In motorsports, almost all athletes are dependent on external sponsors to pursue a career in racing. Female drivers especially, find necessary funding to compete a difficult task. Leveraging Web 3.0, the LMG GT No. 1 project looks to change that. Creative Agency Amsterdam Berlin and German racer Laura-Marie Geissler launched the first NFT-funded racing team.The LMG GT No.1 design is based on the livery of a Le Mans race legend, the “Pink Pig.” However, instead of the butcher map, Geissler’s race car bares the marks beauty surgeons use for their operations, representing the pressure put on the physical appearance of female drivers. The design is a powerful statement against the objectification of women in motorsports and for gender equality in the racing world.
“The idea of the NFT funded racing team is to solve current issue with sponsorship and decentralising sponsoring model.”
What interests you in motorsport and how did you start your racing career? (Laura-Marie Geissler) The thrill as well as moving at the limit. I started my motorsport career at the age of 10, driving a racing kart.
Please explain, why it is so difficult to enter racing without sponsors for those who don’t understand the universe.
(LMG) Motorsport is an extremely expensive sport. You need a lot of mechanics as well as time-intensive logistics. The cars are very expensive in themselves and need a new setup from race to race. This includes tires, brakes and general wear and tear. Nevertheless, one must train in the car and is directly exposed to immense costs. Without sponsors and a private budget is therefore the entry into motorsports brutally difficult.
What is Amsterdam Berlin and how did you team up with them to launch NFT project to fund your racing team? (LMG) Amsterdam Berlin is a creative agency from Berlin working with Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, Under Armour and other brands. Founder, Moritz Grub is a good friend of mine. We often talked about the various problems that women face in motorsport. I personally also faced with a lot of hurdles in my search for sponsors. Especially as a woman, it’s hard to ask for large sums of money. Often you get into unpleasant situations. After some time of discussion, we developed the concept together. The idea was first to make a statement with the design of the vehicle and then to develop a tech that opens up a new sponsorship concept to athletes.
“A way to make the athletes more independent from conventional sponsor acquisition.”
(LMG) The idea of the NFT funded racing team is to solve current issue with sponsorship and decentralising sponsoring model. A way to make the athletes more independent from conventional sponsor acquisition.
Such a brilliant initiative, and how this might help other young athletes who are also dreaming of becoming a professional driver one day? (LMG) I hope that young athletes will find a way to become more independent of sponsors through the new sponsorship system and thus find a self-determined path in sports.
Where do you usually practice racing? (LMG) At home on the race simulator, unfortunately testing on race tracks is very costly and not often feasible for me.
What is your near goal? (LMG) The first step is to win 3 titles in the Porsche Sports Cup.
What are you interested in these days? (LMG) I’m currently in full physical and mental preparation for the coming season. I’m really looking forward to it and am focusing on my goal.
Would we be able to see more of your NFT available to purchase in the future? (LMG) For sure. The plan is to bring out a new collection/drop for every season. The goal is to build a community that will be taken on a journey over the next months. The people that buy into the first drop will have exclusive access to further drops, real live race events and digital ones, like a live stream from my cockpit. All this will be dropping very soon on lmgracingclub.com.
The unique NFT set includes a 360° render of the livery, a high-res top shot of the design, the buyers name on Laura-Marie’s real LMG GT No.1 race car and her signed Arai GP-6 helmet will be shipped to the winning bidder after the auction. There also will be a series of 1001 helmets and 100 digital race suits that come in different variations and rarities. These Items can be bought at a fixed price. Whilst the car is auctioned on opesea.io, all other NFTs are available exclusively through unblocked.exchange.
