Revival of Hope

I must apologize for not writing more on my blog but frankly not much has been happening lately. I have run out of funds for publicists and such and agents want nothing to do with an Out Gay Race Car Driver LOL. Don't take that as I have given up...I will never give up. I will always be trying, sometimes more than less depending on my schedule, funds and attitude. If any of you have friends that may want to get involved don't be shy!

I am in the process of sending out a large batch of emails to some prominent people. If you are someone I emailed or an agency representing someone I am trying to contact, let me know!

My latest plan has me looking for private sponsorship as corporate sponsorship seems like a stretch, LGBT issues are hot but big companies seem scared to support Out Pro's anywhere for fear of losing out on straight business. I am also trying to hit up some non-racing/sports industries as the impact of supporting an out person in a straight sport is exposure to an audience that may not be thier market but the splash of media to follow and people to see would definitely be the right demographic...everyone!

My other "BIG" plan involves you, the reader of my blog, facebook fan/follower and Twitter follower. I would like to send out some of my hero cards (autographed of course!) for a donation. 50% of what is sent to me gets sent to The Trevor Project and the other half goes towards my racing plans for 2011/2012. If I recieve enough support I will be racing for all to see! Donations of $50+ will recieve an E. Darling Enterprises racing hat (pictures of products will be up shortly on my website) and get thier name/logo somewhere on my race car...obviously a $50 donation would be a small spot and a $50k one would be much bigger ;-)...Either way I wil photograph the logo/name(s) and email them to you.

If you would like to partake in my plan, send me a mailing address to zracre@hotmail.com and I will send a signed card to you regardless. If you want to drop a donation in the envelope I send with it that would be greatly appreciated!

For this plan to work I am going to need all the help I can get...forward a link to this page to anyone you would think would want to help...If I get all my facebook friends to at least look at this and maybe some help out and maybe some forward to people that may have interest, I may get somewhere!

I am still trying to get Lady Gaga, Elton John and Madonna contacts to see if they want to partake in this as well...if Paris Hilton can have a motorcycle racing team one of these other superstars should be able to help me be an Out role model competing in a mainstream straight market. On the level of the above stars, sponsorship is not real expensive for the positive media and impact on society that will come from it...

Cheers,
Evan Darling

New Idea and Great Opportunity!

I am back and starting a new marketing program. As many of you know, I am a supporter of TheTrevorProject.org and I would like to offer a program that would bring media attention to this great program and my Pro racing career. In this tough economy it has been difficult to procure enough sponsorship to race in Grand Am and be able to survive. Many big corporations have cut back sponsorships and that has made it difficult for everyone in the racing (and all other!) communities. I am reaching out to everyone and all communities with this program. My idea is to get lots of private and small corporate involvement in my quest. It is pretty simple. I need to get contributions ranging from $100 to $1000 to race next year (and this year if there is enough interest). I cannot afford my own Grand Am car so when I race it is always a different teams car. I am allowed a certain amount of area on the cars depending on how much I contribute to the team. The idea is to get 2-3 large graphics that have "TheTrevorProject.org" with everyone's names (company names, personal names etc) printed within the graphic. I would also use these graphics on my personal race car (amateur series car as Pro cars are way too $$$).

Here is a list of some of the benefits that would come from sponsorship:

• Support for TheTrevorProject.org in front of an international audience on Speed Channel
• Support for the only Out Pro Race Car Driver
• Links from my website (edarlingenterprises.com) to your organization or web page
• Photo and video media from each event
• Exposure at media events I will attend
• $1000+ sponsors will receive tickets to a chosen race in your area

For this to work I will need to reach a financial goal. I would like to launch this program immediately and will have a progress bar on my website and here when I start to receive donations. I really think this can work with all the support I have received in the past! In doing this program I believe I can generate even more media in some of the larger publications and TV media. I just need to get the ball rolling with your help!

The Demographics for this race series is very large and when you include the GLBT demographic it makes my audience one of the largest in Professional sports! Please give me some feedback on this program as I get it started! I also have a paypal link on my website so be sure to contact me if a donation is going to be made thru that so I can forward all the media to you!

Thanks and hopefully more to come soon!

Evan Darling

Updates and Ups and Downs

Well I almost completely finished my move to Florida. I have been going back and forth to NC trying to get all my stuff secure. It has been a difficult few months! I got back from VIR (Virginia International Raceway) 2 weeks ago after racing in the BMW Car Club of America endurance race. We had a great time and finally won! My co-driver, Craig Lippe, did a great job behind the wheel and with strategies. We won by .503 seconds! What a great time! This is coming off the last time I drove it. that was Roebling Road where it was pissing down rain and we won that with the bonus of an overall pole position! The car we were driving is a BMW M3 running in IP ("I" Prepared is a class with limited modifications to the car). I got back to FL and received a call from one of the top Grand Am teams. I needed to come up with some money to get up to VIR again to race in the Grand Am race! Well my fundraising skills are not so good and it was short notice so I tried to the last minute. Didn't make it. I am still pretty depressed about it but there isn't much I can do about it now but try for the next one! Someone please step up and help for Mid-Ohio in June!

I have some great strategies for sponsors and would like to put them out there for discussion. I am and always will try and support non-profits. The Trevor Project has always been very high on my list as it is one of our most important assets as a community. here is their website:

http://thetrevorproject.org/home2.aspx

I believe having info on this organization on my car in front of a televised audience would do a great job getting outlets like this in the mainstream media where it is most needed. Many of these kids are not exposed to GLBT media and have very few options. By getting the word out in front of a predominantly straight oriented market, more people would be reached! Help me make this happen!

On another note before I went to VIR for the BMW race I went to Wellington FL for the first ever Gay Polo League Polo match. Wow what an exciting sport! I had no idea...These guys move fast on these horses and play pretty aggressive! Here is a link to their website:

http://www.gaypolo.com/splash/

I have also tried to contact Ricky Martin about sponsorship or support for me and the Trevor Project but I have not heard back from him or any of his agents. It seems almost impossible to get through to some of these people. Maybe he will see this...never know!

Well that's all for now!

It has been a while!

Sorry it has been so long that I posted here. I just did not seem to be getting any responses so I just let it go. I enjoy putting up news and updates but if no one responds, it seems kinda silly. Let me know what you think or give some suggestions! I am still trying to find supporters and will keep trying probably until I am dead. I have been training on mountain bikes getting myself in the best shape of my life and look forward to racing in the near future...

New Representation!

I have acquired the skills of a professional sports management company to represent me! I am confident that they have the abilities to take me to the next level! Here is the press release:

FK Sports Management is very excited to announce that we are welcoming a new member to the FK Sports family, and that we are now officially representing Evan Darling! As a race car driver, Evan was the SCCA 2005 SE Division ITA Champion and has won numerous Divisional titles. He has been involved in the SCCA SPEED World Challenge series and raced in the Grand AM Koni Challenge series. Evan is a certified master mechanic and a driving instructor for many clubs including Chin Motorsports, Ferrari Owners Club and Porsche BMW Owners Club. Evan will be racing in the 2009 Grand Am Koni Sports Car Challenge series, and Tom and I will be immediately working on obtaining sponsors for his racing team. You can learn more about Evan on his website: http://www.edarlingenterprises.com/index.htm.

These are some very dedicated professionals that have/are representing some pretty big names! Here is a link to their website: http://fksportsmanagement.com/

Let me know what you all think!

2009 schedule

Well here it is! As you can see Homestead is back as well as Laguna Seca! My two favorites on the '09 Schedule! Still trying to get support do do this but I am staying positive.

2009 Grand-Am Annual Schedule

Jan 23 - 25 Daytona International Speedway – KONI Challenge
Rolex 24 At Daytona – Rolex Series

March 13 - 15 Homestead-Miami Speedway – KONI Challenge

TBD Mexico City 1000 km race – Rolex Series

April 24 - 26 Virginia International Raceway – Rolex Series

May 1 - 3 New Jersey Motorsports Park – Rolex Series

New Jersey Motorsports Park – KONI Challenge

May 15 - 17 Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – KONI Challenge
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – Rolex Series

May 22 - 25 Lime Rock Park – KONI Challenge

June 5 - 7 Watkins Glen International – KONI Challenge
Watkins Glen International – Rolex Series

June 19 - 21 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – KONI Challenge
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – Rolex Series

July 2 Daytona 250 – Rolex Series (Thurs)

July 17 - 19 Barber Motorsports Park – KONI Challenge
Barber Motorsports Park – Rolex Series

August 7 - 9 Watkins Glen International – Rolex Series (Fri)

August 14 - 16 Trois-Rivieres – KONI Challenge

August 28 - 30 Montreal – Rolex Series (Sat)

Sept 18 - 20 Miller Motorsports Park – KONI Challenge
Miller Motorsports Park – Rolex Series

October 2 - 4 Virginia International Raceway – KONI Challenge

October 9 - 11 Homestead-Miami Speedway – Rolex Series

It looks like we are going to have a great year of racing...now just get me there! Next year is also a premier year for the series as NASCAR owns the series. There will be more televised events and publicity surrounding the series. We are a small team so sponsoring us would have a greater visual impact for sponsorship dollars. We know how to stretch a buck!

Come join us for some great racing action!

Race Updates

Well it has been a very trying year. We managed to finish the race at NJ Motorsports park after all the mayhem. We were a lap down at the end and the race was riddled with wrecks and drama but we got it done. My stint was the second one and I got in the car with 1 hour and 10 minutes to go. Before we even got a green flag, there was a wreck and we were under caution until there was only 18 min left. I got a green flag and raced for a whopping 18 minutes! I must say that the track was fun and the weather was beautiful though.

Our next adventure is the 6 Hour race at Virginia International Raceway. We are trying to raise funds to get there and run. I know the economy has been pretty bad lately but we are not looking for millions! If a few people put something towards it we can do it. I am the only out GLBT Pro in sports that is out and active! There has to be someone that wants to help support myself and the community! There is a paypal addy on my website and anything helps. If anyone has any ideas let me know as well.

My agent did not work out as he was too young and not ready for this type of career. He is smart and should do fine with more experience, but needs to finish school and get some seat time in the real world. If anyone knows of an agent or publicist that wants to try and grow with me I can be contacted thru here or my website (edarlingenterprises.com).

Fundraiser in Columbus

Hey there, I just finished a fundraiser in Columbus Ohio at a bar called Exile. If you are ever visiting this area check it out! It has a great mix of people in it and the bar was obviously just renovated. It looks like they have alot of improvements to come as well. I am going to Mid Ohio this weekend (I am actually here now) to network and keep my face fresh with the series. Still trying on the sponsor stuff. My agent, Elliot Rozenberg is working on some ideas to approach companies and I have great hope that we can do something. Thats all for now...

Doesn't look good

Well I really tried and I do not have enough funds to make Lime Rock. This is an expensive sport that I am trying to excel in but with no corporate support it will not happen. I put it all out on the line for our community and thought I was doing something good, but I guess I was too early to try this approach. I will continue to try but I doubt I will make many races with no support. I am going to keep approaching corporations and will keep you all informed. Thank you to all that have helped and supported me to this point. I do have an entry fee already paid for Lime Rock (thanks everyone from Faultline!) and I can transfer it to a future race. The travel expenses and funds needed to operate the car are just too much. Well its back to work for me and thanks again for the kind words of support and private help from you!

Daytona Grand Am Koni Challenge!

Well I begged borrowed stole raped and pillaged enough funds (and labor) to race at Daytona on January 25th in the Koni Challenge race. I need to thank Ruff Riders Clothing in Wilton Manors, FL, Chic Optique in Wilton Manors and Dr. Veronica Gipps in Fort Lauderdale for associate sponsorship of the GSM GTI! I need more sponsors to go to the rest of the races but at least I am making it to the first one! My co-driver in this event is Mary Katharine, a World Challenge veteran and great driver. I am not sure how many races she will be doing. This race will be televised on March 4th at 11:30AM on Speed Channel so lok for us! (#113 VW GTI ST Class and the car is white).

Representation

I am still looking for a sports agent or someone who can help with the procurement of sponsorship. I am a racer not a publicist or agent. I think I have done pretty good in teh publicist department with all my media as of late but I need a pro!

October Update

Well the Fireball Run was a blast! You can see how it went here: http://www.gaywheels.com/teamglam.htm We met some great people and did it for a great cause...missing children. Here is the website with more info: http://www.childrescuenetwork.org/ I am looking forward to next year and hopefully we will have the same level of sponsorship so we can perform again! We finished 2nd in Luxury class and 11th overall. Not bad considering we were in a totally stock Saab 9-3 Aero. I was able to manage a 7th place finish on the Houston track challenge against some pretty stout cars. The Saab is a great all around car that is every bit as capable as its competition on the track...and even better on the street!

I am still looking for sponsors for next years Grand Am schedule...any interested parties can contact me thru my website (which has a paypal button on it ;) ) I have a winning plan...just need interested parties to step forward and help make it happen! There are multiple demographics to be targeted with sponsorship so it should be easy to make that decision...and if a private sponsor wants to help I can put very worthy charities on the car as well! This is one way to help people feel good about themselves in our diverse lives!

Well I am off to Virginia International Raceway (VIR)way next month to race in the "Charge of the Headlight Brigade" 13 hour endurace race with GSM Motorsports trusty VW in hopes of victory!

GSM (German Speed Merchants) are based out of Wilmington, NC and own a great shop specializing in...German cars. They really work on everything but that is their specialty. They have turned out to be a very accepting team and are a group of great people. If you are ever in the area and need your car serviced I would highly reccomend this honest shop...a hard thing to come by these days!

Fireball Run!

I am running in the Fireball Run rally this year hoping to bring attention to missing children and many other causes. It is important for us as a community to try and do positive things for others to see.
Our missing child that we were assigned is Jacqueline Jara Castro. Jacqueline, along with her brother Jonathon, were last seen in Warner Robins, GA. They may be in the company of their non-custodial mother. Anyone with information should contact the Gwinnett County Police Dept. at 770.513.5100 or Child Rescue Network at 877.209.KIDS ext. 82. If you go to http://www.fireballrun.com/ and look for our team (Team G.L.A.M. #53) you can see a picture of her.
I am also looking for some smaller more affordable sponsorships. I am racing in a few high publicity club races in Virginia, Atlanta and Sebring this fall and would like to see some community support.

been a while!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post...I have been in NC working for Roar Racing. I put lots of time in to those cars setting up, testing and fixing to make them fast. I was hoping to get a ride with them for a race or 2 but I do not have the money to race them. The days are gone where hard work and talent get you rides...it takes money. Lots of money. I have left Roar and am looking for a job now as I can not go on living day to day wondering if I am going to be able to pay my bills. My savings ran out long ago and I am not a member of the lucky sperm club. I will continue to look for sponsors and promote myself but until I get one (a sponsor) racing is done. I have a few proposals out there and maybe we will make it happen and I have not lost hope...just need to concentrate on making a living.
Racing is a very expensive sport and I would tell anyone who wants to get into it (on a pro level) bring lots of money. As a tech or team mgr it is different but it will require lots of hard thankless work.