Quote Originally Posted by vort3xr6
I think the big difference here is that you are assuming a tire vendor is the same thing as a shop sponsorship.

It's my 2nd year racing so I don't claim to know exactly how all this works, but just cause you bought tires from a vendor doesn't make you a sponsored rider from that vendor IMO. What exactly is a sponsorship? You toss some logos on your bike and get charged full MSRP? Or should I walk into the Dunlop tent demanding cost on tires. Oscar will agree, I have never or will never do that!

I appreciate any help any sponsor will give me and in return I market them as many ways as possible. I see street riders and hand them out 303 business cards. Does that mean I should start telling them to ride Dunlops just because that is what brand of race tire I buy? Apples to Apples Clarkie.
Brad,

All that being said, I can be a racer customer of 303 even if I'm not sponsored by them, just like you can be a racer customer of a tire vendor.

In order to collect contingency dollars from the tire manufacturer you're required to run their stickers on your bike and list them as a sponsor.

Beyond that you COULD work out an arrangement with your tire vendor (essentially that shop that sells you your tires) for a discount on the product you purchase from them.

That contingency is in the mix makes the tire thing more challenging than a typical sponsorship since most other potential sponsors don't have manufacturers that offer contingency money.

s