 |
Newsletters |
CALLING ALL Rocket RacerŽS
The Rocket Racing LeagueŽ Issues 'Request For Proposal' From Prospective Teams and Race Venues
The Rocket Racing LeagueŽ, is an aerospace sports and entertainment organization that combines the competition of racing with the excitement of rocketry.
With the organization in place and the hardware under development, the time has come to start recruiting teams and event venues for the upcoming debut season. RRL™ race events are slated to begin during the 2007-2008 racing season after the inaugural public exhibition flight at the X PRIZE Cup in New Mexico in October 2006.
The RRL expects to have 10 or more race teams for the 2007-2008 racing season. RRL semi-finals will be held at the Reno Air Races in 2007 with the finals at the X PRIZE Cup in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
"The issuance of these RFP's is a significant milestone in getting Rocket Racing off the ground," said Granger Whitelaw, President & CEO of the Rocket Racing LeagueŽ. "Efforts to assemble the teams, build and test rocket planes, and secure sponsorships and locations are steadily underway."
The RFP to host "RRL Series" sanctioned race events seeks competitive bids for four of the six races slated for 2007. Competing cities, airport authorities, race promoters and other venues can submit bids outlining financial, land, tax credit, and in-kind service commitments to the RRL. Proposals must demonstrate the ability to host, manage and market such an event. A financial proposal in the way of a "sanctioning fee" is requested as well.
Through its strategic partnership with the RRL, the winning venue provider will receive direct revenues through the sale of sponsorships, tickets, advertising, concessions, merchandizing and parking. The surrounding city or township can expect to see increased job creation as well as additional revenue generation through hotel and camping accommodations, restaurants, grocery and retail sales. The RFP also outlined its support efforts for venue providers, including local and national marketing and sales efforts.
The RFP for independently owned race teams enables prospective team owners a means to demonstrate not only their interest but their ability to support a racing team in the annual race circuit. Respondents will begin the process by putting into escrow a deposit of $100,000 on a Mark-1 X-Racer and submission of a signed RRL Master Team Agreement. Proposals must also contain the backgrounds of the team owners, information regarding pilots and must demonstrate the financial ability to cover the cost of the Mark-1 X-Racer as well as the teams operating expenses for the first year of competition. Estimated upfront costs are $1.2M with an estimated annual operating cost of $500,000 to $1,000,000 per year. Teams are also asked to provide evidence of sponsorship sales and support capabilities.
Once accepted, race teams will be responsible for purchasing and maintaining their Mark-1 X-Racer and all necessary equipment as well as ensuring that the race vehicle remains in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the RRL. The RRL will work directly with the teams to oversee and assist with training of pilots and crews. The RRL will assist teams in other areas such as providing support for sponsorship development.
Teams will be charged with hiring and training their pilots and crew to the qualifications set by the RRL Governing Body and the FAA.
Initial letters of intent are due March 31, 2006 and written proposals are due May 31, 2006. Applicants who meet all of the requirements and are accepted by the RRL will receive additional information by March 31, 2006 that will include a detailed cost estimate and event schedule, insurance requirements, detailed Mark-1 X-Racer specifications, an overview of facilities and venues, a sponsorship package overview and RRL marketing materials for use by teams in securing sponsorship. The Master Team Agreement will be available on May 31, and the complete RRL Rules and Regulations will be issued on June 30. Semi-finalist applicants will be announced on July 4, with the announcement of final team and venue selections to be made on August 4.
Parties interested in filing an application to be considered for a team or venue spot in the RRL schedule may visit the league web site at www.rocketracingleague.com and download registration applications in .pdf format. Completed applications should be mailed to:
The Rocket Racing LeagueŽ
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10174
Completed applications may also be e-mailed to Mike D'Angelo, RRL Vice President of Business Development, at Michael@RocketRacingLeague.com.
|
|