The Racer on Demand Show

In this special one-year anniversary episode, Amanda and Megan bring on their husbands, Chris Van Den Elzen and Adam Lingner, for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run their racing programs. From surviving a 34-hour cross-country RV haul to Glen Helen for the Champ Off-Road series finale to navigating sponsor connections and challenges, the group breaks down the real-world communication dynamics, relationship building, and behind-the-scenes prep that keeps their race teams running. Plus, they dive into the crucial distinction between treating racing as a stress-relieving hobby versus managing a professional business with sponsor obligations, raising the next generation of racers with a strong work ethic, and why authentic industry relationships will always beat fake social media trends.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE GLEN HELEN ROAD TRIP & RV DYNAMICS: The group recaps the 34-hour haul out West, long nights on the road, audiobooks, and managing the team and family dynamic during high-stakes travel.
• INFORMAL NETWORKING & FACTORY TOURS: How a casual pit conversation with Alex Striler led to a private tour of Eibach Springs, and how Method Race Wheels worked with Chris to help design next-generation Pro Spec wheels.
• HOBBYIST VS. PROFESSIONAL MINDSET: The real-world friction between racing for fun to blow off steam versus running a structured program that delivers measurable ROI to sponsors.
• RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF RACERS: How young drivers like Carson Hill are learning to prep their own cars, handle sponsor relations, and build a solid work ethic on and off the track.
• THE "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BADASS" EPIPHANY: Adam's key insight on why race wins aren't the only way to attract sponsors—and why brand promotion, professionalism, and ROI matter far more than driving talent alone.

Amanda and Megan break down a recent marketing study revealing a major shift in the creator economy: mainstream brands are finally abandoning one-off influencer deals in favor of long-term, relationship-centric partnerships. For motorsports athletes, this isn't news—it's what racing sponsorship has been built on all along. Between breaking down the recent news of Marty Fiolka’s departure from Crandon, reviewing Chris's high-stakes motor swap drama before the Glen Helen championship finale, and sharing fuel-saving apps for long hauls out West, Amanda and Megan deliver a deep-dive guide on distinguishing sales discount programs from true marketing partnerships, providing value through R&D testing, and becoming a brand's go-to ambassador.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• CRANDON RECAP & SHAKEDOWN DRAMA: Amanda shares the intense behind-the-scenes story of Chris's motor issues at Crandon, an all-night 4:00 AM motor swap, and preparing for an uphill championship fight at Glen Helen.
• THE CREATOR ECONOMY CATCHES UP TO MOTORSPORTS: Megan breaks down a recent Net Influencer article showing that mainstream brands are pivoting to long-term creator relationships—a strategy motorsports athletes have used for decades.
• SALES DISCOUNT PROGRAMS VS. MARKETING PARTNERSHIPS: Why generic discount codes, preferred racer programs, and automated affiliate links are sales tools rather than marketing programs—and how to target the right marketing contacts to earn actual income.
• R&D AS A HIGH-VALUE SPONSORSHIP OFFER: How Randy Meyer Racing tests custom engine components and how VDE Racing conducts consumer surveys and prototype tire testing for Nexen Tire to deliver massive value off the track.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• MEGAN'S BLOG & NET INFLUENCER ARTICLE: Read Megan’s blog post breaking down the Net Influencer creator study on relationship-centric marketing.
• AMSOIL PREFERRED RACER PROGRAM: Amanda’s case study on understanding the difference between sales discount programs and building a true marketing partnership. Apply for the AMSOIL Preferred Racer Program here.
• FUEL DISCOUNT APPS: Download Mudflap, Greenlane, and 10-4 to save money on diesel fuel.
  - Mudflap referral link - Get $10 in free fuel: https://dashboard.mudflapinc.com/invite/amb9ec
  - Greenlane referral link - Get a $5 credit: https://greenlane.ai/app CODE: AMANDA467
  - 10-4 referral link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wex.tenfour&pli=1 CODE: CRPUY
• RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Head over to racerondemand.us to professionalize your brand, access resource guides, and take your racing program to the next level.

Amanda and Megan sit down with Haily Unferdorfer from Racer (Senior Marketing Manager for Racer) to pull back the curtain on how major media outlets, race series, and grassroots teams build high-value partnerships. The trio explores how GridLife is revolutionizing fan acquisition by combining music festivals with motorsports, the step-by-step formula for creating year-end Proof of Performance (POP) reports that keep sponsors renewing, and how unique pit activations—like Amanda's 6th Annual Crandon Chili Cook-Off—turn casual networking into lasting B2B relationships. Whether you are trying to reach new fans or prove return on investment to corporate partners, this episode is your blueprint for authentic growth.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• LIVE FROM CRANDON & RACER'S R92 ACTIVATION: Haily breaks down how Racer and GridLife built their R92 suite experience to deliver elevated value to fans, racers, and corporate partners alike.
• BRIDGING THE AUDIENCE GAP: How GridLife interconnects music festivals with time attack and drifting to lower the median age in motorsports and convert music fans into race fans.
• THE PROOF OF PERFORMANCE (POP) BLUEPRINT: Why year-end POP reports, consistent engagement over viral spikes, and presenting clear ROI metrics keep multi-year sponsors renewing.
• PIT ACTIVATIONS & THE CHILI COOK-OFF: How creating unique pit experiences—like Amanda's 6th Annual Crandon Chili Cook-Off backed by AMSOIL—serves as a high-value networking hub for B2B partners.
• AUTHENTICITY & FINDING YOUR LANE: Why Gen Z and millennials demand authenticity, and how leaning into your unique personality (from Cross Kirchmeier's pinball machines to pit karaoke) builds an unbeatable personal brand.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• RACER & GRIDLIFE R92 MEMBERSHIP: Explore Racer's membership perk suite, digital archives, and live stream experiences interconnecting fans and sponsors.
• ALEX STRILER & PROOF OF PERFORMANCE: Revisit Alex Striler's framework for building coffee-table book proof of performance reports for corporate clients.
• RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Head over to racerondemand.us to professionalize your brand, build pit activations, and grow your partnerships.

Amanda and Megan pivot from the racetrack to tackle the single most important psychological question in motorsports marketing: "What's In It For Me?" (WIIFM). Between sharing some massive late-season news about a new partnership with AMSOIL and navigating the real-world trials of a season disrupted by series cancellations and mechanical failures, the duo delivers a deep-dive guide on shifting your program from "sticker-begging" to solving real business problems. Whether you're trying to win over a major corporate partner, build a diehard fanbase, or support your home track, this episode is your blueprint for delivering actual value in 2026.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE AMSOIL TRIAL: Amanda drops the exciting news of AMSOIL coming on board to support their team's legendary Crandon chili cook-off, illustrating how to start small with low-budget, late-season trials.
• MEGAN'S RACING LIMBO: Megan opens up about her side-by-side part failures, navigating a major pivot after her IHRA series folded, and the creative challenge of maintaining consistency during the off-season.
• THE CORPORATE WIIFM FORMULA: Amanda brings her corporate change-management background to the table, breaking down the exact three-question framework you must ask to uncover a sponsor’s actual pain points.
• BEYOND THE BILLBOARD: Why the highest-paying sponsorships are often B2B relationships that require zero decal placement on your car, and why the "eyeballs in the stands" pitch is dead.
• THE PSYCHOLOGY OF A FAN: Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to explain why fans actually follow racers, and how combining entertainment with educational content builds unbeatable personal brand authority.
• THE "ASK RANDY" BLUEPRINT: Megan shares the secrets behind her highly successful, five-year running "Ask Randy Monday" segment and how you can turn everyday fan questions into a valuable product activation platform for your sponsors.
• THE SHADOWBAN TRAP: Why Gary Vee is declaring the death of social media in favor of "Interest Media," and how posting inconsistent content to the wrong demographic will tank your algorithm.
• THE RACING SERIES EQUATION: An inside look at how race series actually survive, why entry fees rarely turn a profit, and how racers can use simple ticket giveaways to convert passive observers into lifelong, ticket-paying fans.

Amanda and Megan sit down with a true titan of the off-road industry, Marty Fiolka. Marty is the author of 1,000 Miles to Glory, producer of the iconic documentary Dust to Glory, and the Promoter and Marketing Director for Crandon International Off-Road Raceway—the legendary "Big House." But this isn't just a behind-the-scenes look at the biggest festival in short-course off-road racing; it is a masterclass in shifting your mindset from static "stickers and stats" to high-impact, experiential brand activation. Whether you're trying to figure out how a world-class track secures massive partnerships with brands like Red Bull, RAM, and Polaris, or how you can make your team a legitimate promotional asset in the pits, this episode is the blueprint you need to professionalize your program.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE CRANDON LEGACY: Marty shares his passion for preserving off-road history and how his career has been dedicated to putting a high-end, professional spotlight on the sport.
• SETTING THE TABLE: Marty explains his core promoter philosophy—how Crandon builds the ultimate stage with 60,000 fans and live TV, but why it's up to the racers to bring their own value to that table.
• ACTIVATION OVER EXPOSURE: A behind-the-scenes look at Crandon's biggest, most creative activations—like the RAM RHO passenger jumps and Method’s drone show—and what partners are actually buying when they fund a "vibe" instead of just a lap time.
• THE IMSA CROSS-PROMOTION: Why Crandon took a Pro 2 truck to a high-end sports car race at Road America, and what grassroots racers can learn about hunting for fans outside their usual sandbox.
• PRODUCT IS MONEY: Marty’s warning about the "free product" trap and why racers must treat product sponsorship with the same business respect as cash.
• THE GOLDEN RULE OF PARTNERSHIPS: Why successful negotiations never start with a menu of "packages," and why you must always ask a brand "What can we do for you?" first.
• ADVICE FOR GRASSROOTS RACERS: Marty's final advice to the next generation on keeping their goals in check, maintaining integrity, and never stopping learning.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• CRANDON EVENT PAGE: Get ready for the biggest weekend in short-course racing and check out the schedule for the Big House.
• RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Join us at racerondemand.us to turn these high-level track strategies into off-track funding for your program.

Are you ready to stop selling stickers and start selling the vibe? Tag us on social media with the biggest takeaway you had from the promoter’s perspective!

"I think that there are a lot of things that racers believe strongly without necessarily having a basis for that truth."

In this high-stakes episode, Amanda and Megan transition from celebrating a clean sweep at ERX to navigating the fallout of the IHRA’s sudden season cancellation. After discussing the "limbo mode" Megan faces in her drag racing career and the importance of keeping racing sustainable by keeping it fun, the duo dives into a masterclass on debunking the most persistent lies in motorsports marketing. From the "death of the deck" to why your follower count is becoming irrelevant, this episode is a reality check for any racer looking to professionalize their program in 2026.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE ERX RECAP: Amanda shares the thrill of Chris sweeping the weekend and the "great problem" of running out of trophy space.
• ULTRA 4 & IHRA DRAMA: Megan recounts Adam’s mechanical struggles in Oklahoma and the shocking news of the IHRA canceling its points season, leaving racers in a lurch regarding payouts and future plans.
• MYTH #1: WINNING EQUALS SPONSORS: Why on-track results are no longer enough and how the story you tell about a win is more valuable than the trophy itself.
• MYTH #2: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE LOGO: Why the best partnerships are built on business deliverables and objectives rather than the size of a sticker on a door.
• MYTH #3: MORE EVENTS EQUAL GROWTH: Why having a massive impact at one legendary event (like Norwalk’s Night Under Fire) can outweigh running a dozen "meh" races.
• MYTH #4: DECKS ARE MANDATORY: Why "decks are dead" and how a robust social media presence and a direct conversation are far more effective at closing deals.
• MYTH #5: FOLLOWER COUNT IS KING: How the shift toward interest-based algorithms means your follower number matters less than creating evergreen, educational content that keeps people watching.
• ACTIONABLE CONTENT TIPS: Megan shares her "controversial" secret to viral content (pouring oil into a motor) and Amanda breaks down the "Three-Second Hook" rule.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• ALEX STRILER: Revisit the previous episode with Alex to see why he calls racers an "extension of the marketing team."
• RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Join us at racerondemand.us to professionalize your brand and move past these common myths.
• UP NEXT: Get ready for an interview with Marty Fiolka, promoter for Crandon, to discuss activations and "bouncy house" track theories.

Are you ready to stop chasing "exposure" and start delivering results? Tag us on social media with the sponsorship myth that surprised you the most!

In this landmark 20th episode, Amanda and Megan welcome the man often called the "GOAT" of sponsorship, Alex Striler, author of "Motorsports Marketing and Sponsorships." Alex has been a pivotal mentor for both hosts, and in this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on how the sponsorship landscape has shifted over the last decade—and how racers can use cutting-edge tools to stay ahead.

Alex reveals how he is currently updating his industry "bible" using AI as a powerful research assistant to find hidden marketing funds, analyze demographics, and build customized decks. We dive deep into the evergreen fundamentals of sponsorship, why racers must learn the "language of finance" (yes, that means accounting!), and the strategic importance of "selling up the ladder" to the CFO and CEO.

Finally, we discuss the "human element" that technology cannot replace—from building unconditional relationships at the track to Alex’s inspiring work with Ultra 4 Next, a nonprofit dedicated to solving the trade skill shortage by connecting students with industry leaders like Monster Energy and Curry Enterprises.

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• THE 10-YEAR UPDATE: Why 40% of traditional sponsorship rules are now obsolete and how AI is filling the gap.
• AI AS YOUR ASSISTANT: Practical ways to use digital tools to research brand cultures and build custom proposals in minutes.
• THE EMPLOYEE MINDSET: Why brands hire racers to be "traveling marketers" who reach demographics the company cannot reach alone.
• THE LANGUAGE OF FINANCE: Why every racer needs a basic business education to understand how corporate budgeting works.
• BEYOND THE ENDEMIC: How to find non-racing partners by aligning your spectator demographics with brand sales goals.
• ULTRA 4 NEXT: Alex’s mission to provide hands-on mentorship and career paths for the next generation of technicians and media creators.
• 30 MINUTES A DAY: Alex’s parting advice for long-term success: the power of consistency in relationship building.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• ALEX STRILER: Connect with Alex and find his latest updates at alexstriler.com.
• ULTRA4 NEXT: Learn more about the nonprofit making students employable in the automotive industry.
• PRI SHOW: Don’t miss Alex's high-demand session on "AI for Sponsorship" this December.
• RACER ON DEMAND: Visit racerondemand.us to join the community, access professional resources, and set up your free merch storefront.

"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!