TLDR
- Gresini Racing MotoGP team, in partnership with Animoca Brands’ subsidiaries SPORTPASS and MotoGP Guru, launched the world’s first fan-powered motorsport sponsorship program.
- The program allows MotoGP fans to purchase and own an exclusive personal team sponsorship package for as little as €125.
- Fans get exclusive benefits like VIP Paddock Experiences, name placement on bikes and websites, custom merchandise, access to digital collectibles, and a chance to win a customized Ducati Panigale V4S test bike.
- The program aims to bring fans closer to the team and riders they support, leveraging technology to provide ownership and value.
- It marks a turning point in how teams and riders connect with fans and brand partners, enhancing fan experiences.
In a groundbreaking move, Gresini Racing MotoGP team, in collaboration with Animoca Brands’ subsidiaries SPORTPASS and MotoGP Guru, has unveiled the world’s first fan-powered motorsport sponsorship program.
This innovative initiative is set to revolutionize the way fans engage with their favorite teams and riders, offering them an unprecedented level of access and involvement.
The fan-powered sponsorship program is a first-of-its-kind opportunity that allows MotoGP enthusiasts to purchase and own an exclusive personal team sponsorship package for as little as €125.
This affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of fans, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally restricted such opportunities to large corporate sponsors.
By becoming a fan sponsor, MotoGP enthusiasts will gain access to a plethora of exclusive benefits that were once only available to major sponsors.
These benefits include VIP Paddock Experiences at the Grands Prix of 2024, where fans can witness the action up close and personal.
Exciting news for MotoGP fans! 🏍️@MotoGPGuru, @GresiniRacing , and SPORTPASS have come together to launch the world's first fan-powered motorsport sponsorship program!https://t.co/7vhPHrg965
Here's what you need to know 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/w5qpa63slJ
— Motorverse (@TheMotorverse) June 1, 2024
Additionally, fan sponsors will have their names prominently displayed on the team’s bikes, websites, sponsor walls, and other promotional materials, solidifying their connection with the team.
Exclusive events, Zoom calls with team members, and special custom merchandise are among the other perks that fan sponsors can look forward to.
Perhaps the most tantalizing reward is the chance to win a highly customized Ducati Panigale V4S, an official test bike used by none other than eight-time world champion Marc Marquez.
Beyond the physical benefits, fan sponsors will also gain access to a world of digital experiences. They will receive exclusive digital passes, collectibles, invitations, and credentials, as well as access to sponsor-only content, all hosted on the dedicated website fanpower.gresiniracing.com/registration.
Gresini Racing’s decision to launch this groundbreaking program comes at a time when the team is riding high on the success of signing Marc Marquez and his brother Alex to compete in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship on the Ducati Desmosedici GP23.
The anticipation surrounding the satellite team’s performance and Marc’s early-season podium finishes has shone a spotlight on Gresini Racing, making it the perfect time to introduce this innovative fan engagement initiative.
“We have always had an incredibly loyal fan base not only of the team but the many riders who have achieved success in our championship projects. We could not be happier to be the first team to ever allow actual fans to become sponsors and make this available globally,”
said Carlo Merlini, commercial & marketing director of Gresini Racing. “We look forward to innovating and engaging in new and exciting ways.”
SPORTPASS CEO Jordan Fogerty echoed the sentiment, stating,
“This is a world-first in sports; we have worked with Gresini Racing to bring the fans even closer to the team and the riders they support, and do so using the latest technology to provide the security of ownership and value.”
The fan-powered sponsorship program is a collaborative effort between Gresini Racing, SPORTPASS, and MotoGP Guru, which has been a major sponsor of the team since 2023.
MotoGP Guru is part of Animoca Brands’ Motorverse ecosystem, an open platform for digital vehicles, racing games, and motorsports, further highlighting the integration of technology and fan engagement in this initiative.
As the world of sports continues to evolve, initiatives like the fan-powered sponsorship program are paving the way for a more immersive and personalized experience for fans.
By breaking down traditional barriers and leveraging technology, Gresini Racing, SPORTPASS, and MotoGP Guru are setting a new standard for fan engagement, fostering a deeper connection between fans and the teams they support.
