a national amateur event, presume that a SHIFT Racing scout is watching you and act accordingly.
• Who has the best chance of getting sponsored? Results are the bottom line. If you're in the top five in the amateur nationals in your sport, you're going to catch the eye of our scouts. If you aren't quite there yet, you may still send in your application material, but chances are BEST when you are in the top five of the amateur nationals for your sport.