Grassroots Motorsports $2013 Challenge Presented by Kumho Tire, Powered by eBay Motors, Sponsored by CRC Industries
Nov. 14-Nov. 16 – – Gainesville, FL
Who says going fast—like really fast—takes a load of cash? Not the staff of Grassroots Motorsports.
For more than a dozen years, the magazine’s staff has been hosting their $2000 Challenge. The basic premise is simple: Teams are dared to buy, build and prepare a car without spending more than the budget cap, which is always equal to the year of the competition. For this year, teams are limited to $2013.
Think these cars are all piles of junk? Think again. The level of craftsmanship seen at the annual event is staggering, and the cars have been brutally quick, posting quarter mile times that would make a new Lamborghini or Porsche blush. Yes, we’re talking 10-second cars built for just two grand.
Then there’s the creativity. We’ve seen just about everything, from a Richard Petty tribute Honda Civic and a Corvette with active aero to a VW Bug worthy of “American Graffiti.”
This year’s Grassroots Motorsports $2013 Challenge Presented by Kumho Tire, Powered by eBay Motors and Sponsored by CRC Industries, again takes place at Auto-Plus Raceway at Gainesville, Florida, home of the NHRA Gatornationals, November 14-16, 2014.
It’s the people, too, as the event regularly attracts repeat entrants from across the country: Maryland, Texas, California and more. Whether you’ve been involved in motorsports for years or you’re a rookie, we guarantee you’ll make new friends and learn something in the process.
Just want to watch and check it out? There’s no charge to spectate, roam the paddock, or spend the weekend in the bleachers.
| How Does the Event Operate? |
Competitors must arrive on Friday evening at the host hotel and submit their final paperwork. The competition portion of the event begins the following day.
Central Florida’s Martin Sports Car Club runs the autocross portion, which operates like a normal autocross: Everyone races against the clock in a course laid out using orange pylons. The fastest time posted during the day will be the one scored.
To reduce the effect of driver skill—this is a test meant to exhibit the machine’s ability—renowned autocrossers are available to drive your car for you if you so desire. However, all competitors are welcome to drive their own cars themselves.
Several notable automobile industry personalities perform the judging at the concours. Competitors are encouraged to bribe the judges with tasteful and/or hilarious items to earn a better score. Judges will review the car’s appearance, the completeness of its theme, and the builders’ attention to detail.
Drag races are run by the staff at Auto-Plus Raceway, and all cars must meet the NHRA’s safety requirements. There will be a tech inspection. Drag races run only if weather permits.
All cars must wear the required windshield banner and stickers handed out by the GRM staff. Stickers promoting companies that compete with our sponsors must be removed or covered up.
Awards will be handed out based on finishing order, car type, specs, and at the judges’ discretion. One car may be eligible for more than one award.
| Host Hotel |
The host hotel for this year’s Challenge is the Best Western Gateway Grand, located at 4200 NW 97th Blvd., Gainesville, Fla., 32606. Book a room by calling them at (352) 331-3336 and ask for the GRM block. Rate is $89.00 per night.
| Spectators |
All spectators are welcome, and entry is free.
Questions about the event? Contact Darren Vannoy.
| Awards |
First, second and third overall
First, second and third fastest drag times
First, second and third best autocross times
First, second and third best concours scores
Most spectacular failure
Best Engineered
Spirit of the Event
Highest-finishing car under $1000
Highest-finishing classic car (pre-1973, unless car in same basic form was available later)
Editors’ choice
Best underhood detailing
Best visual package
Challengers’ choice (voted on by the competitors)
Top-finishing all-girl team entry
Top-finishing one-person team entry
Best attempt to persuade concours judges
Fastest Special-class car
Top-finishing club entry
Top-finishing oddball car
