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.