The Racer on Demand Show

Amanda Van Den Elzen & Megan Meyer
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MZGenre.Podcasts.Marketing

The no-BS podcast for racers who want fans, funding, and freedom. Hosted by motorsports growth strategist Amanda Van Den Elzen and 2x NHRA Champion Megan Meyer, this show pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow in racing today. From sponsorship and social media to mindset and money, we share the stories, strategies, and straight talk that help racers build a brand and a career they love. Whether you’re weekend wrenching or full-time chasing, you’ll find real advice to help you create your version of success in motorsports.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 22 | Promoting the Big House (ft. Marty Fiolka)

    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!

  2. Aug 6

    Episode 21 | Myth Busting

    "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!

  3. Jul 23

    Episode 20 | The G.O.A.T. of Sponsorship (ft. Alex Striler)

    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.

  4. Jul 9

    Episode 19 | Small Talk, Big Impact

    "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

  5. Jun 25

    Episode 18 | Memories Over Metrics (ft. Jacklyn Donahue)

    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.

  6. Jun 11

    Episode 17 | Own the Show

    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!

  7. May 28

    Episode 16 | Main Character Energy (ft. Impulse Media)

    "Truthfully, if you go out there and keep giving your NPC line, you're automatically just part of the background." In this episode, we recorded live from Lucas Oil Speedway at the Champ Off-Road Race with the crew from Impulse Media—Lyle, Jeffrey, and Tito. They’ve spent years building a media powerhouse by focusing on the one thing most racers ignore: storytelling. We dive into the "18-hour-day" reality of life behind the lens, the importance of drawing hard professional boundaries in the pits, and how to stop being an "NPC" (Non-Player Character) in your own racing program. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: STORYTELLING VS. BANGERS: Why a high-quality video is just a "video" unless it tells a story that makes fans feel something.THE PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARY: Why Impulse implemented a "no drinking" rule and why racers must treat their pit area as a place of business, not a bonfire hangout.CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM: The "Impulse vs. Champ Off-Road" drama and the hard lesson of learning to hold a series accountable without burning the house down.NPC VS. MAIN CHARACTER: How to bring "pizzazz" to your program and why your personality is the only conduit that connects sponsors to the fans.THE 100-HOUR HUSTLE: The reality check for racers who want the rewards of sponsorship without putting in the grueling "behind the scenes" work.RELATABILITY IS KING: Why being a "nice guy" with no personality is a branding death sentence and how to find your specific fandom (from Dragon Ball Z to Mario).REJECTION AS GROWTH: Why a "no" or a reprimand from a series director is often the "wake-up call" needed to reach a professional stratosphere.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: IMPULSE MEDIA: Check out their work and the Impulse Show at theimpulsehub.com.RUSH DOCU-SERIES: Watch the award-nominated series that follows the backstories of the off-road community on their YouTube page.RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us to join our professional network and set up your own free merch storefront.CONNECT WITH IMPULSE: Follow @impulsemedia on Instagram and Facebook to see their "main character" storytelling in action.Ready to stop blending in? Share your biggest takeaway from this episode and tag us to show how you're bringing "Main Character Energy" to the track this weekend!

  8. May 14

    Episode 15 | Rejection is Protection (ft. Theresa Kapper)

    How do you move from being a "sticker on a car" to a true sales asset for a global brand? In this episode, Amanda and Megan sit down with Theresa Kapper, Director of Marketing for Nexen Tire America. With over 20 years of experience in the tire industry, Theresa explains how she bridges the gap between marketing and sales by leveraging motorsports athletes as strategic partners. Theresa shares why authenticity is more valuable than follower counts and provides a masterclass on the "long game" of sponsorship. Whether you are pitching a new brand or managing a legacy partnership, this episode provides the mindset shift you need to turn a "no" into a future "yes". WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE: THE RELATIONSHIP TRIFECTA: Theresa’s core philosophy is that sponsorship is like real estate: it is all about "relationships, relationships, relationships".WATER THE GARDEN: Why you must stay present and relevant throughout the year, rather than only reaching out when it is time to renew your contract.REJECTION IS PROTECTION: How to handle a "no" by understanding that it is often a matter of timing or strategic alignment rather than a personal rejection.THE SHINY OBJECT: Why having a race vehicle and an expert athlete onsite creates brand engagement that a standard booth setup cannot replicate.SALES 101: Why sponsorship is built on the same foundation as any other business deal: people ultimately buy from those they like and trust.DO YOUR HOMEWORK: The critical importance of researching a company’s current product strategy (such as their focus on specific tire categories) before you ever deliver a pitch.BRIDGING THE SILOS: How Theresa has worked to bring marketing and sales functions together, using athletes to support dealer conferences and ride-and-drive events.THE POWER OF PIVOTING: Why you must be flexible enough to take a successful idea and shift it to a different partner if the initial timing isn't right. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: NEXEN TIRE AMERICA: Learn more about the brand and products Theresa leads at Nexentireusa.com.EPISODE 10: "KNOW, LIKE, AND TRUST": Listen to the perfect foundation for Theresa's "Sales 101" approach mentioned in this conversation.RACER ON DEMAND COMMUNITY: Visit racerondemand.us to join the community, access professional resources, and set up your free merch storefront.CONNECT WITH US: Follow us on social media to share your biggest takeaway from Theresa’s perspective on being an "extension of the team".

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About

The no-BS podcast for racers who want fans, funding, and freedom. Hosted by motorsports growth strategist Amanda Van Den Elzen and 2x NHRA Champion Megan Meyer, this show pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow in racing today. From sponsorship and social media to mindset and money, we share the stories, strategies, and straight talk that help racers build a brand and a career they love. Whether you’re weekend wrenching or full-time chasing, you’ll find real advice to help you create your version of success in motorsports.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Van Den Elzen & Megan Meyer
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Amanda Van Den Elzen & Megan Meyer
  • Show Website
    The Racer on Demand Show

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