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.

• Naked 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.

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 Elzen

Turn ChatGPT Into Your Social Media Assistant: Build a 30-Day Content Calendar in 30 Minutes (Course) by Amanda Van Den Elzen

Be: 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.