May 26, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode of 'Screen to Speed,' powered by INIT eSports, host Lyubov Ozeretskovskaya talks to Megan Mayer, a two-time NHRA World Champion drag racer. Megan shares her experiences growing up in a racing family, her early memories, and how she became a professional drag racer and setting a track record during the COVID-19 pandemic. Megan also delves into her transition from full-time racing to focusing on marketing and family life. She now runs the Motor Sports Marketing Tips Agency, helping racers with marketing, graphic design, and securing sponsorships. The discussion covers the uniqueness of drag racing, the importance of finding the right sponsors, and her upcoming plans. Megan's insights highlight the evolving role of women in motorsports and strategies for aspiring racers. So buckle up – Screen to Speed starts now!
===== (Oo---x---oO) =====
00:00 Meet Megan Meyer: Two-Time NHRA World Champion 01:12 Megan's Early Racing Memories 02:38 Going Pro and Winning Championships 20:22 Balancing Racing and Personal Life 22:35 Marketing Tips for Racers 26:57 Women in Drag Racing 29:27 Advice for New Drag Racers 30:48 Megan's Future Plans and Where to Find Her 32:45 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Messages====================
The Motoring Podcast Network : Years of racing, wrenching and Motorsports experience brings together a top notch collection of knowledge, stories and information. #everyonehasastory #gtmbreakfix - motoringpodcast.net
- More Information: https://www.motoringpodcast.net/
- Become a VIP at: https://www.patreon.com/gtmotorsports
- Online Magazine: https://www.gtmotorsports.org/
INIT eSports focuses on sim racing events and digital tournaments. They bring eSports content to fans and sponsorship opportunities to brands, while maximizing audience reach across multiple sports, industries, and platforms. INIT eSports is a woman-led company where Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility is in their DNA, and their platform aims to combat bullying and cheating to help make the eSports world as safe and fair as possible. To learn more, be sure to logon to www.initesports.gg today or follow them on social media @initesports, join their discord, check out their YouTube Channel, or follow their live content via Twitch.
Copyright INIT eSports. This content originally aired on the INIT Talks livestreams via Twitch. This episode is part of the Motoring Podcast Network and has been republished with permission.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to Screen to Speed,powered by Init eSports.
In this podcast, we dive into thejourneys of remarkable individuals
making waves in sim racing andbridging the virtual with the real.
From the thrill of digital circuits to theroar of real life racetracks, we explore
the passion, dedication, and innovationthat drives the world of motor sports.
(00:20):
We'll hear from athletes, creators,and pioneers sharing their stories,
insights, and the powerful ways simracing is connecting communities and
creating pathways into motor sports.
So buckle up Screen to speed starts now.
(00:49):
Hi everyone.
Welcome to Init Talks.
Uh, happy to see everybody here.
We got, uh, wonderful MeganMayer, uh, tonight with us.
Uh, she's a two time in each our.
A world champion.
Uh, welcome, Megan.
Thank you so much for taking yourtime and being with us today.
Yeah.
Thank you for having me on.
(01:10):
I'm excited to be here.
Yeah.
So let's start, you literally just,uh, grow up, uh, as a drag racer,
you know, from your childhood.
So, uh, tell me about your earliestmemories and how you actually get and
all this, uh, things started for you.
Yeah, so I was born intoit, uh, since day one.
(01:31):
My dad was racing, um, and hegot started when he was a kid
with, uh, his oldest brother.
So, um, and I have a little sister, sowe're second generation drag racers.
And, um, yeah, like I just instantlyloved it, you know, grew up at the
racetrack, watching my dad drive.
Um, my sister and I would help him workon the cars whenever he needed help.
(01:55):
Uh, you know, the race shop was justour garage, so, you know, we'd spend
nights and weekends out there working.
Um, and then when I was 10 yearsold, we got a junior dragster,
which is what the kids can race.
And um, my sister got one as well.
And yeah, we just loved it.
It was so much fun.
Even now, all the experience that I have,I still think that racing as a kid was the
(02:21):
most fun that I've ever had with racing.
Um, and just, you know, learning asyou go, of course, you know, there's
a lot of bad times and you don'twin every single race unfortunately.
Um, but yeah, it's still so much fun.
Um, and then from there, I just worked myway up through the ranks as I got older.
And then in 2016.
Teen was when I, uh,decided we went pro with it.
(02:46):
Um, and just with my dad's team andmy dad's car, and so he stepped out.
He's no longer driving.
I got to.
Step in and drive the car.
And I did it, uh, full-timefor five years and that's when
we won the two championships.
And, um, we've, we had a reallysuccessful career with it.
(03:07):
Um, and so now I just race part-time.
I just go for fun.
I don't do any competition anymore.
Mm-hmm.
Um, but yeah, just still tryto, still try to have that
competitive side with it when I can.
Uh, definitely when you're in childhood,you got really bright, uh, memories.
Yeah.
And, uh, bright experience,uh, can agree with you in this.
(03:30):
Uh, can you tell me more, uh, aboutthe, the first race, which you did,
and, uh, what emotions you get and, uh,what actually, uh, the most exciting
thing, uh, for you in drag racing?
Yeah, I do remember like myvery first race that I did, um.
And I, I remember it because I got secondplace at my first race, and then I won the
(03:57):
second race, which they were back to back.
Um, but that's only because there was likevery little cars that actually showed up.
So I didn't have like many cars to beat.
Um, but yeah, so instantly, youknow, I've just hooked because
I, I started off so well with it.
Um, and yeah, I feel like we had,you know, did pretty good with it.
Um, I also remember, I. With the carthat I raced professionally, which
(04:22):
is called Top Alcohol Dragster.
I do remember the firstrace that I did with that.
Um, it was actually 2015,so I know I said 2016.
Um, but the year before we were,for actually a few years, we were
going through the whole licensingprocess and what it takes, um, 'cause
you have to be able to go a certainspeed on the track before NHRA will.
(04:45):
Let you come race.
So we were just taking our time with thatbecause at that time I was in college
and um, you know, my dad and I agreedthat I wouldn't race until I was done
with school and got that outta the way.
And so we took our time with it.
Um, but actually the summer before Igraduated, 'cause I, I graduated in
(05:05):
December, um, the summer before, helet me do two races and they're just
the ones that were closest to home.
But it was cool because my dad also,those were his like, last two races
and I didn't know that at the time.
Mm-hmm.
Um, I thought my dad would keepdriving, um, but I didn't know he was
gonna completely step away from it.
(05:27):
But it was just coolbecause I got to race.
Um, with my dad, we didn't actuallyget to race against each other.
Mm-hmm.
Um, 'cause we do a ladder system and,um, so we weren't in the same brackets,
but if we both would've made it tothe final round, we would've met.
Um, but I fell out early.
He did make it to thefinals, but, um mm-hmm.
(05:48):
I didn't make it that far, but yeah.
So it's cool, like to be able to, that'sthe only time I've ever got to three.
With like, alongside my dad.
Um, so yeah, it's just cool to havethat memory even though, you know, we
didn't win the race or anything likethat, but, but yeah, it's just, you
know, I love doing it with my family.
I haven't raced with another team.
(06:10):
I've been fortunate enough for, um, wehave built up a good business with the
race team, so we are able to sustain it.
Um, and I know that's not alwaysthe case and it, it's very hard.
Um, and that's where having good sponsors.
Come in, really help students.
Um, but we also have amazing workon the curve that us good cars
(06:34):
to go and compete and race with.
Uh, it's just, it's, it's a lot of fun.
Uh, there's a lot of downtime'cause of drag racing.
It's super fast for short of time.
It's just everybody's just tinkering.
Trying to find that, you know, onelittle thing we can do just to make
the cars go faster the next time.
(06:55):
Because with drag racing, it'sall about speed and you wanna be
the first to the finish line, andeverybody's trying to just find that
that perfect tune up and the perfectparts to be able to make it go faster.
That's really cool that youhad opportunity to race,
uh, with your dad together.
I think it's a, you know,really warm, uh, moment for you.
I remember that race, uh, withmy dad in Kar when I started.
(07:17):
I was, uh, like in the, uh,junior class he was in, do.
Class and, uh, we'vebeen on track together.
That was really fun, uh, for us.
I know that you weren't just adriver, so you, uh, worked as
mehan and a photographer also.
So can you tell me more about thisand, uh, how this actually influenced
into your, uh, racing career?
(07:40):
Yeah, yeah.
So growing up when my dad raced, um,'cause back then it was just a part-time
thing, more of a hobby for him.
Um, it wasn't.
Actually a business, but we didhave a couple partners and, um,
so I had to learn marketing.
I had to learn how to take hispictures and videos and how to write
(08:02):
up press releases and send our resultsto our partners and friends and
family that wanna keep up to date.
And this was before we had social media.
Uh, we had a website.
But that was it.
And so I had to see thewebsite after every race.
And then, um, yeah, and then alsowe have to work on the cars too.
(08:23):
And so my sister really,uh, grew to like part of it.
So she went on to be, she'sa mechanical engineer.
And, uh, anytime she comes to theracetrack, she wants to work on the car.
She doesn't want to do anything else.
Whereas I took the side of themarketing role, the business side of it.
Mm-hmm.
The admin side.
And so, yeah, so like we complimenteach other really well, but we
(08:45):
definitely don't cross over and wecan't do the other referrals job.
Um, but yeah, so yeah, so that'sjust where I, I fell in love with.
The marketing, branding, um, social media.
'cause then that, you know, came later on.
Uh, yeah, I love all that side of it.
And, uh, graphic design, doingour shirts and, and videos
(09:07):
and all that type of stuff.
I find that fun.
That's really cool.
So you actually help your, your sister.
It's, it's really nice, uh, the, thewhole family in this, uh, racing.
It's really cool.
Um, yeah.
Can you tell me more about, uh, howyou fell in love with, uh, graphic
design and, uh, what are you doing,uh, right now in, uh, in this.
(09:31):
Yeah.
So, um, I really didn't knowanything about graphic design or
really anything about marketing.
It was just like kind of what I learnedworking with my dad and just what I
heard from what other people were doing.
And, uh, so it really wasn't till I got tocollege, I was able to, my first graphic
arts class, um, 'cause they didn't havethat in the high school that I went to.
(09:53):
'cause we went to a really small school.
And so yeah, I went to college knowingnothing about it, but I knew that
I wanted to learn graphic design'cause I knew it is something that
can help out with the race team.
That was my whole purpose.
Um, yeah, it actually, it led to,um, uh, this, that I have now.
(10:17):
I just did this stuff for our own team.
Um, but then a couple of friends would belike, Hey, can you make us a card or Can
you make us a t-shirt design, or, mm-hmm.
Can you help me with social media?
And so then I just was doingfreelance work on the side,
and I did that for, I. Oh gosh.
Um, I think like five, six years.
And then after that, um, you know,after working with a bunch of clients
(10:40):
and, and it was just growing yearafter year and working with a couple
other local businesses, um, too.
Um, then 2019, uh, was when I decided toget into more of the educational mm-hmm.
Part of it and do more.
Coaching and consulting.
So that's my main focus now.
Um, I've started up the Motor SportsMarketing Tips Agency and so we do both.
(11:05):
Um, we focus on the graphicdesign, the marketing needs.
Anything that I.
A driver or a race team needs, um, to helppromote their brand or build their brand.
Um, I wanna offer all those services,but then also if they need help with
social media management or, um, helpwith their content, or if they need help
(11:29):
and advice with how to get sponsors,um, we also offer that site as well.
So my dream one day is to have,um, a company where it can
just be a one stop shop where.
Any type of racer can come and we canhelp 'em with anything that they need.
Mm-hmm.
It's a really nice goal, I think, um,because, uh, definitely the social medias
(11:52):
is so, are so important, uh, nowadaysand, uh, for drivers to find their
sponsors to go in, uh, racing career.
Uh, let's jump back a little bitto, how was it for you to be.
Uh, the rookie of the year and,uh, win, uh, two championships.
(12:13):
Yeah.
Oh, that was so much fun.
Um, my rookie year, I won onerace, um, which is awesome.
But, you know, we went to alot of other races and, and we
actually had a really bad year.
Um, I, we blew up five motors,which we haven't done that.
And a really long time beforethat or after that, thankfully.
Um, but yeah, we just, we wentthrough a lot of parts that
(12:36):
year, had a lot of damage.
Um, but.
You know, it's just so cool because Iwas nominated to be the rookie driver of
the year, and um, so, you know, it's justreally honored to get an award like that.
Um, even though we didn't winthat many races, um, but still we
had, we had a lot of fun doing it.
(12:56):
Um, and then.
And then like, fast forward a fewyears winning the championship.
Um, it's just, it's cool to look backand see how much you've grown and
changed over the years, even thoughwe're always just like, go, go, go.
And, you know, we're doing the samething every single weekend, but you,
you know, you learn, you get fasterat some things, you get more efficient
(13:20):
and, um, and then, yeah, like justas a driver, like just learning, um.
I know, I like, think of it like just,you know, just like putting walls up and
not trying to let emotions get to you.
Um, not trying to let anothercompetitor try to mess me up,
like just get in the zone.
(13:41):
Mm-hmm.
And do my job.
And do the exact same thing every singletime because when the driver's consistent,
the tuner and the crew can make changeson the car and the motor mm-hmm.
And the tuneup to work around the driver.
Um, and it's like one thing now that wereally try to focus on, um, 'cause now
(14:03):
with my dad's team, we have a lot of newdrivers that come in and we coach 'em.
And we train 'em.
And, uh, usually they stay withus for a few years and then
they move on to other classes.
Um, yeah.
So we just try to make, like,teach them, Hey, you just
need to be deadly consistent.
Mm-hmm.
Every single time.
So that way it's everybodyelse's job easier.
(14:25):
Mm-hmm.
So actually just, uh, like in roadracing or in oval, like everywhere.
Uh, can you tell me more becauseI'm curious, uh, about drag racing.
Uh.
The, the reaction I thinkis also really important.
Yeah.
And you have to do this, uh, consistently.
Uh, so how the, the trainingactually looks for the driver
who's coming to the drag racing.
(14:48):
Yeah.
So it's, I. It's funny because it's verylittle training, um, with drag racing,
really, it's just all about seat time.
Um, and, and it's all aboutyour mental strength mm-hmm.
As well.
Um, because like I was saying, like you,like you, you can't let outside sources
affect you once you're inside the car.
(15:12):
And so yeah.
With drag racing, the driver's mostimportant job is to have a really good
reaction time and, and cut a light when.
It goes from yellow to green andum, you just got to train yourself
to stare at the light bulb and seelike, when it starts to fade out.
'cause that's when youwanna step on the gas.
(15:32):
Mm-hmm.
And, um, yeah, it's, it's reallyhard to train for that though.
So I will use, uh, blaze pods,which are these pods that light up.
And then there's an app on yourphone that you can set like different
sequences so you don't know, which.
Gonna light up.
So you gotta tap the one that does.
Um, I like to use those.
But, um, and, you know, it helpssharpen your skill, but there's
(15:56):
nothing that compares to actuallybeing in a car while it's running.
Mm-hmm.
Having, you know, the vibrations,your heart is racing, um, you
know, you might be stressedout, you got adrenaline pumping.
Um.
And, you know, you're worriedabout beating someone else.
Like, there's just nothing thatcompares to when you're in that zone.
(16:16):
Um, so we really, like in dragracing, there's really not much
practicing or training that you can do.
Um, you know, you just needto be overall fit and healthy.
Um, but other than that,honestly, it's just about getting
as much seat time as you can.
So just, uh, to get used to the speedand, uh, vibrations and everything
(16:37):
and be actually focus on only onthe car and only on lights, uh, to,
to do everything in time, right?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And with drag racing,you only got one shot.
Mm-hmm.
So if you mess up, then you lose,um, there's not another lap that
you can do, you can't restart three.
(16:58):
So yeah, you've just gotta.
A hundred percent every singletime you get into the car.
'cause you only get one shot.
Mm-hmm.
Uh, so talking about, uh, this one shot,so you're breaking in, longstanding
and then Shere, uh, track record.
So tell me more about this.
How'd that feel?
And, uh, what did you do in this day?
(17:20):
Yeah.
Yeah.
So that was, um, during one ofthe biggest races of the year.
It's like our SuperBowl race that we go to.
Uh, but then also it wasduring COVID and so, mm-hmm.
You know, it's kind of.
Like we were in thelater half of the season.
Um, but still, you know,everybody's gotta wear masks.
(17:40):
We gotta all stand apart.
There's not very many fans there.
Um, and so, you know, it's just differentbeing at the track when it's like that.
Uh, but yeah, we just, we ended up havinglike the absolute perfect conditions with.
Weather with the track,with how the car was set up.
(18:01):
Um, and thankfully Driver didher job and didn't mess up.
Um, yeah, it was duringeliminations and I had no idea.
Um, like I know obviously we tryto set the car up to be as fast as
possible, but that was, uh, very like.
A lot more speed than what we normally do.
And so I, you know, I, Ijust didn't see it coming.
(18:23):
Uh, and honestly, I didn't knowexactly how fast we went until
I was able to get off the track.
And then what we do is we havetime slips that are printed.
And so the guys, whenever the crewguys come from the starting line to
where we're at, at the very end of thetrack, they pick up that time slip.
(18:46):
And bring it to the driver at the end.
So I have to just sit there and wait.
I don't know what my time was like.
I know I won because Ican see the wind light.
Um, but I don't know how fast I wentor anything of the details of the race.
And also it was.
Very laid out.
So a lot of the track staffhad already left and gone home.
(19:07):
Um, there wasn't any like TV crew therelike, 'cause there was already, I believe
there was like, like a rainstorm thatcame in so everything got pushed back
and so a lot of people left and so, yeah.
So there wasn't verymany people at the track.
And then we just like set theworld record and then there's
like nobody there to see it.
So thankfully, you know, there was like alittle bit of, you know, people recording
(19:31):
on their phones and stuff like that.
Uh, but yeah, it's just like, Ididn't believe it because the car
fell fast, but it, it didn't feel likeit was like a crazy amount faster.
Mm-hmm.
Um, I just knew it was longer to run.
So once they told me.
The record is 5 0 9 and um, andyeah, we're just like, what?
(19:51):
Like no idea.
So yeah, we had, we had a goodcelebration that night, but couldn't
stay up too late because we stillhad to keep racing the next day.
Mm-hmm.
That's nice, but which we did endup winning, so, which was awesome.
Oh, it's, it's, it's really cool that, uh,everybody like, okay, we're going home.
(20:12):
And you set the world record at thetime and, uh, yeah, that's, uh, yeah,
all.
I think after this.
Uh, so you won two, uh, championships andyou decided to stay step away from racing
and, uh, focus on marriage and motherhood.
Um, how was it to makethis, uh, decision for you?
(20:35):
Was it hard to, to like, uh, stop racingand, uh, do different thing for you?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, it honestly was not a harddecision, which I know, kind.
Um, but I was just getting burnt outon all the traveling, um, you know,
(20:55):
media sponsor stuff, all this stuff.
It just takes a toll on you whenyou're doing it just nonstop.
And this was five years in with my.
Professional career, but total it waslike, um, I think it was like 15, maybe
more years that I had been racing nonstop.
And so I was ready for a break.
Um, and then, yeah, like trying tohave a serious relationship at home
(21:18):
when you're gone all the time is reallyhard trying to date long distance.
And so, um, I, you know.
For the sake of our relationshipthat I needed to be home, I
needed to step away from racing.
And at the time I was just, youknow, I was ready to take a break.
And, um, so yeah, so it wasn'ta hard decision for me and,
(21:39):
um, I don't regret it at all.
We've got, I. An amazing familyand, um, but yeah, so we're just
slowly trying to get back into it.
But like I said, I'm not doinganything super competitive.
Mm-hmm.
Um, just the like reallyfun races that we go to.
Um, the guys let me hopback in the car when I can.
(22:00):
Yeah.
You know, it's really nice that you,uh, decided to change your focus and
you actually take it easy, uh, becausefor some people, you know, to stop
racing and do something different,like jump into motherhood or like.
Some other stuff as well.
Uh, it can be really hard decision,uh, because, uh, this is what
(22:21):
you're doing the whole life Yes.
From childhoods and, uh, it'sreally nice that you decided
that, okay, like I, I can do this.
And, uh, then you just jump intomarketing and, uh, and doing it right now.
Um, so can you tell me, uh, yeah, aswe're talking about the marketing, uh,
what the biggest mistakes which yousee, uh, drivers doing to not reach
(22:45):
their sponsors and teams as well.
So what they actually can make, uh,better, uh, to bring, uh, those important
sponsors into their, uh, careers.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Well, there's, there's a lot.
Um, but really it's allabout your strategy.
And so, um, most racers think thatthey can offer, you know, hey, most
(23:10):
companies just want the exposureand the advertisement, and that's
really not the case anymore.
Um.
Advertising is really cheap rightnow, and so if a company wants an
advertisement, well they could goand get it themselves somewhere.
Mm-hmm.
Whether that's on, youknow, social media or.
Traditional or TV or streaming oranything like that, there's a lot of
(23:34):
different avenues and it's pretty cheap.
So, um, you know, back in theday that was the case, but that's
really not the case right now.
And so adver, the advertising part ofit, um, has really decreased in value.
But what's more important is therelationships that you build.
Mm-hmm.
Um, networking, being able toactually be an extension of a
(23:56):
company's marketing departmentsand not just advertise for them.
So trying to sell their products,going to events that they don't
normally go to, try to sample.
Products, um, anything like that.
And, um, the biggest challenge that Isee with racers is that they're, you
(24:17):
know, they're struggling with that,but then also they're not reaching
out to the right companies either.
Mm-hmm.
Um, sometimes it's, Hey, yousee this company sponsor another
racer, and you think, oh, well.
They've got money to sponsor them.
They should have money to sponsor me.
Um, but you don't know exactly why theysponsored that racer, you might think.
(24:40):
Mm-hmm.
Oh, you know, they justwanted the advertising.
Or maybe it's just a friend orsomething like that, but some, something
deeper and there might actually be abusiness deal going on there as well.
So.
There's not a, a company's gotgonna be the perfect fit for
every racer that's out there.
So you need to find the onesthat are the perfect fit for you.
And, um, actually I'm gonna be hostinga free event where I'm gonna teach
(25:06):
racers about this, and so I haven't,I. Told anyone about this yet, so
you're one of the first ones to know.
Um, but yeah, it's, it's, it'sa prospecting challenge that I'm
gonna host and I'll work with you.
It's five long event, um, just virtually.
And so we'll meet every day justfor a couple minutes and I'll help.
Work with the racers and, um, show themexactly, hey, these, these are the steps
(25:31):
that you should follow to find those rightcompanies first, because it's a lot easier
when you find maybe 10, 20, 30 companiesthat would, would be a really good fit.
Mm-hmm.
Versus trying to reach out to ahundred different companies that
they're never gonna get back to you.
Right.
Mm-hmm.
(25:54):
Challenge, it's totally free to do.
It's just gonna be on Zoom and then wehave a Facebook group with it as well.
But if anyone wants more information,um, they can just go to motorsports
marketing tips.com/challenge and allthe information is there and they can
register for free there if they want to.
It's nice.
(26:14):
Uh, so guys, don't forgetto join this and, uh.
Gain some new experience, uh, newskills, uh, for your, uh, career.
Um, yeah, I think that, uh, you know,reaching big companies with big names,
it can be really hard sometimes.
And, uh, as you said, yeah, you,you can reach like 20, 30, uh,
(26:36):
companies and it will be like.
Better and, uh, more effective,uh, by the end of the day.
And, um, I think I agree with you.
And also we can see in nascar, forexample, we can see that on cars,
uh, a lot of, uh, little sponsors.
Yeah.
And, uh, I think it's,uh, really working well.
Um.
(26:57):
Speaking about, uh, being the female,uh, drag racer, uh, in this industry.
So how do you feel?
Do you feel any pressure,anything like this on you to
being the women, uh, in this one?
So there's really notthat much in drag racing.
(27:19):
And I think that's because it'sjust become more normal mm-hmm.
To have female drivers against the males.
And it's just been happening for a lotlonger than it has in other motor sports.
So, um, I feel like drag racing does havekind of that advantage over other sports,
but you know, we lack in some other areas.
Um, but yeah, it's just, I've.
(27:40):
I've been able to watch somany amazing women race mm-hmm.
Before me and stuff.
And um, yeah.
I just see it growing more and moreeach day and it's really cool to
especially see little girls that aregetting into it and it's like, oh yeah.
Like I was, I was a little girl,you know, just getting into
racing one day and so, yeah.
So we always try to encourage 'em.
(28:02):
Um.
But what's awesome is the males thatwe race against, there's not too much,
um, you know, prejudice against us.
Like they do kind of treat us likethey're allies or like we're equal
competitors because we know it's moreabout the car that you're driving
versus the driver that's in the car.
(28:23):
Mm-hmm.
Um, and so, yeah, so like.
Performance is all about the car.
Um, you know, the driver of coursehas to do their job and get a good
reaction time, but other than that,like the car's doing all the work.
So, um, so yeah, so I feel likethere's not too much, um, you know,
we're not treated very differently.
Um, whereas like I, I know in othermotorsports that's not the case.
(28:46):
Mm-hmm.
And so, yeah, I feel like.
With drag racing, uh, we're just kindof have had that, um, for a longer time
to be able to get to where we are now.
I think there's a goal for like roadracing and for ovals and, uh, the
rest, uh, racing categories to reachthis level to, um, have girls like
(29:07):
on the same level as, uh, as boys.
And, uh, here's no difference, like, uh.
That we can be equal in this.
And that's really cool that it'shappening already in drag racing.
Um, so probably we gotta hope forother racing categories as well.
Um, yeah.
So what advice, uh, would you giveto, uh, anyone who's entering the
(29:32):
drag racing from your side to Yeah.
Um, good question.
Um.
I would say for someone that'snew, um, you know, don't, don't
be afraid to ask questions.
Um, really everyone at thetrack is usually really
friendly and can help you out.
(29:54):
Um, whether you need parts orequipment, you know, anything like that.
I feel like, um, you know,we're all pretty open and, and
willing to help new people.
Um.
But also I would say like.
Yeah, I mean, just like, you know,you find your group and um, you stick
(30:15):
together and help each other out.
And, uh, it's, you know, it's funner whenyou're racing with friends and you've
got your group, your community there atthe racetrack versus when you're alone.
'cause um, I have tried to stepout into other motor sports
and I have felt alone and.
Lost and didn't know what I wasdoing and it didn't stick with it.
So, um, so yeah, so just beingable to like find that group that
(30:38):
you, um, really connect with can besuper helpful, um, for when you're
starting out and for longevity.
That's really nice.
Um, and, uh, can you tell me aboutyour plans for this year and upcoming
years and also where our viewerscan find you online and, uh, also
(30:59):
jump into your courses and, uh, likecommunicate with you in social medias?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well I have done one race thisyear, which was, um, two weeks ago.
And then I will be doing, um, twomore races later on this summer.
Um, so I'm very excited for that.
And then, um, my little sister is goingto come and compete with me, which she
(31:24):
has had a few years off 'cause she's also.
Pursued marriage and motherhood uhhuh.
And so this will be her firsttime coming back in a few years.
So excited to have her back.
But also, um, she, it's funny, likeshe's my favorite person to race against
because we do a lot of mind games andlike, you know, we're always trying to
(31:46):
mess each other up as much as we can.
And so it makes it likefun and competitive.
Mm-hmm.
Even though.
And then it's like, you know, someoneloses at the end of the day and
then it's like they're all pissy andyou know, then you gotta deal with.
That.
But um, but yeah, so it's, it's fun.
Um, yeah, so we'll be doing that thissummer and then, uh, yeah, anyone can
(32:09):
find me on Instagram and Facebook atMegan Meyer Racing, and then you can go
to, um, Motorsports Marketing Tips isalso on Instagram and Facebook, and I
like to, I try to do as much as I canthere, just giving out free advice.
Whether it's about social mediaor marketing or sponsorships.
So you can check out the videosand posts that I have there.
(32:30):
And then on my website I have a blog.
Um, we also have templatesand courses there.
Um, so yeah, so just depending onwhere you need help with, um, you
know, hopefully we have somethingthat could help out the racers.
Hmm.
Awesome.
Amazing.
Uh, thank you so muchMegan, for being with us.
Uh, you're absolutely amazing.
I wish you good luck in your, uh,marketing way and, uh, to help other
(32:54):
drivers to grow in the drag racing.
Uh, thank you so much.
Yeah, thank you so much for having me.
It's been great.
Really appreciate it.
Yeah, guys, thank you so much watching.
Uh, we'll see you next time.
Thank you.
Bye-bye.
(33:19):
Innate eSports focuses on SIM racingevents in digital tournaments.
They bring eSports content to fans andsponsorship opportunities to brands
while maximizing audience reach acrossmultiple sports industries and platforms.
eSports is a woman-led company wherediversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility is in their DNA andtheir platform aims to combat bullying
(33:41):
and cheating to help make the eSportsworld as safe and fair as possible.
To learn more, be sure to log ontowww.initesports.gg or follow them
on social media at init eSports.
Join their discord, check outtheir YouTube channel, or follow
their live content via switch.
This episode has been brought to youby Grand Touring Motorsports as part
(34:02):
of our Motoring Podcast network.
For more episodes like this, tune in eachweek for more exciting and educational
content from organizations like TheExotic Car Marketplace, the Motoring
Historian, break Fixx, and many others.
If you'd like to support GrandTouring Motor Sports and the Motoring
Podcast Network, sign up for oneof our many sponsorship tiers at
www.patreon.com/gt Motorsports.
(34:25):
Please note that the content,opinions and materials presented and
expressed in this episode are thoseof its creator, and this episode has
been published with their consent.
If you have any inquiries about thisprogram, please contact the creators
of this episode via email or socialmedia as mentioned in the episode.
Welcome to Screen to Speed,powered by Init eSports.
In this podcast, we dive into thejourneys of remarkable individuals
making waves in sim racing andbridging the virtual with the real.
From the thrill of digital circuits to theroar of real life racetracks, we explore
the passion, dedication, and innovationthat drives the world of motor sports.
(00:20):
We'll hear from athletes, creators,and pioneers sharing their stories,
insights, and the powerful ways simracing is connecting communities and
creating pathways into motor sports.
So buckle up Screen to speed starts now.
(00:49):
Hi everyone.
Welcome to Init Talks.
Uh, happy to see everybody here.
We got, uh, wonderful MeganMayer, uh, tonight with us.
Uh, she's a two time in each our.
A world champion.
Uh, welcome, Megan.
Thank you so much for taking yourtime and being with us today.
Yeah.
Thank you for having me on.
(01:10):
I'm excited to be here.
Yeah.
So let's start, you literally just,uh, grow up, uh, as a drag racer,
you know, from your childhood.
So, uh, tell me about your earliestmemories and how you actually get and
all this, uh, things started for you.
Yeah, so I was born intoit, uh, since day one.
(01:31):
My dad was racing, um, and hegot started when he was a kid
with, uh, his oldest brother.
So, um, and I have a little sister, sowe're second generation drag racers.
And, um, yeah, like I just instantlyloved it, you know, grew up at the
racetrack, watching my dad drive.
Um, my sister and I would help him workon the cars whenever he needed help.
(01:55):
Uh, you know, the race shop was justour garage, so, you know, we'd spend
nights and weekends out there working.
Um, and then when I was 10 yearsold, we got a junior dragster,
which is what the kids can race.
And um, my sister got one as well.
And yeah, we just loved it.
It was so much fun.
Even now, all the experience that I have,I still think that racing as a kid was the
(02:21):
most fun that I've ever had with racing.
Um, and just, you know, learning asyou go, of course, you know, there's
a lot of bad times and you don'twin every single race unfortunately.
Um, but yeah, it's still so much fun.
Um, and then from there, I just worked myway up through the ranks as I got older.
And then in 2016.
Teen was when I, uh,decided we went pro with it.
(02:46):
Um, and just with my dad's team andmy dad's car, and so he stepped out.
He's no longer driving.
I got to.
Step in and drive the car.
And I did it, uh, full-timefor five years and that's when
we won the two championships.
And, um, we've, we had a reallysuccessful career with it.
(03:07):
Um, and so now I just race part-time.
I just go for fun.
I don't do any competition anymore.
Mm-hmm.
Um, but yeah, just still tryto, still try to have that
competitive side with it when I can.
Uh, definitely when you're in childhood,you got really bright, uh, memories.
Yeah.
And, uh, bright experience,uh, can agree with you in this.
(03:30):
Uh, can you tell me more, uh, aboutthe, the first race, which you did,
and, uh, what emotions you get and, uh,what actually, uh, the most exciting
thing, uh, for you in drag racing?
Yeah, I do remember like myvery first race that I did, um.
And I, I remember it because I got secondplace at my first race, and then I won the
(03:57):
second race, which they were back to back.
Um, but that's only because there was likevery little cars that actually showed up.
So I didn't have like many cars to beat.
Um, but yeah, so instantly, youknow, I've just hooked because
I, I started off so well with it.
Um, and yeah, I feel like we had,you know, did pretty good with it.
Um, I also remember, I. With the carthat I raced professionally, which
(04:22):
is called Top Alcohol Dragster.
I do remember the firstrace that I did with that.
Um, it was actually 2015,so I know I said 2016.
Um, but the year before we were,for actually a few years, we were
going through the whole licensingprocess and what it takes, um, 'cause
you have to be able to go a certainspeed on the track before NHRA will.
(04:45):
Let you come race.
So we were just taking our time with thatbecause at that time I was in college
and um, you know, my dad and I agreedthat I wouldn't race until I was done
with school and got that outta the way.
And so we took our time with it.
Um, but actually the summer before Igraduated, 'cause I, I graduated in
(05:05):
December, um, the summer before, helet me do two races and they're just
the ones that were closest to home.
But it was cool because my dad also,those were his like, last two races
and I didn't know that at the time.
Mm-hmm.
Um, I thought my dad would keepdriving, um, but I didn't know he was
gonna completely step away from it.
(05:27):
But it was just coolbecause I got to race.
Um, with my dad, we didn't actuallyget to race against each other.
Mm-hmm.
Um, 'cause we do a ladder system and,um, so we weren't in the same brackets,
but if we both would've made it tothe final round, we would've met.
Um, but I fell out early.
He did make it to thefinals, but, um mm-hmm.
(05:48):
I didn't make it that far, but yeah.
So it's cool, like to be able to, that'sthe only time I've ever got to three.
With like, alongside my dad.
Um, so yeah, it's just cool to havethat memory even though, you know, we
didn't win the race or anything likethat, but, but yeah, it's just, you
know, I love doing it with my family.
I haven't raced with another team.
(06:10):
I've been fortunate enough for, um, wehave built up a good business with the
race team, so we are able to sustain it.
Um, and I know that's not alwaysthe case and it, it's very hard.
Um, and that's where having good sponsors.
Come in, really help students.
Um, but we also have amazing workon the curve that us good cars
(06:34):
to go and compete and race with.
Uh, it's just, it's, it's a lot of fun.
Uh, there's a lot of downtime'cause of drag racing.
It's super fast for short of time.
It's just everybody's just tinkering.
Trying to find that, you know, onelittle thing we can do just to make
the cars go faster the next time.
(06:55):
Because with drag racing, it'sall about speed and you wanna be
the first to the finish line, andeverybody's trying to just find that
that perfect tune up and the perfectparts to be able to make it go faster.
That's really cool that youhad opportunity to race,
uh, with your dad together.
I think it's a, you know,really warm, uh, moment for you.
I remember that race, uh, withmy dad in Kar when I started.
(07:17):
I was, uh, like in the, uh,junior class he was in, do.
Class and, uh, we'vebeen on track together.
That was really fun, uh, for us.
I know that you weren't just adriver, so you, uh, worked as
mehan and a photographer also.
So can you tell me more about thisand, uh, how this actually influenced
into your, uh, racing career?
(07:40):
Yeah, yeah.
So growing up when my dad raced, um,'cause back then it was just a part-time
thing, more of a hobby for him.
Um, it wasn't.
Actually a business, but we didhave a couple partners and, um,
so I had to learn marketing.
I had to learn how to take hispictures and videos and how to write
(08:02):
up press releases and send our resultsto our partners and friends and
family that wanna keep up to date.
And this was before we had social media.
Uh, we had a website.
But that was it.
And so I had to see thewebsite after every race.
And then, um, yeah, and then alsowe have to work on the cars too.
(08:23):
And so my sister really,uh, grew to like part of it.
So she went on to be, she'sa mechanical engineer.
And, uh, anytime she comes to theracetrack, she wants to work on the car.
She doesn't want to do anything else.
Whereas I took the side of themarketing role, the business side of it.
Mm-hmm.
The admin side.
And so, yeah, so like we complimenteach other really well, but we
(08:45):
definitely don't cross over and wecan't do the other referrals job.
Um, but yeah, so yeah, so that'sjust where I, I fell in love with.
The marketing, branding, um, social media.
'cause then that, you know, came later on.
Uh, yeah, I love all that side of it.
And, uh, graphic design, doingour shirts and, and videos
(09:07):
and all that type of stuff.
I find that fun.
That's really cool.
So you actually help your, your sister.
It's, it's really nice, uh, the, thewhole family in this, uh, racing.
It's really cool.
Um, yeah.
Can you tell me more about, uh, howyou fell in love with, uh, graphic
design and, uh, what are you doing,uh, right now in, uh, in this.
(09:31):
Yeah.
So, um, I really didn't knowanything about graphic design or
really anything about marketing.
It was just like kind of what I learnedworking with my dad and just what I
heard from what other people were doing.
And, uh, so it really wasn't till I got tocollege, I was able to, my first graphic
arts class, um, 'cause they didn't havethat in the high school that I went to.
(09:53):
'cause we went to a really small school.
And so yeah, I went to college knowingnothing about it, but I knew that
I wanted to learn graphic design'cause I knew it is something that
can help out with the race team.
That was my whole purpose.
Um, yeah, it actually, it led to,um, uh, this, that I have now.
(10:17):
I just did this stuff for our own team.
Um, but then a couple of friends would belike, Hey, can you make us a card or Can
you make us a t-shirt design, or, mm-hmm.
Can you help me with social media?
And so then I just was doingfreelance work on the side,
and I did that for, I. Oh gosh.
Um, I think like five, six years.
And then after that, um, you know,after working with a bunch of clients
(10:40):
and, and it was just growing yearafter year and working with a couple
other local businesses, um, too.
Um, then 2019, uh, was when I decided toget into more of the educational mm-hmm.
Part of it and do more.
Coaching and consulting.
So that's my main focus now.
Um, I've started up the Motor SportsMarketing Tips Agency and so we do both.
(11:05):
Um, we focus on the graphicdesign, the marketing needs.
Anything that I.
A driver or a race team needs, um, to helppromote their brand or build their brand.
Um, I wanna offer all those services,but then also if they need help with
social media management or, um, helpwith their content, or if they need help
(11:29):
and advice with how to get sponsors,um, we also offer that site as well.
So my dream one day is to have,um, a company where it can
just be a one stop shop where.
Any type of racer can come and we canhelp 'em with anything that they need.
Mm-hmm.
It's a really nice goal, I think, um,because, uh, definitely the social medias
(11:52):
is so, are so important, uh, nowadaysand, uh, for drivers to find their
sponsors to go in, uh, racing career.
Uh, let's jump back a little bitto, how was it for you to be.
Uh, the rookie of the year and,uh, win, uh, two championships.
(12:13):
Yeah.
Oh, that was so much fun.
Um, my rookie year, I won onerace, um, which is awesome.
But, you know, we went to alot of other races and, and we
actually had a really bad year.
Um, I, we blew up five motors,which we haven't done that.
And a really long time beforethat or after that, thankfully.
Um, but yeah, we just, we wentthrough a lot of parts that
(12:36):
year, had a lot of damage.
Um, but.
You know, it's just so cool because Iwas nominated to be the rookie driver of
the year, and um, so, you know, it's justreally honored to get an award like that.
Um, even though we didn't winthat many races, um, but still we
had, we had a lot of fun doing it.
(12:56):
Um, and then.
And then like, fast forward a fewyears winning the championship.
Um, it's just, it's cool to look backand see how much you've grown and
changed over the years, even thoughwe're always just like, go, go, go.
And, you know, we're doing the samething every single weekend, but you,
you know, you learn, you get fasterat some things, you get more efficient
(13:20):
and, um, and then, yeah, like justas a driver, like just learning, um.
I know, I like, think of it like just,you know, just like putting walls up and
not trying to let emotions get to you.
Um, not trying to let anothercompetitor try to mess me up,
like just get in the zone.
(13:41):
Mm-hmm.
And do my job.
And do the exact same thing every singletime because when the driver's consistent,
the tuner and the crew can make changeson the car and the motor mm-hmm.
And the tuneup to work around the driver.
Um, and it's like one thing now that wereally try to focus on, um, 'cause now
(14:03):
with my dad's team, we have a lot of newdrivers that come in and we coach 'em.
And we train 'em.
And, uh, usually they stay withus for a few years and then
they move on to other classes.
Um, yeah.
So we just try to make, like,teach them, Hey, you just
need to be deadly consistent.
Mm-hmm.
Every single time.
So that way it's everybodyelse's job easier.
(14:25):
Mm-hmm.
So actually just, uh, like in roadracing or in oval, like everywhere.
Uh, can you tell me more becauseI'm curious, uh, about drag racing.
Uh.
The, the reaction I thinkis also really important.
Yeah.
And you have to do this, uh, consistently.
Uh, so how the, the trainingactually looks for the driver
who's coming to the drag racing.
(14:48):
Yeah.
So it's, I. It's funny because it's verylittle training, um, with drag racing,
really, it's just all about seat time.
Um, and, and it's all aboutyour mental strength mm-hmm.
As well.
Um, because like I was saying, like you,like you, you can't let outside sources
affect you once you're inside the car.
(15:12):
And so yeah.
With drag racing, the driver's mostimportant job is to have a really good
reaction time and, and cut a light when.
It goes from yellow to green andum, you just got to train yourself
to stare at the light bulb and seelike, when it starts to fade out.
'cause that's when youwanna step on the gas.
(15:32):
Mm-hmm.
And, um, yeah, it's, it's reallyhard to train for that though.
So I will use, uh, blaze pods,which are these pods that light up.
And then there's an app on yourphone that you can set like different
sequences so you don't know, which.
Gonna light up.
So you gotta tap the one that does.
Um, I like to use those.
But, um, and, you know, it helpssharpen your skill, but there's
(15:56):
nothing that compares to actuallybeing in a car while it's running.
Mm-hmm.
Having, you know, the vibrations,your heart is racing, um, you
know, you might be stressedout, you got adrenaline pumping.
Um.
And, you know, you're worriedabout beating someone else.
Like, there's just nothing thatcompares to when you're in that zone.
(16:16):
Um, so we really, like in dragracing, there's really not much
practicing or training that you can do.
Um, you know, you just needto be overall fit and healthy.
Um, but other than that,honestly, it's just about getting
as much seat time as you can.
So just, uh, to get used to the speedand, uh, vibrations and everything
(16:37):
and be actually focus on only onthe car and only on lights, uh, to,
to do everything in time, right?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And with drag racing,you only got one shot.
Mm-hmm.
So if you mess up, then you lose,um, there's not another lap that
you can do, you can't restart three.
(16:58):
So yeah, you've just gotta.
A hundred percent every singletime you get into the car.
'cause you only get one shot.
Mm-hmm.
Uh, so talking about, uh, this one shot,so you're breaking in, longstanding
and then Shere, uh, track record.
So tell me more about this.
How'd that feel?
And, uh, what did you do in this day?
(17:20):
Yeah.
Yeah.
So that was, um, during one ofthe biggest races of the year.
It's like our SuperBowl race that we go to.
Uh, but then also it wasduring COVID and so, mm-hmm.
You know, it's kind of.
Like we were in thelater half of the season.
Um, but still, you know,everybody's gotta wear masks.
(17:40):
We gotta all stand apart.
There's not very many fans there.
Um, and so, you know, it's just differentbeing at the track when it's like that.
Uh, but yeah, we just, we ended up havinglike the absolute perfect conditions with.
Weather with the track,with how the car was set up.
(18:01):
Um, and thankfully Driver didher job and didn't mess up.
Um, yeah, it was duringeliminations and I had no idea.
Um, like I know obviously we tryto set the car up to be as fast as
possible, but that was, uh, very like.
A lot more speed than what we normally do.
And so I, you know, I, Ijust didn't see it coming.
(18:23):
Uh, and honestly, I didn't knowexactly how fast we went until
I was able to get off the track.
And then what we do is we havetime slips that are printed.
And so the guys, whenever the crewguys come from the starting line to
where we're at, at the very end of thetrack, they pick up that time slip.
(18:46):
And bring it to the driver at the end.
So I have to just sit there and wait.
I don't know what my time was like.
I know I won because Ican see the wind light.
Um, but I don't know how fast I wentor anything of the details of the race.
And also it was.
Very laid out.
So a lot of the track staffhad already left and gone home.
(19:07):
Um, there wasn't any like TV crew therelike, 'cause there was already, I believe
there was like, like a rainstorm thatcame in so everything got pushed back
and so a lot of people left and so, yeah.
So there wasn't verymany people at the track.
And then we just like set theworld record and then there's
like nobody there to see it.
So thankfully, you know, there was like alittle bit of, you know, people recording
(19:31):
on their phones and stuff like that.
Uh, but yeah, it's just like, Ididn't believe it because the car
fell fast, but it, it didn't feel likeit was like a crazy amount faster.
Mm-hmm.
Um, I just knew it was longer to run.
So once they told me.
The record is 5 0 9 and um, andyeah, we're just like, what?
(19:51):
Like no idea.
So yeah, we had, we had a goodcelebration that night, but couldn't
stay up too late because we stillhad to keep racing the next day.
Mm-hmm.
That's nice, but which we did endup winning, so, which was awesome.
Oh, it's, it's, it's really cool that, uh,everybody like, okay, we're going home.
(20:12):
And you set the world record at thetime and, uh, yeah, that's, uh, yeah,
all.
I think after this.
Uh, so you won two, uh, championships andyou decided to stay step away from racing
and, uh, focus on marriage and motherhood.
Um, how was it to makethis, uh, decision for you?
(20:35):
Was it hard to, to like, uh, stop racingand, uh, do different thing for you?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, it honestly was not a harddecision, which I know, kind.
Um, but I was just getting burnt outon all the traveling, um, you know,
(20:55):
media sponsor stuff, all this stuff.
It just takes a toll on you whenyou're doing it just nonstop.
And this was five years in with my.
Professional career, but total it waslike, um, I think it was like 15, maybe
more years that I had been racing nonstop.
And so I was ready for a break.
Um, and then, yeah, like trying tohave a serious relationship at home
(21:18):
when you're gone all the time is reallyhard trying to date long distance.
And so, um, I, you know.
For the sake of our relationshipthat I needed to be home, I
needed to step away from racing.
And at the time I was just, youknow, I was ready to take a break.
And, um, so yeah, so it wasn'ta hard decision for me and,
(21:39):
um, I don't regret it at all.
We've got, I. An amazing familyand, um, but yeah, so we're just
slowly trying to get back into it.
But like I said, I'm not doinganything super competitive.
Mm-hmm.
Um, just the like reallyfun races that we go to.
Um, the guys let me hopback in the car when I can.
(22:00):
Yeah.
You know, it's really nice that you,uh, decided to change your focus and
you actually take it easy, uh, becausefor some people, you know, to stop
racing and do something different,like jump into motherhood or like.
Some other stuff as well.
Uh, it can be really hard decision,uh, because, uh, this is what
(22:21):
you're doing the whole life Yes.
From childhoods and, uh, it'sreally nice that you decided
that, okay, like I, I can do this.
And, uh, then you just jump intomarketing and, uh, and doing it right now.
Um, so can you tell me, uh, yeah, aswe're talking about the marketing, uh,
what the biggest mistakes which yousee, uh, drivers doing to not reach
(22:45):
their sponsors and teams as well.
So what they actually can make, uh,better, uh, to bring, uh, those important
sponsors into their, uh, careers.
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Well, there's, there's a lot.
Um, but really it's allabout your strategy.
And so, um, most racers think thatthey can offer, you know, hey, most
(23:10):
companies just want the exposureand the advertisement, and that's
really not the case anymore.
Um.
Advertising is really cheap rightnow, and so if a company wants an
advertisement, well they could goand get it themselves somewhere.
Mm-hmm.
Whether that's on, youknow, social media or.
Traditional or TV or streaming oranything like that, there's a lot of
(23:34):
different avenues and it's pretty cheap.
So, um, you know, back in theday that was the case, but that's
really not the case right now.
And so adver, the advertising part ofit, um, has really decreased in value.
But what's more important is therelationships that you build.
Mm-hmm.
Um, networking, being able toactually be an extension of a
(23:56):
company's marketing departmentsand not just advertise for them.
So trying to sell their products,going to events that they don't
normally go to, try to sample.
Products, um, anything like that.
And, um, the biggest challenge that Isee with racers is that they're, you
(24:17):
know, they're struggling with that,but then also they're not reaching
out to the right companies either.
Mm-hmm.
Um, sometimes it's, Hey, yousee this company sponsor another
racer, and you think, oh, well.
They've got money to sponsor them.
They should have money to sponsor me.
Um, but you don't know exactly why theysponsored that racer, you might think.
(24:40):
Mm-hmm.
Oh, you know, they justwanted the advertising.
Or maybe it's just a friend orsomething like that, but some, something
deeper and there might actually be abusiness deal going on there as well.
So.
There's not a, a company's gotgonna be the perfect fit for
every racer that's out there.
So you need to find the onesthat are the perfect fit for you.
And, um, actually I'm gonna be hostinga free event where I'm gonna teach
(25:06):
racers about this, and so I haven't,I. Told anyone about this yet, so
you're one of the first ones to know.
Um, but yeah, it's, it's, it'sa prospecting challenge that I'm
gonna host and I'll work with you.
It's five long event, um, just virtually.
And so we'll meet every day justfor a couple minutes and I'll help.
Work with the racers and, um, show themexactly, hey, these, these are the steps
(25:31):
that you should follow to find those rightcompanies first, because it's a lot easier
when you find maybe 10, 20, 30 companiesthat would, would be a really good fit.
Mm-hmm.
Versus trying to reach out to ahundred different companies that
they're never gonna get back to you.
Right.
Mm-hmm.
(25:54):
Challenge, it's totally free to do.
It's just gonna be on Zoom and then wehave a Facebook group with it as well.
But if anyone wants more information,um, they can just go to motorsports
marketing tips.com/challenge and allthe information is there and they can
register for free there if they want to.
It's nice.
(26:14):
Uh, so guys, don't forgetto join this and, uh.
Gain some new experience, uh, newskills, uh, for your, uh, career.
Um, yeah, I think that, uh, you know,reaching big companies with big names,
it can be really hard sometimes.
And, uh, as you said, yeah, you,you can reach like 20, 30, uh,
(26:36):
companies and it will be like.
Better and, uh, more effective,uh, by the end of the day.
And, um, I think I agree with you.
And also we can see in nascar, forexample, we can see that on cars,
uh, a lot of, uh, little sponsors.
Yeah.
And, uh, I think it's,uh, really working well.
Um.
(26:57):
Speaking about, uh, being the female,uh, drag racer, uh, in this industry.
So how do you feel?
Do you feel any pressure,anything like this on you to
being the women, uh, in this one?
So there's really notthat much in drag racing.
(27:19):
And I think that's because it'sjust become more normal mm-hmm.
To have female drivers against the males.
And it's just been happening for a lotlonger than it has in other motor sports.
So, um, I feel like drag racing does havekind of that advantage over other sports,
but you know, we lack in some other areas.
Um, but yeah, it's just, I've.
(27:40):
I've been able to watch somany amazing women race mm-hmm.
Before me and stuff.
And um, yeah.
I just see it growing more and moreeach day and it's really cool to
especially see little girls that aregetting into it and it's like, oh yeah.
Like I was, I was a little girl,you know, just getting into
racing one day and so, yeah.
So we always try to encourage 'em.
(28:02):
Um.
But what's awesome is the males thatwe race against, there's not too much,
um, you know, prejudice against us.
Like they do kind of treat us likethey're allies or like we're equal
competitors because we know it's moreabout the car that you're driving
versus the driver that's in the car.
(28:23):
Mm-hmm.
Um, and so, yeah, so like.
Performance is all about the car.
Um, you know, the driver of coursehas to do their job and get a good
reaction time, but other than that,like the car's doing all the work.
So, um, so yeah, so I feel likethere's not too much, um, you know,
we're not treated very differently.
Um, whereas like I, I know in othermotorsports that's not the case.
(28:46):
Mm-hmm.
And so, yeah, I feel like.
With drag racing, uh, we're just kindof have had that, um, for a longer time
to be able to get to where we are now.
I think there's a goal for like roadracing and for ovals and, uh, the
rest, uh, racing categories to reachthis level to, um, have girls like
(29:07):
on the same level as, uh, as boys.
And, uh, here's no difference, like, uh.
That we can be equal in this.
And that's really cool that it'shappening already in drag racing.
Um, so probably we gotta hope forother racing categories as well.
Um, yeah.
So what advice, uh, would you giveto, uh, anyone who's entering the
(29:32):
drag racing from your side to Yeah.
Um, good question.
Um.
I would say for someone that'snew, um, you know, don't, don't
be afraid to ask questions.
Um, really everyone at thetrack is usually really
friendly and can help you out.
(29:54):
Um, whether you need parts orequipment, you know, anything like that.
I feel like, um, you know,we're all pretty open and, and
willing to help new people.
Um.
But also I would say like.
Yeah, I mean, just like, you know,you find your group and um, you stick
(30:15):
together and help each other out.
And, uh, it's, you know, it's funner whenyou're racing with friends and you've
got your group, your community there atthe racetrack versus when you're alone.
'cause um, I have tried to stepout into other motor sports
and I have felt alone and.
Lost and didn't know what I wasdoing and it didn't stick with it.
So, um, so yeah, so just beingable to like find that group that
(30:38):
you, um, really connect with can besuper helpful, um, for when you're
starting out and for longevity.
That's really nice.
Um, and, uh, can you tell me aboutyour plans for this year and upcoming
years and also where our viewerscan find you online and, uh, also
(30:59):
jump into your courses and, uh, likecommunicate with you in social medias?
Yeah.
Yeah.
Well I have done one race thisyear, which was, um, two weeks ago.
And then I will be doing, um, twomore races later on this summer.
Um, so I'm very excited for that.
And then, um, my little sister is goingto come and compete with me, which she
(31:24):
has had a few years off 'cause she's also.
Pursued marriage and motherhood uhhuh.
And so this will be her firsttime coming back in a few years.
So excited to have her back.
But also, um, she, it's funny, likeshe's my favorite person to race against
because we do a lot of mind games andlike, you know, we're always trying to
(31:46):
mess each other up as much as we can.
And so it makes it likefun and competitive.
Mm-hmm.
Even though.
And then it's like, you know, someoneloses at the end of the day and
then it's like they're all pissy andyou know, then you gotta deal with.
That.
But um, but yeah, so it's, it's fun.
Um, yeah, so we'll be doing that thissummer and then, uh, yeah, anyone can
(32:09):
find me on Instagram and Facebook atMegan Meyer Racing, and then you can go
to, um, Motorsports Marketing Tips isalso on Instagram and Facebook, and I
like to, I try to do as much as I canthere, just giving out free advice.
Whether it's about social mediaor marketing or sponsorships.
So you can check out the videosand posts that I have there.
(32:30):
And then on my website I have a blog.
Um, we also have templatesand courses there.
Um, so yeah, so just depending onwhere you need help with, um, you
know, hopefully we have somethingthat could help out the racers.
Hmm.
Awesome.
Amazing.
Uh, thank you so muchMegan, for being with us.
Uh, you're absolutely amazing.
I wish you good luck in your, uh,marketing way and, uh, to help other
(32:54):
drivers to grow in the drag racing.
Uh, thank you so much.
Yeah, thank you so much for having me.
It's been great.
Really appreciate it.
Yeah, guys, thank you so much watching.
Uh, we'll see you next time.
Thank you.
Bye-bye.
(33:19):
Innate eSports focuses on SIM racingevents in digital tournaments.
They bring eSports content to fans andsponsorship opportunities to brands
while maximizing audience reach acrossmultiple sports industries and platforms.
eSports is a woman-led company wherediversity, equity, inclusion, and
accessibility is in their DNA andtheir platform aims to combat bullying
(33:41):
and cheating to help make the eSportsworld as safe and fair as possible.
To learn more, be sure to log ontowww.initesports.gg or follow them
on social media at init eSports.
Join their discord, check outtheir YouTube channel, or follow
their live content via switch.
This episode has been brought to youby Grand Touring Motorsports as part
(34:02):
of our Motoring Podcast network.
For more episodes like this, tune in eachweek for more exciting and educational
content from organizations like TheExotic Car Marketplace, the Motoring
Historian, break Fixx, and many others.
If you'd like to support GrandTouring Motor Sports and the Motoring
Podcast Network, sign up for oneof our many sponsorship tiers at
www.patreon.com/gt Motorsports.
(34:25):
Please note that the content,opinions and materials presented and
expressed in this episode are thoseof its creator, and this episode has
been published with their consent.
If you have any inquiries about thisprogram, please contact the creators
of this episode via email or socialmedia as mentioned in the episode.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.