Copied and pasted from Dealer news: "BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the launch of 2019 BMW Motorrad Racer Support, in conjunction with the 2019 BMW Motorrad Contingency Program. The launch of this updated program will give dealers the opportunity to equip influential racers at local tracks who plan on competing in one or more of the racing series that we are supporting with our contingency program (visit http://www.xtrm.com/contingency/bmw/ for series listing) with a 2018 or 2019 S 1000 RR. This program gives BMW Motorrad USA the flexibility to select the best racers with the largest impact in a given market, and determine who will act as ambassadors for the brand and its associated dealers. This program will be limited to 20 racers. A 3rd party will review the Racers paperwork and determine eligibility based on a number of factors, including but not limited to the paperwork submitted. Limited to 1 purchase under this program per racer. For eligibility, an approved racer would be eligible for any 2018 / 2019 S 1000 RR motorcycle. In qualifying for this program, the racer will also receive a $3,500 Racer incentive."
BMW is so smart working it that way. Making the sponsorship go through the local dealer strengthens their dealer network, supports the dealer (which is their source of income, ultimately) and gives them a racer that not only looks good on paper, but presents well in person and has a reputation that's known to the dealer. If only the Hookit crowd would catch on.
They are paying well and to 5th place. Kawi does something very similar but doesn't pay as much or as deep.
