2009 Free Pit Pass Offer

Do you like to see your name in the paper?

You can receive a free pit pass by contacting your local paper and placing an ad.

How to contact the media

1.) Research your local newspaper(s) and find the name of the sports editor. Also, find out the sports editor's email address.

2.) Call the newspaper between noon and 5 p.m. and ask the main operator for the sports dept. Note: It's important you do this at least THREE WEEKS in advance of your Arenacross race.

3.) Politely ask for (enter sports editor's name) when someone from the sports dept. answers the phone. Chances are he/she will be busy, so ask if you can leave a message. (Note: For younger Arenacross racers it's best if they make the phone call themselves vs. mom and dad.)

4.) Keep it brief on your voice mail. 1.) "Hey Mr./Mrs. (enter sports editor's last name), my name is (enter your name). I live here in the (enter newspaper's name) readership area and just wanted to let you know I'll be racing the (enter Arenacross venue/date, ex. Des Moines Arenacross at Wells Fargo Arena on Nov. 5th ). I'm going to email you some information on myself and the event. I've also got some cool pictures from a recent race if you'd like to see them. Thanks for your time. Hope to hear from you soon."

5.) Understand it's best if you have access to email. If not you'll need to make a trip to the newspaper to hand deliver your story (from the Arenacross Rider Media Form) and several copies of your very best photographs, including a headshot.

6.) If the sports editor doesn't get back with you right away understand that they are VERY busy people. Send an updated email every several days to the sports editor reminding him the date of the event and what you've been doing to prepare (practicing at the local track, racing local events, etc.). Try and reach the sports editor via telephone every 3-4 days until you speak with him/her.

7.) Information you should have available for the sports editor includes: Your name, age/birth date, hometown, what school/college you attend and/or where you're working, how many years you've been riding/racing, your race results, what kind of bike you race and your sponsor list.

8.) REMEMBER - your story needs to be interesting. Be as excited about talking to the sports editor as you are about going racing. Your enthusiasm and the fact you've taken the initiative on your own to contact the newspaper is what will sell this story.

9.) Be prepared to do whatever the sports editor asks of you. They very well may want to take pictures at your home or an area track. Make sure you (and your parents) can adapt your schedule to that of the newspaper's.

10.) Bring the original article from the paper of your story to the race registration table or promoter will call trailer and receive a weekend pit pass!

Click here for a suggested article format