I just want to clarify something and please don't take it personally; for it is only my view on the particular subject.

Some of you have mentioned they want to get sponsored and or are in the process of being... What I don't understand is why? Have any of you tried Autocrossing, or Road Race event?....(maybe a rally?)...

Sponsorships are to keep the team program running and cover things like costs and eventualities such as the car being totaled.  Yet some of you speak of car shows....  In my view if you want to get sponsored just so some aftermarket company can give (and install) you parts then you don't belong.... That in my view is the complete antithesis of the Sport Compact Movement... Cars that are cheap and we can thrash around the track and if some of us are good we get some fat cat saying "hey there sonny boy how bout I help you our a bit " But before that happens; they had to work, sweat, bleed, and fail countless times to get to that point. I find it insulting and disheartening that such thoughts would even be conjured up...
      For the money you'd spend on a extravagant body kit and exuberant paint scheme you and your buddies could start an amateur track team. And best of all you don't have to rent models!!! Cuz if you win they'll come towards you for the podium photo.... But ultimately it is my opinion and not an insult to anyone or a "diss" just that some of us have worked too hard and lost just to see someone just sit and look pretty to get the same thing...  

Amen.  Personally, it took 3 years of consistant finishes at various races to get a local shop to let me use a trailer and their dyno.  Trust me on this, sponsors arent just going to pick you up for no reason. You are gonna have to PROVE (sp?) that you can do something for them before someone will sponsor you, especially with how the economy is today.  They wont just give you parts and funding because you want it, theyre going to see if they can get more business thru what they have given you.  (so if you have a shop that does work for you, drop theyre name if and when you win a race. Start winning enough, and theyll pick you up.)