His first year for qualifying and competing in the event also marks the year Whitmire will age out. The racing series is for drivers ages 16-26. As a participant, Whitmire has learned the value of creating and writing business proposals, and has been coached by some of the best car drivers in the industry, including fourth place finisher of the 2009 Indianapolis 500, Townsend Bell. “I hope my plans for the future include racing. That depends on how much money I can raise in sponsorships,” Whitmire said. “I was approached by a Porsche team to race a 911 GT3 through the International Motor Sports Association. The same association that runs the Le Mans. In fact, this smaller series is a feeder to the 24 Hour of Le Mans, the most famous sportscar race in the world.” It will take a half-million-dollar investment for Whitmire to continue his professional racing dream. He is hoping that the attendance of approximately 500,000
Bagley College of Engineering
people at seven races and the million-plus viewers reached through the television tape-delayed series will generate the needed sponsorship. “Obviously, I can’t make that step on my own. The budget includes buying the car and paying the team to maintain and transport the car, as well as the entry fees to all these races,” Whitmire said. To learn more about the 2010 Jetta TDI® Cup final standings, visit http://www. volkswagenjettacup.com.
“I think the biggest challenge besides putting in a long work week, on top of concentrating on racing, is the extra work you have to put into the business side of the profession,” Whitmire said.
For more information about creating value through advertising in the sport of motor racing with Whitmire Motor Sports, visit http://www. brianwhitmiremotorsports.com. ______________________________ Written by Diane L. Godwin dlgodwin@bagley.msstate.edu
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