

Return On Racing Powered by Vaucher Analytics
David Vaucher
Return on Racing is the podcast where motorsport meets money. Hosted by motorsports business strategist David Vaucher, each episode breaks down how racing teams, sponsors, series, and sim racers can improve sponsorship ROI, manage rising costs, and build sustainable growth models in a rapidly changing industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 23, 2025 • 4min
The ULTIMATE Content List For Racing Fans: The Vaucher Analytics Motorsport Content Directory
The Vaucher Analytics Motorsport Content Directory.Looking for the best racing content, without wasting hours sifting through low-quality time-wasters? This episode of Return On Racing introduces a curated, high-quality directory of the best motorsport resources across: ✅ Formula 1✅ Endurance & GT racing✅ Sim racing✅ Rally✅ IndyCar✅ NASCAR✅ General car culture From must-watch documentaries to the most insightful podcasts and under-the-radar YouTube channels, this list has been crafted for serious racing fans who want to deepen their knowledge and enjoy the sport beyond race weekends, or beginner fans who want to know where to start learning more.Contact the show: contact@vaucheranalytics.comBrought to you by the Motorsports Sponsorship Accelerator, the most cutting-edge resource to help you learn how to develop meaningful sponsorship relationships. To contact Return On Racing, please send an email to contact@vaucheranalytics.com

Jun 19, 2025 • 16min
Addressing Cost Escalations In INDYCAR Via Growth
Relevant links:The original article on the Vaucher Analytics websiteLink to an analysis of cost escalations in INDYCAR safety equipmentINDYCAR is facing severe cost escalations, with team budgets up by 20–40% in 2024 alone. In this episode, we unpack the sources of these increases and explain why simply cutting costs won’t be enough. Drawing on insights from various parts of the motorsports industry, we argue that the long-term solution ultimately lies not in reactionary cost-cutting but rather in growing INDYCAR's market value.If you’re a team owner, series exec, or sponsor trying to make sense of the financial pressure, this is the roadmap you’ve been looking for.Contact the show: contact@vaucheranalytics.comBrought to you by the Motorsports Sponsorship Accelerator, the most cutting-edge resource to help you learn how to develop meaningful sponsorship relationships. To contact Return On Racing, please send an email to contact@vaucheranalytics.com

Jun 16, 2025 • 16min
The Financial Audit That Could Save Your LMGT3 Team Over 100,000 Euros
Unlock significant savings for your LMGT3 team with a strategic financial audit! Discover how smarter logistics and optimized personnel deployment can streamline costs without sacrificing performance. Learn about strategic procurement of parts, testing optimization, and maximizing sponsorship ROI. With potential value gains exceeding €100,000, this guide empowers team leaders to treat their budgets as competitive assets. Ready to elevate your racing finances?

Jun 13, 2025 • 12min
The True Cost of Racing: A Comprehensive Breakdown of a Hypothetical LMGT3 Seasonal Budget
Discover the staggering costs behind running an LMGT3 team, as key expenses are meticulously dissected. From personnel to parts and logistics, every line of a hypothetical €5.2M budget is examined. The discussion highlights the crucial role of strategic financial management in racing. Perfect for teams, drivers, and sponsors alike, it provides valuable insights into sponsorship pitches and budget audits. Get ready to demystify the financial realities of motorsports!

Jun 12, 2025 • 5min
10 Truths About Motorsports Hiding In Plain Sight
Discover the ten hidden truths shaping the motorsports landscape. Learn why many teams struggle and sponsors hesitate, as well as the surprising success factors for certain racing series. From sim racing returns on investment to the future of media brands in motorsport, these insights are crucial for improving team-sponsor dynamics. Get ready for a thought-provoking exploration that challenges the status quo in the racing world!

Jun 10, 2025 • 13min
Finding Motorsports Sponsorship to Go Racing Is About to Get A Lot More Difficult
Rising costs and tightening sponsor budgets are making it harder to secure funding in motorsports. The podcast dives into the economic shifts affecting teams, including inflation and manufacturing bottlenecks. Discover why sponsorships are becoming more challenging and how teams can navigate these waters. Learn actionable marketing strategies to stand out in a crowded field and turn obstacles into opportunities, offering a roadmap for success in this competitive landscape.

Jun 10, 2025 • 7min
When Access Becomes Chaos: The Fan Safety Crisis Motorsport Is Not Seeing
Link to the full article with associated supporting information.Motorsport has never been safer for drivers, but what about fans?In this episode, I share my experience attending the 2025 6 Hours of Spa, where a crowded pit walk revealed an overlooked risk: the lack of structured crowd control at major racing events.Based on a recent article from Vaucher Analytics, we explore:How modern motorsport prioritizes driver safety, but may be neglecting growing fan attendanceWhy increased access can backfire without proper oversightWhat sponsors and organizers should consider as race-day crowds continue to growContact the show: contact@vaucheranalytics.comBrought to you by the Motorsports Sponsorship Accelerator, the most cutting-edge resource to help you learn how to develop meaningful sponsorship relationships. To contact Return On Racing, please send an email to contact@vaucheranalytics.com

6 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 21min
Why Sim Racing Campaigns Are An Untapped Goldmine For Automotive and Motorsports Brands
Sim racing is emerging as a dynamic marketing tool for automotive brands. It offers immersive experiences that educate and engage consumers while building emotional connections. The discussion highlights the evolution of sim racing and its community-driven nature. Brands can harness authentic storytelling within these games to turn players into lifelong fans. The podcast presents insights on transforming pixels into valuable brand equity, making it a must-listen for marketing professionals and racing enthusiasts alike.

6 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 10min
The Porsche 963 RSP Is a Masterclass In Motorsports Marketing
The Porsche 963 RSP is not just a hypercar; it's a brilliant marketing strategy. It showcases how racing can create brand desire rather than just focus on lap times. The discussion highlights the significance of Le Mans timing and emotional connections with fans. It dives into why endurance prototypes excel in marketing compared to open-wheel cars. Listeners will gain insights into how manufacturers can leverage motorsports to boost both their racing and automotive strategies.

4 snips
Jun 7, 2025 • 24min
The $3,000 Helmet: An IndyCar Case Study in Compliance-Driven Cost Inflation
The podcast dives into the eye-opening costs of driver safety equipment in IndyCar, tracing its evolution from a 1977 broadcast to present day. A startling 40% increase beyond inflation for safety gear means teams face mounting financial pressure. The discussion highlights the $3,000 price tag for helmets amid the rising costs of safety equipment, driving home the impact of regulation and technology. It also explores the precarious financial landscape for racing teams, emphasizing the need for prudent budget management without compromising safety.