What is it?
The Grassroots Motorsports $2015 Challenge is a three-part competition, consisting of an autocross event, a ¼ mile drag race, and concours-style judging. The catch? The budget cap for the competing cars is equal to the year of the event. For example, in 2002, the budget was $2002, and in 2015 the budget will be $2015. Prizes go to the overall winners and to the highest scorers in each individual event, as well as to special achievements such as “Editor’s Choice” and “Most Spectacular Failure”. Yes, even if your car bursts into flames in the middle of the autocross course you still have a chance to take home a trophy.
The first Challenge was held in September 1999, following an announcement in the May 1999 issue that Grassroots Motorsports staff members had been challenged to produce racecars for $1500 each, and that asked readers “How fast can you go for $1500?” The idea of the event was to prove to people who thought racing as a hobby was outside of their price range that it could be done – and done pretty darn well – even on a restricted budget.
Following the outpouring of excitement over the first event, Grassroots Motorsports decided that the Challenge should become an annual event. However, it was also decided that a budget of $1500 was perhaps a little too limiting, and thus the $2000 Challenge was born. Most recently we’ve seen $2013 and $2014 cars post consistent 10 and 11 second ¼ mile times, so the proof of concept still stands and the competition is stronger than ever.
In recent years, the event has taken place over the course of two days; one for autocross and drag racing, the other for concours judging and an awards ceremony, but competitors are encouraged to come into town a day or two early to socialize and occasionally build or repair their cars in the hotel parking lot.
While the Challenge is first and foremost a competition of speed and engineering, it’s also a way for readers to gather together with each other and the Grassroots Motorsports staff to exchange ideas, stories, and some good-spirited taunting.
We also usually throw in some fun mini-events that don’t count towards the teams’ total scores but do provide extra prize-winning opportunities. The valve cover races (think Boy Scout wood block races, but with valve covers and a little more attitude) are a recurring example, and for 2014 we also featured the new General Tire Challenge, a bonus autocross event wherein 20 entrants had the chance to drive 2014 Fiat 500 Abarths with General Tire’s G-Max AS-03 tires. The best part: the winner of the General Tire Challenge went home with a fresh set of General Tires.
So how do I get in on this?
Step one: Get a car. And by “car”, we mean any four-wheeled, production-based vehicle originally sold as a passenger vehicle. Other than that, it doesn’t matter what kind or what you do with it, as long as your setup complies with the official rules of the event (link to rules). Competitors from previous years and crapcan racers from the 24 Hours of LeMons are always welcome.
Step two: Do the paperwork. Like all great competitions, the $20XX Challenge has some bureaucratic requirements, but they’re all necessary to helping us make sure that everything that happens is safe, fair, and documented. You can find Entry Forms and Vehicle Information Forms on the event website (link). In the interest of enforcing the budget cap (which is pretty important for this event), we also require teams to keep records of all car-related sales and expenses to be turned in and examined by the event judges.
Step three: Make it fast. Of course, if you happen to be a procrastinator and buy a car immediately before the event, this step is optional. What matters is that you try hard and believe in yourself… but going really, really fast definitely increases your chances of winning something.
Step four: Make it pretty. Many competitors choose to consider this step optional as well, but just like speediness, giving the judges the old razzle-dazzle at the concours can mean the difference between going home with nothing and going home with a trophy and a comically-large check. Nice paint and some attentive buffing and polishing can go a long way, but here’s a tip for those of you who like to stand out in a crowd: creative themes and matching costumes are both welcomed and encouraged.
Step five: Get there. The $20XX Challenge is held at Auto Plus Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, usually on a Friday and Saturday in late October. Since it’s Florida and the event is held almost entirely outdoors, be sure to check the forecast ahead of time when you’re packing your things. We’ve had everything from torrential rain to clear, chilly days, so try to anticipate the unexpected.
The Best Western Gateway Grand in Gainesville is the usual host hotel for the event, so make sure to book a room there in advance to secure your pass to off-the-clock shenanigans like parking lot car builds and impromptu pool parties. Just ask for the GRM block when you call.
Step six: Do the thing! Win the points! Show up to the track on the morning of the Challenge ready to race, or at least almost ready. There will be some time for last-minute tweaking and tuning before and after each event, but on the whole we recommend (but don’t require) that competing vehicles at least be in running condition when they get to the track.
Don’t forget: Several professional drivers will be on-site and available to drive during the autocross part of the competition, so please don’t hesitate to utilize their skills and prove your car’s true potential on the track. When it’s drag race time, make sure you save your time slips from every run; only times that we receive slips for will be counted. Oh, and bring something cool to bribe the concours judges with.
But what if I just want to watch?
You’re in luck! The Challenge is open for anybody to spectate, free of charge. Particularly daring spectators can even participate in the Valve Cover Races for a chance to win a prize. By all means, whether you’re just in the area or you travel here to scope out the competition for future reference, join us at the track for two days of cars, fun and maybe even some chaos. If you have kids or know people who may be interested in getting into cars and racing, bring them along. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the sport and make new friends.
Will there be food?
As part of the event, we offer dinners on each of the two nights of the event, included in the cost of entry for competitors and teammates. The first is casual and served at the track, and the second is a banquet served at the hotel prior to the awards ceremony. There is a concession stand at the track that will be open to serve lunch each day as well.
