Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge » News & Updates
No. 21 Mustang In-Car Video 8:51 a.m. May. 01
Better late than never, we’ve got in-car video of Matthew Wojtkowiak’s No. 21 Mustang making a drag run:
Challenge Banquet Video 12:25 p.m. Oct. 15
Looking for the video build diary we showed at the $2008 Challenge banquet? For your viewing pleasure:
More Challenge Autocross Video 9:33 a.m. Oct. 06
YouTube user MMMadmaverick posted this video taken during the afternoon autocross runs Friday:
OriginalSauve caught some nice video of Matt Step earning the “Most Spectacular Failure” trophy. Kids, don’t try this at home:
And I stumbled across some nice in-car video of the Hong Norr Soop3rTurd Civic, too:
Awards and Accolades 2:38 p.m. Oct. 05
After dinner, JG, our master of ceremonies, started handing out the awards. The Hong Norr crew took home a lot of hardware this year—first and second overall—as did Andy Nelson and family. We’ll have more details up soon. The Johnsons again won the longest drive award, as they trucked in from Idaho. We salute them.
Trophies? We Got Trophies 2:37 p.m. Oct. 05
We had a bank of trophies to hand out last night. Some were for quantitative scores—top times, best reaction time, etc.—while others are for qualitative things, like the best failure and editors’ choice.
Dinner Is Served 2:25 p.m. Oct. 05
After a long day at the track, nothing hits the spot like a good, hot meal. And we had one. The award banquet kicked off with an Italian buffet, and there was plenty for seconds and thirds. Plus there was cake, too.
$2008 Challenge Results 9:04 p.m. Oct. 04
The final results from the Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge are now posted. Congratulations, Hong Norr!
Almost Time to Eat 4:45 p.m. Oct. 04
The awards banquet takes place later tonight, and that’s when we’ll announce the final standings and hand out some fabulous trophies and parting gifts. We’re just about done tallying the scores and placing our votes.
The GRM staff would like to thank everyone involved for making this a wonderful event: our generous sponsors, Kumho Tire, Superchips, CDOC, eBay and CRC Motorsports; the always friendly Gainesville Raceway staff; the Martin Sports Car Club; our friends at CarDomain.com; Greg Walker and Scalextric; the Best Western Gateway Grand staff; our pro autocross drivers; and, of course, the competitors. Without you guys, this would have been a rather boring weekend.
We’ll have final results and a little wrap-up—plus details on the next Challenge event—very soon. Please keep an eye on the site. And don’t forget, complete Challenge coverage will highlight our February issue. (That’s actually closer than it sounds.) Features on many cars will follow in subsequent issues. You know where we’re going with this, right? That’s right. A GRM subscription is a great gift that keeps on giving.
Rollin' Out 4:42 p.m. Oct. 04
As 5:00 p.m. approached, the Gainesville Raceway parking lot became a lonely place. Most competitors had already left for the hotel. A shower and cold drink were hard-to-resist temptations.
Day is Done 4:41 p.m. Oct. 04
The second day of competition has come to a conclusion, sports fans, and the drag race results will soon be posted. The strip didn’t get any faster as the day went on, so Andy Nelson and his wicked VW Bug held onto the top spot.
Lightning McQueen Takes on The King 4:40 p.m. Oct. 04
It was like the movie “Cars” came to life as Lightning McQueen faced off against The King. The victor? Never bet against The King. (On a related note, the Toyota trashed a main bearing Friday, and Thomas Hinton replaced it this morning so he could rejoin the action.)
Drag It to Me 1:26 p.m. Oct. 04
The second day of competition is winding down, as drivers only have one more hour post a time. Andy Nelson is still leading the pack with a 10.5 at 124 mph.
Now Serving... 1:25 p.m. Oct. 04
If the GRM Web site is slow or temporarily down, it’s because so many people are trying to keep up with these Challenge updates. Bear with us—we’re tuning it in the parking lot now.
Spitfire! 1:23 p.m. Oct. 04
David Herr returned with his Ford-powered Spitfire. After starting in the 16s, he has gotten down into the 13s.
Fast Bug 11:35 a.m. Oct. 04
It’s lunchtime here at Gainesville Raceway, and Andy Nelson’s VW Bug is still the car to beat with 10.5-second runs.
Stan is the Man 11:34 a.m. Oct. 04
Stan Dorsey’s Nissan 240SX blends both American and JDM performance. The nose comes from an R32 Skyline, but under the hood lies a GM V8. Whatever the origin, it’s fast, too, posting 11.4-second times.
Sleeper Car 11:31 a.m. Oct. 04
David Brown brought his Mitsubishi Mirage down from Michigan last year, but the car broke. Things are going much better this time, as the car is running in the 12s. Excellent sleeper, huh?
Colt Power 11:27 a.m. Oct. 04
The Westside guys definitely brought their A Game this weekend. The car posted some strong autocross times and looks great. Matt Step just pedaled the car to an 11.63-second quarter-mile.
We also captured in-car video from his 11.94-second drag run earlier this morning:
Ballistic Bug, Part Two 10:39 a.m. Oct. 04
We suspected Andy Nelson’s V8 Bug would be a drag-strip demon, and Andy didn’t disappoint. He’s been tearing off 10-second runs all morning, including this 10.96 second pass. The first video is from inside Andy’s Beetle. The second is from Aaron DeVine’s supercharged Karmann Ghia.
Getting Better All the Time 10:33 a.m. Oct. 04
The Georgia Tech Lexus V8-powered Miata has definitely had a rough time, as mechanical maladies have included broken rear axle and injection problems. The car now has all four wheels attached and is currently facing the concours judges.
It's a Great, Great Day for Racing 8:26 a.m. Oct. 04
Challenge competitors are being welcomed by pleasant temps and partly cloudy skies. Watch for more updates throughout the day.
Nawz 8:25 a.m. Oct. 04
Nitrous oxide has been a drag racer’s friend for decades, and several competitors have been hooking up their systems this morning. Even the Ghia now has a little helper.
Slick Stuff 8:24 a.m. Oct. 04
Sticky tires are also crucial for a good run, and several competitors have been mounting their drag slicks this morning.
Swag Toss 6:16 a.m. Oct. 04
It’s also not a party unless some swag is thrown into the crowd. J.G. handed out GRM gear to people who weren’t above embarrassing themselves in public.
Slot Cars 6:15 a.m. Oct. 04
It’s not a party unless we have some slot cars. Scalextric USA sent us some sets, and once again Greg Walker from The Race Place kept the action flowing. Marty, a.k.a “Miles’s Dad,” also helped.
Dinner 6:14 a.m. Oct. 04
After a busy day at the track, the time to eat had finally come. We fed the whole Challenge crew at the hotel. It was done buffet style, so patrons were free to inhale as much food as they pleased. This is Mike White, by the way, from the Hong Norr team. He likes yummy food.
Inside a Winning Challenge Autocross Run 6:51 p.m. Oct. 03
The Hong Norr Civic CRX was a terror on our autocross course today. Here’s in-car video from the winning run.
Swaps O' Fun 6:17 p.m. Oct. 03
We have seen a lot of neat engine swaps at our Challenge events, but Joshua Sennett did something we never really imagined: a bike-powered Corolla. Power comes from a V4 Honda. It hasn’t come to life yet, but hopefully that will change tomorrow. He still had a smile on his face all day.
Freeze Frame 6:16 p.m. Oct. 03
So, what happens with the action stops? The cameras come out. We did a few photo shoots this evening. Fifteen-year-old Aaron DeVine built this Ghia, and he left just the right amount of patina.
First Day Is Finished 6:15 p.m. Oct. 03
The first day of competition has come to a close, and just a few people were still at the track making last-minute repairs when we rolled out at 6:00. Now it’s time to relax, eat and play some slot cars.
This is Team Gutty, one of the groups making some late repairs thanks to a sticking front brake caliper. Despite the problem, they were still third overall in the autocross.
Autocross Results Posted 6:13 p.m. Oct. 03
Autocross results are now online. There was some pretty impressive machinery—and driving—out there.
New Leader 2:55 p.m. Oct. 03
Looks like we have a new autocross leader, as the Hong Norr Civic has taken the lead. Will they keep it? Can someone post a better time in the waning moments? We’ll know soon.
Easy Glide 1:22 p.m. Oct. 03
We’ve seen V8-powered RX-7s before, but this one is backed with a two-speed Powerglide transmission. Despite the big increase in power—and this apparent tail-out action—we hear that it’s quite easy to drive.
Camo 1:13 p.m. Oct. 03
Mike Kelley has been to just about every Challenge. Last year he had some problems on the way down and had to leave his car at home, but this year his turbo Dodge made the big trip.
D'oh 1 p.m. Oct. 03
Mechanical failures happen. It’s just a fact of life. Remember Jeremy’s BMW-powered RX-7? Well, it lost a wheel when the studs decided to separate from the hub. He’s currently chasing parts so he can get back in the fame.
Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech 12:44 p.m. Oct. 03
Georgia Tech’s team has been a regular feature at our last few Challenges, and they again brought a two-car effort. In addition to their turbo BMW 3 series, they returned with the Miata. Where the car was pretty stock last near, it now relies on Lexus V8 power. We’re guessing that’s a swap you haven’t seen before.
Father & Son 12:32 p.m. Oct. 03
Sean DeVine is another repeat offender, but this year he didn’t do the work on this year’s entry. His 15-year-old son, Aaron, built this way cool Ghia. He found the car in a barn, where it had been sitting for a few decades. A period-correct Judson supercharger gives it a little more boost.
Autocross 11:20 a.m. Oct. 03
The autocross has gone hot, too. We’ll have official results later today, but so far looks like Spinout Lasota’s Pontiac Fiero is the one to beat.
Bug Out 11:19 a.m. Oct. 03
Andrew Nelson always brings something that’s just a little tricker than usual. Knowing how to weld and have an incredible attention to detail helps. We’ll have a full feature on this VW next year, but here’s a sneak peak. Power? V8, what else?
Six Appeal 10:14 a.m. Oct. 03
So, what can be found under the hood of Jeremy Randolph’s RX-7? BMW inline six. Yeah, it’s cool. Smooth, too.
Add It Up 10:12 a.m. Oct. 03
Whenever we write about the Challenge, the armchair experts chime in: No way that car was built for that money. As usual, we’re auditing everyone’s paperwork. As Tim’s wife, magazine owner Margie Suddard has a good B.S. meter. This year she’s getting help from Michele Wallens, our editor’s wife who just happens to be a real accountant.
Judgment Day 10:10 a.m. Oct. 03
Concours judging has begun. Our crack concours judges—from left, Redline BMW’s Rennie Bryant, the Hon. John Phillips, Publisher Tim Suddard and longtime auto journalist Steven Cole Smith—have started checking out the cars.
“We have seen some good, honest efforts, Tim said. “Cars are building cars not just for this event, but to enjoy at their local autocrosses.” Tim thought that was cool.
More Than Meets the Eye 9:16 a.m. Oct. 03
So, what’s under the hood of Jeremy Randolph’s Mazda RX-7? Rotary? Triple rotor? Turbo rotary? Something crazy like a V8? We’ll be back in a bit with the answer.
Inspect Those Gadgets 9:14 a.m. Oct. 03
Before taking to the track, all cars must be inspected. Gainesville Raceway’s tech inspectors have been checking the cars stem to stern. David Alvarado’s Supra had some issues, so he was sent to find a battery box.
Drop Anchor 8:06 a.m. Oct. 03
So, how do all great motorsports events start? With the ceremonial unloading of the trailers. Most Challenge cars arrived in tow, and this morning competitors are busy undoing tie-down straps, placing ramps, and getting their cars on solid ground.
Bavarian Nitrous Monster 8:06 a.m. Oct. 03
Another of our Challenge newcomers is Dennis Mater, who brought this 1984 BMW 318is down from Richmond, Va. What you can’t see in the photo is the hole cut into the hood to accommodate the circular air cleaner that sits on top of a carbureted V6. Mater tells us that he’s saving a pretty big shot of nitrous for Saturday’s drag racing action. It’s great to see so many cool new cars debuting at the challenge this year; based on the number of veterans who have been signing up, the rookies will have their work cut out for them.
We're awake 8:02 a.m. Oct. 03
And a chilly good morning to you. Challenge competitors woke to clear skies and brisk 55-degree temperatures—and a tasty complimentary breakfast thanks to the the Best Western Gateway Grand.
Lots of Challenge cars could be found in the hotel’s parking lot, some still under wraps. Jonny Pruitt, a longtime Challenge regular, returned with another Yugo. So, what’s inside this one? Turbo power? Nitrous? Fast food wrappers? We’ll all know soon.
Ballistic Bug 9:47 p.m. Oct. 02
Challenge Veteran Andy Nelson has made a name for himself as king of the drag strip, and this year he showed up with a VW Bug. Just like the current VW ads we’re going to let the car do the talking, but based on what he told us about its performance during a test run in Pennsylvania, the other Challengers are going to see something special from this burly V8-powered Beetle. It’s time for bed now; updates will resume tomorrow morning from the Gainesville International Raceway.
Hong Twins 9:03 p.m. Oct. 02
The Hongs are back, and they brought at least two of their veteran Honda CRXs. Consult your $200X Challenge back-issues for details on these two very clean Challenge vets. Naturally they’re right at home at the autocross, but the Hong Norr team has found a variety of ways to hold their own against the V8s at the drag strip, too. Based on this first glance in the parking lot, they’ve spent a good deal of time in the off season polishing their hardware.
Mambo Italiano 7:58 p.m. Oct. 02
Local time is 9 p.m. and registration has now closed.
There’s more than just registration in the registration room. We’ve got cold beer, delicious lemonade, bruschetta, cannoli, pepperoni pizza and tiramisu. Very Italian. It’s a great place to catch up with fellow competitors and make sure that your entry packet has the proper numbers and all the necessary sponsor decals. As is always the case, Challenge competitors get the coveted grey Challenge T-shirt. Want one? Build a car and come play.
Challenge veterans might recognize (left to right around the table) Paula Nelson, Matt Wojtkowiaks Junior and Senior, Cameron Nelson, David Melton and Calvin Nelson’s back.
Orange you glad they brought an RX-7? 6:59 p.m. Oct. 02
The Best Western parking lot has quickly turned into a used car lot of the bizarre and wonderful. Thanks in part to its vibrant orange paint job, Hal Kain’s first-generation Mazda RX-7 was hard to miss in the light of the setting sun. Kain and crew seemed happy to be stretching their legs after a long drive down from Wisconsin.
It looks pretty darn stock on the outside, but nestled under the shiny hood is a small-block Chevy V8 powerplant. Looks like a pretty strong entry for a first-time Challenge competitor. We took advantage of the sunlight to get photos of all the cars in the lot, so look for more updates as registration continues for the $2008 Challenge.
Berzerkeley on Board 6:02 p.m. Oct. 02
Tom, Scott and Gary loaded up the Berzerkeley this afternoon and pointed the Pathfinder west for Gainesville. We consider the fact that the Berzerkeley drove itself onto the trailer a good omen. Tom and Scott had an uneventful trip from GRM world headquarters to our host hotel, the Best Western Gateway Grand. Per, Nancy and Debbie have been signing $2008 Challenge participants in at the hotel for a bit more than an hour now. Look for some preview pics from the parking lot in the hours to come.
Even More Packed 12:47 p.m. Oct. 02
The Pathfinder is packed, and the first wave of GRMers have already left for Gainesville. Registration opens tonight at 5:30, and there’s usually socializing way into dark. We’ll see you guys shortly.
Pack, Thrash, Drive 8:17 a.m. Oct. 02
The Challenge is almost here. Many competitors are on the way—or thrashing away mercilessly. The GRM staff has been packing, too. Nancy stuffed all of the entry packets this morning, and looks like everyone will get some nice gifts.
Interested in what it takes to put on an event like this? Here’s just part of our packing list: half-dozen laptops, a laser printer, notepads and pens, several pounds of cold cuts, banners, camera gear, trophies, clipboards, two PA systems, slot car sets, adding machine, T-shirts, barrier tape and a ton of GRM logo gear. If you want a new GRM sweatshirt or beanie, we’ll have them there.
Stay Tuned.... 11:33 a.m. Sep. 22
Stay tuned for live updates from the Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge, coming soon.
