Pit Passes That Help Control Access and Boost Branding

Original article: “Pit Passes”

Getting a pit pass may be a once in a lifetime event or, for the racing enthusiast, it could be a regular hobby. From NASCAR to Monster Jam, the ultimate fan experience is a pit pass. An exclusive commodity, pit passes come with a lot of perks! Fans can meet drivers and chat with the pit crew. They usually get an opportunity to see racing vehicles up close and personal, as well as a tour of the garage and pit area. Taking photographs and getting autographs is also usually part of the deal.

Pit pass wristbands are an effective and fun way to ensure that only those people who purchased pit passes have access to the area. Pit pass wristbands serve dual purposes: 1) Enhancing security efforts; 2) Providing effective branding. As an added bonus, they make a great keepsake of a memorable event.
When racing fans that purchase pit passes wear pit pass wristbands, security can quickly identify them. Pit pass wristbands come in blue, yellow or red, and are imprinted with racing flags and the words, "Pit Pass". They are also serial numbered. All of these attributes add an extra layer of security, preventing counterfeiters from gaining access to the restricted pit areas.
Another layer of security can be added with custom printing. Imprint the date and name of the race on pit pass wristbands. This will prevent anyone from attempting to “reuse” their pit pass. Security will only let guests through whom have the correct date and event imprinted on their pit pass wristband. No one’s crashing this exclusive pit party!

You can also imprint event logos and wristbands sponsor logos onto pit pass wristbands to add a bit of flair and fun. By getting sponsors to purchase the precious advertising space on a pit pass wristband, you will lower your costs. Heck, you might even make a small profit. Sponsorships are huge in the racing world. Pit pass wristbands provide an effective way for sponsors to reinforce their brand and messaging. Every time a fan takes a sip of the beverage in their hand, they get a glimpse of the logo or promotion imprinted on the pit pass wristband they are wearing.

Pit pass wristbands are an excellent tool for social media. Imprint a website address or QR (quick response) code on pit pass wristbands and encourage pit guests to "check in" on Facebook. The activity will stir some buzz and you are sure to gain some Facebook “likes” and Twitter followers. You can also link to a special offer via the QR code. Maybe offer a free gift upon visiting and showing the pit pass wristband at a sponsor's store. When fans take action, the race event, racers and sponsors reap the rewards. The race world fan base grows, purchases increase, profits increase.

Another way to motivate race fans to take action is to imprint a coupon right on the pit pass wristband. Promotions on loose paper squares and flyers get lost. Promotions on pit pass wristbands aren’t going anywhere. Fans tend to wear their pit pass wristbands for a week or more to hold onto the good memory for a while. They will be reminded to make the promotional purchase every time they brush their teeth, wash their hands, type on a keyboard, brush their hair—any activity that involves glancing at their wrist! Try imprinting something like, "Buy X, get X free" or "Show us your wristband and get 20% off".

Since racing fans tend to wear their pit pass wristbands after the event is over, the wristbands end up becoming a walking and talking mini billboard. Pit pass wristbands will catch the eyes of co-workers, friends, family, and acquaintances at the gym and strangers at the store. Word of mouth is a highly effective advertising tool and that is exactly what pit pass wristbands invoke.

Pit pass wristbands do an excellent job assisting with access control and keeping the pit area free of unauthorized visitors. Equally so, pit pass wristbands are an effective tool for promoting the racing event and building fan loyalty. The experience of hanging out in the pit with the driver, meeting the mechanics and checking out the race car is a thrill for any racing fan. With the date and racing event imprinted on the pit pass wristband, they can hold on to the memories for years to come.