"Networking is not always about just like buying something from somebody... oftentimes it's about connecting with them as a human."

In this episode, Amanda and Megan catch up after a whirlwind month of racing—from Megan's first drag race of the year and her sister's massive IHRA win to Chris's Sunday victory at Crandon. They pull back the curtain on the "Retire" viral video, explaining how strong relationships with the series production crew turned a simple pun into a high-engagement marketing asset.

The heart of this conversation is a deep dive into networking beyond the sponsor hunt. Amanda and Megan discuss why you should be building "unconditional" relationships with media people, safety crews, and track vendors. They also tackle the reality of being an introvert in networking situations, sharing tactical advice on how to use "small talk" to find common ground and build genuine professional bonds.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE VIRAL FORMULA: How to collaborate with series media and announcers to create content that stands out.
• INTROVERT SURVIVAL GUIDE: Strategies for setting networking goals and breaking the ice when you’d rather be hiding in the trailer.
• THE POWER OF REFERRALS: Why your current sponsors are your best path to new opportunities, and how to make the "uncomfortable ask" for an introduction.
• STAYING TOP OF MIND: Practical follow-up tips, from sending "cat treats" to following up on business cards seven months later.
• COMPETITOR CONNECTIONS: Why networking with the people you race against (and their sponsors) provides industry insights you can’t get anywhere else.
• GIFTING AS A STRATEGY: How Megan used $5 coffee gift cards to support a local vendor and strengthen connections at the track.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• RACER ON DEMAND: Visit racerondemand.us to join the community and set up your free merch marketplace.

Don't accept a "no" as a final answer. Join us for this episode to learn how to turn your losses into lessons and your acquaintances into advocates

In this episode, Amanda and Megan sit down with Jacklyn (Jackie) Donahue, Group Marketing Manager for Aftermarket at Niterra North America (parent company of NGK Spark Plugs). With years of experience managing a massive roster of athletes—from drag racers to fishermen—Jackie provides a rare look into how a global brand evaluates its partnerships in a post-COVID world. We dive into the hard decisions required to clean up a legacy roster, how to tap into "hidden" marketing funds, and why the most valuable thing a racer can sell is an experience that even a million dollars couldn't buy.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE FRESH EYES AUDIT: How Jackie’s team used a non-motorsports employee to review their athlete roster, resulting in the cutting of long-term partners whose social media presence had become "atrocious" or lazy.
• MARKETING PARTNERSHIP FUNDS: A tactical breakdown of how racers can access separate "co-op" budgets by partnering with distributors and retailers to drive measurable sales.
• THE RENTAL CAR RACE: A deep dive into the "intangible ROI" of live events, including the legendary story of customers drag-racing rental Camries and why these memories drive loyalty for decades.
• STAYING IN FRONT: Why Jackie chooses her sponsored teams from a stack of 800 applications based on who follows up consistently throughout the year rather than just once.
• THE VISIBILITY STRUGGLE: Honest transparency on the struggle marketing managers face when trying to put a number on the "feeling" of brand presence at the track.
• APPLICATION DO’S AND DON’TS: Crucial advice on why you shouldn't wait until the PRI show in December to ask for a sponsorship—and exactly when the Niterra sponsorship application window opens.
• THE DEBATE ON PERSONAL CONTENT: Jackie, Amanda, and Megan discuss the fine line between keeping a "professional" racing page and sharing enough personal life to build a human connection.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• NITERRA / NGK SPARK PLUGS: Explore the products and racing heritage of Niterra at NGKsparkplugs.com.
• SPONSORSHIP APPLICATIONS: The Niterra application window is open from August 1st to November 30th annually.
• RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Join our network at racerondemand.us to set up your free merch storefront and access strategic resources to professionalize your program.
• FOLLOW US: Share your favorite unbuyable experience from a race track on social media and tag us to keep the conversation going!

Ready to move from a sticker to a strategic asset? Listen to the full episode to learn how to make yourself the most memorable name in a marketing manager's inbox.

Amanda and Megan dive deep into a chaotic month of racing that spanned from Wheatland to Antigo. From chasing mysterious mechanical gremlins across three states to "mad scientist" oil testing on a kitchen grill, the duo explores the high-pressure reality of performing (or failing) in front of key partners. They also break down the strategic shift in motorsports toward fan-centric experiences and why racers must take personal responsibility for the health of their sport.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE MECHANICAL SAGA: Amanda details the frustrating underpowered issues with Chris’s new truck that led to "trauma bonding" with partners in the pits and a last-minute motor swap before Antigo.
• MAD SCIENCE IN THE GARAGE: How Amanda ended up boiling engine oil on a grill to diagnose fuel dilution issues and the "adventure" of swapping sealed motors.
• QUALIFYING & THE INVERT: A masterclass on how short course qualifying actually works, including an explanation of pill pulls and how they differ from drag racing’s "pro-style" brackets.
• THE ANTIGO DRAMA: A look at the timing loop failure that cost Chris his #1 qualifying points and the subsequent "rainy day" lineup policy.
• CHAMP’S FAN SHIFT: Insights into Champ Off-Road’s new schedule changes, including pit parties, parade laps, and making Pro-Spec the "nightcap" of the day.
• RACER RESPONSIBILITY: A candid conversation on why fan engagement sessions get canceled—hint: it's because racers aren't showing up—and why "I’m too busy working on the car" is a brand-killing excuse.
• INTERACTIVE PITS: Creative ideas for fan interaction beyond the autograph, from 360 video booths and inflatable tires to the simple power of handing out broken body panels.
• SOCIAL MEDIA HOOKS: Amanda shares her formula for pulling in new audiences: Hook + Context + Value Payoff + Call to Action.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us to join the professional network and set up your own free merch storefront.
• CHAMP OFF-ROAD: Follow the series and view upcoming schedules at champoffroad.com.

Ready to engage your fans? Tell us your favorite interactive pit idea or how you handle a "bad" race weekend in front of sponsors. Tag us on social media and let's keep the conversation going!