Ryan and I have been going crazy with Forza 3 at lunch, and it’s really been making us both want to get a track car and get out on the track. I just was deleting a bunch of old files from my laptop when I came across a bunch of pics I took at the first Grassroots Motorsports Ultimate Track Car Challenge at VIR two years ago. I don’t think any of these cars were in the event, but they were out on the track doing laps between heats. Take a look at the other three cars after the jump and let us know what your pick would be. You can probably guess mine.

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After a few days in the Florida sun, our annual Challenge is complete. We want to thank all of the competitors for coming out to play and for bringing another batch of great cars. Final results are posted to the $2009 Challenge page, and this year’s winning team had a dominant performance overall. Congratulations to Team Gutty on their performance.

After posting the fastest overall time during the autocross phase of competition, the Zamboni pilots of the SCCA’s Eastern Tennessee Region had high hopes for a great finish overall. They probably didn’t plan on blowing out the differential, but thankfully posted some solid times before it happened. We’re getting closer to having the final results for the event, and we’ll have them up online as quickly as possible.

Get the most recent updates from the $2009 Challenge at Grassroots Motorsports

The Dirt E30 team turned a lot of heads on the autocross course; their wicked looking box-flared BMW was fast enough to capture second overall on the autocross course. They were ever so slightly behind the LoCost-based Zamboni from Tennessee. Since both cars are well dressed and should have comparable Concours scores, the drag racing event will be one to watch.

Get the most recent updates from the $2009 Challenge at Grassroots Motorsports

We applaud any Challenge entry, whether they’re fast, slow, or in between. We even like the ugly ones, and this particular entry from Sullivan Racing is a good example of the “ugly” breed. Ugly as it may be, it looks awfully light, so we’ll have to see if the car can overcome a dismal concours score. Get the most recent updates at Grassroots Motorsports

The concours judging at the Grassroots Motorsports $2009 Challenge is well underway, and we’re seeing some very clean presentations from the class of $2009. Here, Team Spooky Speed shows off their Pac Man-themed car to our expert panel of Judges. Get the most recent updates at Grassroots Motorsports

Who says it takes big bucks to go fast? Each year our readers prove that fact to be dead wrong. Our Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2009 Challenge takes place this weekend at Gainesville Raceway, and through the magic of the Internet we’ll be posting regular updates at Grassroots Motorsports.

So, don’t think you can build a 12-, 11- or even 10-second car for what is basically pocket change? Follow along.

The Rolex 24 At Daytona is one of those must-do motorsports events. The race has attracted some star-studded fields lately, and the action has been terrific. The most recent running saw David Donohue win it by less than two tenths of a second–that’s nuts. We’re hosting a little hospitality package, and of course you’re all welcome. We’ll take you behind the scenes and give you the full Daytona experience.

We test drive a lot of cars here at Grassroots Motorsports, but it’s been a while since one has drawn such extreme love and displeasure. The car? The latest Honda Civic Si sedan. If you’d like to chime in, feel free.

Remember Mom telling you to not pick at it? Well, if it’s crusty wax residue, then it’s okay to pick. Make sure you use the right tool, though. The simple bamboo skewer is tough enough yet won’t scratch the paint. You can find them at any supermarket. And thanks, Tim McNair, for teaching me this simple trick. A little more about the clean-up can be found at Grassroots Motorsports

Anyone need some free tools and restoration equipment? We’re giving away a $1000 Eastwood shopping spree to one lucky soul. You can enter at Classic Motorsports

All work and no play makes David a dull boy, and soon I’m heading to a NASA track event. Ever wanted to get on track but didn’t know the first step to take? Their HPDE program is a fantastic way to get involved. Plus it’s fun, too. You can learn more about my low-buck track car at Grassroots Motorsports

I admit that I’m not the neatest guy out there. I’m currently looking at an overflowing inbox, messy desk and piles of papers. However, at least the cars are clean. The Porsche and CRX both got some attention this week–the full Griot’s treatment for the 911, while the Honda got a down-and-dirty cleaner wax treatment. Either way, both cars now sparkle.

The deadline for this year’s Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2009 Challenge is fast approaching. So, what kind of cool car can you stitch together for two grand? We’ve had 10-second cars at this event before. Full rules, entry info and some inspirational words from Jay Leno, go to Grassroots Motorsports

I finally got to meet J.G. Pasterjak from the Grassroots Motorsports crew at the Nissan 370Z drive two weeks ago. In addition to handling the production and art direction for the magazines, J.G. shoots a lot of video for GRM. Here’s his recent review of the 2009 Pontiac Solstice, which includes some of his thoughts on Pontiac and GM. I thought it was pretty hilarious. Check it out.