Why race if you don’t have money?

Chapter 127 Your Value Far Exceeds Cognition (Part 2)

A sponsorship fee of two million RMB per year, which buys a 4x8 cm advertising space on the driver's chest, is indeed considered a high price in the Chinese motorsport industry.

Among domestic drivers, only Cheng Congfu's tobacco brand and Ma Qingye's sponsor "Yuche Yinshi" can surpass him. Even Han Han, who won both the track and off-road championships, could not match this price in terms of racing suit sponsorship, even disregarding his fame and influence as a writer.

However, for a driver with a chance of making it into F1, this is only equivalent to the lowest level of standard.

The reason is simple: Schumacher has not completely retired in this era, and a new generation of champions such as Alonso, Kimi Räikkönen, Hamilton, and Vettel have risen to prominence.

The birth of the "Clash of the Titans" ensured that F1's influence had not yet entered the decline period of the Mercedes dynasty, and it remained one of the world's three major sports, even surpassing the most popular NBA in the country.

Almost any top driver can leverage sponsorship funds exceeding ten million.

Note that the currency unit is still US dollars!
Take Yuki Tsunoda, a Japanese driver who has been the subject of much discussion in the future, as an example. It seems that his annual salary is only a mere million US dollars, and he has been at the bottom of the paddock for several years.

In fact, there is a real chance for him to compete for a spot on Red Bull, and rumors suggest that Honda is willing to pay him 20 million US dollars.

This $20 million is payment for influence and fame.

Two million RMB, converted at the 09 exchange rate, is less than three hundred thousand US dollars.

If it's just a one-year sponsorship, Chen Xiangbei might consider it, since he is indeed short of money right now.

However, with his signing as a test driver for Brawn GP and participation in the Australian Grand Prix, Chen Xiangbei has entered the F1 team's scouting list and has a very clear and specific career plan.

A three-year contract means it will extend into Chen Xiangbei's F1 career, and signing it would be tantamount to "selling himself off cheaply" in advance.

Of course, this is from Chen Xiangbei's personal perspective.

From the perspective of Lianxiang Group, it's questionable whether this Chinese kid can even get into F1. How can they possibly raise the price with empty promises?

This is why Chen Xiangbei smiled when he heard the offer.

The core concept of long-term sponsorship lies in whether the other party recognizes the potential value of themselves and Formula One racing!
If you agree, then you have to pay for the "added value".

If you disagree, then it's even simpler.

If you don't believe in this driver's potential and future, what's the point of signing a long-term contract?
Seeing that Chen Xiangbei remained silent in the face of the offer, General Manager Liu knew that the young man had objections.

So he asked, "Xiao Chen, do you have any ideas?"

"Mr. Liu, since you've been so quick to give me your quote, I won't hold back either."

"I'm sorry, but a sponsorship amount of six million over three years is unacceptable. It far underestimates my own value!"

Upon hearing Chen Xiangbei's reply, General Manager Liu revealed a half-smile.

"Xiao Chen, what are your expectations?"

"For a three-year contract, the sponsorship fee will be no less than ten million per year."

Chen Xiangbei gave his offer without hesitation; this was his minimum standard!
From an outsider's perspective, the annual sponsorship fee of tens of millions seems like an outrageous demand.

However, for industry insiders, this price is not outrageous.

Han Han's commercial value in the racing field is not outstanding because his influence has not even "broken out" in China, and many people don't even know that he is a professional driver.

Conversely, domestically, as long as breakthroughs are achieved in a particular field, or participation in projects with influence overseas is possible, such as Zou Shiming in boxing, Yao Ming in basketball, and Liu Xiang in track and field, etc.

Their endorsement income after commercial operations may be measured in hundreds of millions.

Compared to other sports, F1's commercial value and influence are no less than, and its potential and growth space are astonishing!
Take Zhou Guanyu, the only F1 driver in China in later generations, as an example. Before he became famous, during his F3 period, Hublot's sponsorship fee was no less than five million yuan per year.

By the time he became a Renault junior driver and development driver, the sponsorship funds behind his pursuit of an F1 seat were no less than 200 million.

Although Chen Xiangbei has not yet raced in F3, his status as a test driver and his consecutive victories in the Renault European Cup have already surpassed Zhou Guanyu's achievements as an F3 rookie.

With such obvious talent and potential, demanding a long-term contract worth ten million per year is really not much in the Formula One world.

If Chen Xiangbei were to enter the F1 arena, the value of this contract could increase three to five times!
Unfortunately, Mr. Liu doesn't know much about Formula racing. The reason he chose to sponsor Chen Xiangbei is partly because Lianxiang has a need to expand its global influence, and there are very few influential Chinese athletes abroad.

On the other hand, recommendations come from acquaintances.

So much so that his first reaction wasn't to bargain with Chen Xiangbei, but to glance at Peng Sheng and Lu Xiaoman.

Then he said, "It's good for young people to be confident, but you should know that commercial value needs to be supported by results."

When he said this, Mr. Liu's tone became noticeably cold.

He was there to get Chen Xiangbei to quote a price, not to listen to the young man's "wishes".

"Mr. Liu, it seems we have a big price difference. If you need results, you can consider well-known drivers."

Chen Xiangbei subtly expressed his attitude. In fact, from the very first few polite words, he had a vague feeling that it was unlikely that they would reach an agreement this time.

The reason is simple: Mr. Liu did not mention Renault or the Grand Prix, but instead emphasized his relationship with Peng Sheng and Lu Xiaoman's father.

The subtext is obvious: he doesn't care about racing; he cares more about human relationships!
A businessman who has little interest in racing is unlikely to share the same values ​​as a professional driver; the two are destined to have different paths and cannot work together.

Instead of wasting time, it's better to be upfront about it.

"Xiao Chen, that's a real pity. Hope we can work together again sometime."

Mr. Liu never really wanted to cooperate; he was just doing it out of courtesy to an acquaintance.

Since Chen Xiangbei had politely declined, he simply went along with it and decided not to continue the discussion.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Liu. I'll take my leave now."

Chen Xiangbei stood up, shook hands politely, and then turned to leave.

Watching Chen Xiangbei's retreating figure, Lu Xiaoman also got up to say goodbye, and then they walked into the elevator together.

As the elevator doors closed, a playful smile appeared on Lu Xiaoman's face. She teased, "Little guy, you're quite ambitious. You're dirt poor, yet you don't even care about six million."

"Sister Man, are you praising me or insulting me?"

Chen Xiangbei replied with a wry smile, saying that Lu Xiaoman, who was acting as his "agent," knew his financial situation best.

"Of course I'm praising you."

After speaking, Lu Xiaoman adopted a serious expression.

“Xiang Bei, your value is far more than six million for three years. If I had known that Lianxiang was offering such a low price, I wouldn’t have brought you here at all!”

Lu Xiaoman previously worked at Huasai Sports, making her one of the earliest professionals in China to be involved in Formula racing. Now, she's competing on European tracks alongside Chen Xiangbei, and she understands all too well the potential and value of Formula drivers.

Just like celebrities in the entertainment industry have status, professional race car drivers also have status.

Formula racing is the pinnacle of motorsport. Even though Chen Xiangbei was just a test driver for an F1 team, he still stood at the top of the domestic drivers and is currently the undisputed number one motorsport driver in China!
Even his predecessors, such as Cheng Congfu and Ma Qingye, who went abroad earlier, have actually been left behind by him.

Just as Lu Xiaoman finished speaking, her phone suddenly rang, displaying Peng Sheng's name as the caller ID.

After the call was connected, Peng Sheng simply left a message.

"Wait for me in the underground parking garage."

Lu Xiaoman was puzzled by this. Did Peng Sheng intend to play matchmaker?
With this question in mind, Chen Xiangbei and Lu Xiaoman stood next to the red Ferrari F430 and waited.

Not long after, as the elevator doors opened, Peng Sheng's figure came into their view.

"Xiang Bei, I'm sorry to have made you come all this way for nothing."

Peng Sheng looked apologetic; he had meant well and hoped to help Chen Xiangbei secure a major sponsorship.

Unexpectedly, Lianxiang's offer was so low, completely disregarding Chen Xiangbei's overseas influence and purely based on the standards of domestic drivers.

"Mr. Peng, it's normal that business cooperation can't be agreed upon. I should be thanking you for your help."

Chen Xiangbei replied with a smile that Peng Sheng's willingness to take the initiative to make connections was already quite kind to him.

Unexpectedly, Peng Sheng shook his head and said, "No, Xiang Bei, you just haven't reached an agreement with Lian Xiangdu on business cooperation, and you haven't reached an agreement with Jiuli Sports on sponsorship contracts."

Sponsorship agreement?

Chen Xiangbei was stunned when he heard Peng Sheng's words.

Peng Sheng already has the Jiuli Sports logo on his racing suit, and the two parties have also signed a company spokesperson contract. What else does Peng Sheng need to sponsor?
"President Peng, what do you mean by that?"

Chen Xiangbei asked in confusion, he was a little baffled.

"Xiang Bei, I plan to renew the contract early, according to the price you offered to Lianxiang."

"Ten million in sponsorship fees annually, with a three-year long-term contract!"

Upon hearing Peng Sheng's request, Chen Xiangbei and Lu Xiaoman exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and shock in each other's eyes. To be honest, Chen Xiangbei, with his omniscient perspective, knew that Jiuli Sports' ultimate business goal was actually quite similar to that of Huasai Sports in the past—both wanted to participate in the operation of Formula One teams and the creation of racing events.

However, that's all for the future. Right now, Jiuli Sports has been established for less than a year and is still in its initial stage. Peng Sheng has already secured his racing suit advertising space and endorsement contract, so there's absolutely no need for him to rush in and "give away money" in advance.

"Mr. Peng, you're not just buying into this sentimentality, are you?"

Chen Xiangbei asked, half-jokingly, as he was completely unable to explain the matter from a business perspective.

"Hey, I'm a businessman, Xiang Bei."

Peng Sheng smiled and then added.

"To be honest, Jiuli Sports is seeking the right to host the Chinese Grand Prix. We urgently need to cultivate a Chinese F1 driver to promote the event and its overall operation."

"In addition, the country needs such top athletes to spread China's influence and export its culture around the world."

"Finally, if a Chinese driver were to conquer the F1 circuit, it would create a phenomenal sensation among the general public and subtly drive the development of the automotive industry, just like Japan did in the 1980s and 90s."

"Chen Xiangbei, your value far exceeds your own perception!"

Peng Sheng said this in a meaningful way.

Previously, Chen Xiangbei's self-assessment was limited to the monetary level of commercial value.

Now, Peng Sheng is subtly pointing out the deeper values ​​behind it, which can even reach the national level, just like how Senna is regarded as a Brazilian hero.

Zhou Guanyu's appearance at the 24 China Grand Prix, in a sense, touched the first level of the threshold, pushing the popularity of the event to a new peak.

In previous years, there were some complimentary tickets, but tickets for the 24th China Grand Prix were extremely difficult to obtain.

It's a pity that competitive sports require results so much. Zhou Guanyu failed to reach the phenomenal popularity of Yao Ming or Liu Xiang. He was just one podium or a championship title away from winning!
"Mr. Peng, I understand. We can sign the contract at any time."

Chen Xiangbei said no more; he had realized that this was no longer a purely business transaction.

"Xiang Bei, if Jiuli Sports can become the organizer of the Chinese Grand Prix, and you are qualified to compete for an F1 official driver's seat, we can provide sponsorship funds of no less than 50 million yuan."

Peng Sheng also made another promise: to sponsor Chen Xiangbei in his bid for an F1 seat.

He believes that as long as Chen Xiangbei can become a full-fledged F1 driver, the future returns will far outweigh today's investment!
"Then I'll thank you in advance, Mr. Peng."

"You seem very confident."

"Why drive an F1 car if you don't have confidence?"

Hearing Chen Xiangbei's boastful words, Peng Sheng understood why the street kid he met in Donghai was now making his way into the world of F1.

It's all thanks to this absolute self-confidence!

A preliminary verbal agreement was reached, but the signing of the formal contract would have to wait for Peng Sheng to prepare it. Chen Xiangbei and Lu Xiaoman then left.

"Heading north, where are you planning to go?"

"Nanyun Mountain".

"You don't mean you want to relive the glory days of Nagumosan's racing legend, do you?"

Although Lu Xiaoman was not from Guangzhou or Shenzhen, she had heard the legend of Chen Xiangbei, the "God of the Nanyun Mountain Cars," from Liang Chi.

Now that this guy is a Formula One driver, going to Nanyun Mountain to bully amateur street drivers feels a bit like bullying a kid.

Although, judging solely by age, Chen Xiangbei is the "little kid".

"Qin Lianjie and I arranged to meet at Nanyun Mountain."

Last night, Chen Xiangbei received a text message from Qin Lianjie, who arranged the location of the viewing platform at the top of Nanyun Mountain.

"Okay, I'll take you there."

Lu Xiaoman stepped on the gas, and the Ferrari F430 sped towards Nanyun Mountain.

At this moment, almost all members of the Light Spot Racing Team, including Shai Minghui, have gathered at the viewing platform atop Nanyun Mountain.

Apart from team leader Cao An, who had something to discuss with Chen Xiangbei, the other team members came with a sense of curiosity and admiration, wanting to see the high school students who had once run here.

How did he become a Renault champion driver just one year later?
Especially for some new members of the Light Spot Racing Team, they often hear the legend of the Nanyun Mountain Racing God from the veteran members.

For example, the racing god of Nanyun Mountain drove a Corolla and overpowered the Mercedes-AMG driven by Shaominghui.

Vice-captain Qin Lianjie's heavily modified Civic Type-R couldn't even last half the race against Chen Xiangbei before being left far behind, its taillights completely out of sight.

There are even rumors that Nan Yunshan, the racing legend, drove a Subaru Impreza SIT and beat two-time champion Han Han on the track, almost getting recruited by the Volkswagen 222 team to become a touring car driver.

Furthermore, as his performance on European tracks improved, the various legends surrounding Chen Xiangbei became increasingly fantastical.

In the latest version, it's changed to Chen Xiangbei driving a motorcycle taxi and taking down a Hong Kong Island professional racer, a Mitsubishi EVO, on Nanyun Mountain...

The members of the Light Spot team, who were craning their necks and waiting on the fence, spotted a red Ferrari F430 going up the mountain. However, the driver was clearly a long-haired female driver, and their excitement quickly faded.

"Look, that man in the passenger seat of the Ferrari looks like the racing legend Bei!"

Someone exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention once again.

Chen Xiangbei had raced in Nanyun Mountain several times, and many drivers remembered his appearance, so his identity was quickly confirmed.

"That's right, it's the racing god Bei, the racing god of Nanyun Mountain has returned!"

"As expected of the racing god Bei, even his way of going up the mountain is unique; he actually sat in the passenger seat."

"I still hope to see the racing legend Bei's Impreza STI, that's the real blue lightning!"

Among the crowd, only Shaiminghui looked conflicted. He was both curious about Chen Xiangbei's current changes and embarrassed by their past grievances.

What if Chen Xiangbei, that petty bastard, wants to take revenge on me?
Just as Hui was having a wild idea, Lu Xiaoman had already driven the car to the mountaintop platform.

Facing dozens of pairs of eyes staring at him, Chen Xiangbei was at a loss for words. Qin Lianjie wouldn't go to such lengths to welcome him, would he?

However, dozens of eyes were quickly drawn to Lu Xiaoman, with her fiery red lips and wavy hair, exuding an ultimate mature and sophisticated aura.

Even Hui, who was known for his sassiness, was stunned. The cuteness of high school girls is utterly worthless in the face of sexiness!
Lu Xiaoman was already used to this. She even blew a kiss to Chen Xiangbei as he got out of the car, waved goodbye, and said, "Little guy, you did a great job. I'm very satisfied. See you next time!"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was struck dumb, their illusions shattered instantly.

Could it be that the legendary Nanyun Mountain racing god, Bei, has taken the route of living off a woman?
Only Qin Lianjie showed a look of bewilderment, knowing full well Lu Xiaoman's mischievous nature.

With a dark expression on his face, Chen Xiangbei walked up to Qin Lianjie and casually said, "We just met, didn't we make a bit of a fuss?"

Qin Lianjie replied helplessly, "Your title of 'Nanyun Mountain Racing God' is too famous. The team members all want to come and 'chase after you,' and I really can't stop them."

Qin Lianjie was not exaggerating. He only mentioned it to Captain Cao An, but the news spread like wildfire within the team, leading to the current scene.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

"Team Leader Cao and I plan to jointly sponsor you with three million dollars to run the Grand Prix."

"You already have advertising space for racing suits, are you still planning to offer sponsorships?"

If Lianxiang Group's sponsorship is a purely commercial act, then Juss Sports' sponsorship is mixed with some sentiment and deeper factors.

Therefore, Cao An's sponsorship of Qin Lianjie was purely a matter of friendship.

When Chen Xiangbei went to race for Renault, no one knew if he could establish himself in Europe. Based on past precedents of Chinese drivers, it was highly likely that his efforts would be in vain.

Cao An and Qin Lianjie still transferred 700,000 yuan to Chen Xiangbei's account, which moved Chen Xiangbei deeply.

"No, this time we plan to purchase vehicle advertising space."

Qin Lianjie smiled and shook his head.

His initial sponsorship of Chen Xiangbei was indeed a personal act of friendship, without any expectation of reciprocation, but things "did not go as planned".

Although Chen Xiangbei's Renault championship title did not "go viral," it made him famous in the racing world through the coverage of Sports Weekly, including the street racing circle, where many drivers knew the name of Nan Yunshan, the racing god.

Incidentally, it also boosted the popularity of the Light Spot Racing Team and Extreme Speed ​​Modification Shop, and their revenue in the past six months far exceeded the initial 700,000 yuan private sponsorship.

With the Grand Prix about to be held, its influence is unparalleled, at least in the Pearl River Delta region, not to mention other parts of mainland China.

Cao An hopes to seize this opportunity to expand and strengthen the Guangdian Racing Team and his car dealership.

If possible, he also wants to make Mount Nagumo surpass Mount Akina in Japan and become a sacred mountain trail in Asia.

Just like Takumi Fujiwara, the legend of Chen Xiangbei, the God of the Nanyun Mountain, will forever be passed down in the martial arts world!
(End of this chapter)