Grassroots Motorsports $2016 Challenge
iCal

Sep 30 - Oct 01 at Gainesville, FL

Grassroots Motorsports 2015 challenge

This event already happened. Click here to view the current event page.

Think you can build an awesome car for just $2000? Fine, prove it—and have a fun weekend at the same time. The Grassroots Motorsports $2016 Challenge Driven by General Tire and sponsored by CRC Industries and Miller Electric is the stage set for some of the most spectacular budget builds you've ever seen. We're talking 10-second quarter-mile times and cars that could dominate your local autocross, each built on a $2016 budget.

The $2016 Challenge celebrates its 16th anniversary by returning to Auto Plus Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, September 30-October 1, 2016.

Once again, the premise remains the same: The Grassroots Motorsports $2016 Challenge will include drag racing, autocross competition and concours judging.

Looking to stay abreast of the latest Challenge chatter? We made that easier to do, too. Start your journey here

Want to learn a little more about the $2016 Challenge? Click here to watch a quick introductory video.

Enter the $2016 Challenge

Want to join in the fun? A link to register through MotorsportReg will be posted here once it's open.

Spectators are more than welcome and get in for free.

Schedule

The official schedule for the $2016 Challenge will be found here once it is official.

Proposed Awards for 2016

Grassroots Motorsports Newsletters

$2016 Champion: The winner of the $2016 Challenge will receive a big trophy, a check, a fancy jacket and a free welder from Miller Electric.

Second and Third Overall: the second and third highest scoring teams overall.

Top Three Autocross: Given to the three teams with the fastest autocross runs.

Top Three Drags: Given to the three teams with the fastest quarter-mile times.

Top Three Concours: Given to the three highest scoring teams in concours judging.

Most Spectacular Failure: These cars are built on a tight budget. Things blow up sometimes. This award goes to the most awesome disappointments.

Best Engineered: The Grassroots Motorsports staff will pick the car they believe to be the most ingeniously engineered.

Editors’ Choice: The Grassroots Motorsports staff will pick their overall favorite entry.

Challengers’ Choice: The $2016 Challenge participants will pick their overall favorite entry. The winner will receive a free welding mask from Miller Electric.

Rookie of the Year Award: Highest-placing first-timer.

Longest Drive Award: Longest drive from home to the event.

Phil Kime Spirit of the Event Award: Person or team that fully embodies the $2000 Challenge spirit.

Best Reaction Time: Best reaction time on the quarter-mile.

Last Chance Award: Highest-placing car acquired no more than 10 days before the first day of the event. Car shall be purchased from general public, not another Challenge team.

High School Award: Highest-placing car predominantly built by high schoolers.

Old Guy Class: Highest-placing car predominantly built by old guys.

College Class: Highest-placing car predominantly built by college students.

$1008 Class: Highest-placing car built for $1008 or less.

If you have questions, contact Rick Goolsby.

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.

Room rates are as follows: Double - $109 per night. King Deluxe - $105 per night.

Rules

2016 will be the third year of a three-year car preparation rules freeze. Car preparation rules from this year will be the same as the previous two.

Click here to see the complete rules.

Want to race on an even smaller budget? Give valve cover racing a try. It's like pinewood derby, except you have to use a valve cover as your vehicle's body.

Rules for Valve Cover Racing.

Latest Updates

April 30:
Don't forget, spectators are more than welcome to come and enjoy the show for free.

March 28:
Inspired by the Challenge builds in the last issue of Grassroots Motorsports? Now is the time to start building.

February 23:
Want to try a Miller Electric welder? They'll once again be awarding one of their units to the overall winner of the $2016 Challenge and they'll have one at the event free for anyone to use who needs to make repairs.

January 12:
Want to join the exclusive "Soccer Mom Challenge" class? All you need is a minivan and a head full of bad ideas. Find out more here.

December 23:
We have dates set. The $2016 Challenge will begin on Friday, September 30 and conclude on Saturday, October 1.