Mark your calendars: $2000 Challenge coming April 18-19, 2026

In case you’ve missed it, the $2000 Challenge is where penny-pinching and extreme speed meet, with an autocross, drag racing and a concours determining the best of the best.

Cars built or bought for more than $2000 can join in the fun, too, although they compete in their own classes.

Comments

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
5/21/25 12:18 p.m.

See you all there?

Colin Wood Associate Editor
5/21/25 12:22 p.m.

If it helps, you can probably put off working on your build for at least another 300 days or so, right?

nocones GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
5/21/25 12:53 p.m.

Yay is on calendar now.

brandonsmash GRM+ Memberand Dork
5/21/25 12:56 p.m.

I wish there were a feasible way for me to attend; this always looks like a blast. A hard 3-day tow each way, though, is just too much.

The writeups should be fun to read, though!

Lof8 - Andy GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
5/21/25 1:31 p.m.

brandonsmash said:
I wish there were a feasible way for me to attend; this always looks like a blast. A hard 3-day tow each way, though, is just too much.

The writeups should be fun to read, though!

fly in and spectate, or join the parking lot build. 6 days towing would definitely kill the deal for me as well.

Austin Cannon GRM+ Memberand Reader Services
5/21/25 3:58 p.m.

In reply to brandonsmash :

I'm building a car with some friends for the $2000 challenge, but as an employee I'll be working during the event and not driving the car. If you'd want to make the trip, I'm sure my team or many other teams would love the extra help on the car!

dyintorace GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
5/21/25 4:23 p.m.

brandonsmash said:
I wish there were a feasible way for me to attend; this always looks like a blast. A hard 3-day tow each way, though, is just too much.

The writeups should be fun to read, though!

As a Gainesville resident, every year I offer to enable a fly and drive if folks are interested!