All the contacts ive made---Be outgoing. Go where they go. Call the owners cell phone and be polite yet firm. Sound extremely confident. Let them know why helping you is going to in turn help them. Never sound unsure. Bullshit is neccesary, however, use it wisely. Be well versed on their products/area of expertise. Make sure all written contacts are COMPLETELY PROFESSIONAL in nature.

Be their freind, and respect them. Act as an equal, never a subordinate.

To wrap it up from a personal perspective.

Since I was 13, ive never wanted or gotten an autograph from any famous racer or otherwise. The way I look at it now, instead of saying "Holy shit bro I just hung out with Warren Johnson!!!"

I want WJ to come away saying, "Wow, that Matt Shaw is damn sharp"

Sounds cocky, but thats the attitude you have to have. I know, because its worked for me.