Gresini Racing and Partners Launch Innovative Fan-Powered Motorsport Sponsorship
Gresini Racing, a premier MotoGP team, in collaboration with Animoca Brands' subsidiaries SPORTPASS and MotoGP Guru, has unveiled a pioneering fan-powered sponsorship program. According to Animoca Brands, this initiative marks the first time in motorsport history that fans can directly sponsor a team, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the sport at a deeper level.
Fan Benefits and Sponsorship Details
The program, launched on June 1, 2024, enables fans to purchase and own exclusive personal sponsorship packages for as little as €125. These packages come with numerous exclusive benefits that were previously the domain of large corporate sponsors. Fans can enjoy VIP Paddock Experiences at the 2024 Grands Prix, have their names placed on the bikes, team websites, and sponsor walls, and receive invitations to exclusive events. Additionally, sponsors can participate in Zoom calls with team members, obtain special custom merchandise, and stand a chance to win a Ducati Panigale V4S, an official test bike used by Marc Marquez.
Moreover, fan sponsors will receive exclusive digital passes, collectibles, invitations, and credentials, alongside access to other sponsor-only content. These benefits are available through the registration portal at fanpower.gresiniracing.com/registration.
Rising Popularity of Gresini Racing
Gresini Racing has gained international prominence after signing eight-time world champion Marc Marquez, who joined his brother Alex to compete in the 2024 MotoGP World Championship on the Ducati Desmosedici GP23. The team's performance and Marquez’s early season podium successes have drawn significant attention, further amplifying the impact of this fan-powered initiative.
Statements from Key Figures
Carlo Merlini, Gresini Racing's Commercial & Marketing Director, expressed excitement about the program: "We have always had an incredibly loyal fan base, and we are thrilled to be the first team to allow actual fans to become sponsors globally. We look forward to innovating and engaging in new and exciting ways."
SPORTPASS CEO Jordan Fogerty highlighted the program's uniqueness: "This is a world-first in sports; we have worked with Gresini Racing to bring fans closer to the team and riders they support, utilizing the latest technology to provide secure ownership and value. We hope that the SPORTPASS platform will revolutionize how teams and riders connect with fans and brand partners."
Involvement of SPORTPASS and MotoGP Guru
SPORTPASS and MotoGP Guru, both subsidiaries of Animoca Brands, have been instrumental in bringing this sponsorship experience to life. MotoGP Guru, a major sponsor of Gresini Racing since 2023, also produces the official MotoGP Prediction Game and the MotoGP Guru Racing '24 mobile racing game. These efforts are part of Animoca Brands' Motorverse ecosystem, which focuses on digital vehicle ownership and collaboration with top motorsport IPs.
About the Collaborators
Motorverse, created by Animoca Brands, is an open ecosystem for digital vehicles, racing games, and motorsports. It leverages the REVV token and the gaming expertise of studios like Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, and WePlay Media. The platform aims to build a community for car and bike enthusiasts, offering officially licensed digital vehicles and access to real-world racing events.
SPORTPASS is a next-generation fan engagement and gaming platform, designed to deliver gaming, rewards, and competition experiences to sports fans. It seeks to enhance fan experiences through innovative engagement methods.
Gresini Racing, founded by the late two-time 125cc World Champion Fausto Gresini, has been a formidable presence in the MotoGP World Championship since 1997. With multiple world titles and numerous podium finishes, the team continues to thrive and innovate in the motorsport arena.