Having spent the last year and a half blogging about cars, traditional print car mags have lost their luster for me. Why? Really it’s just that by the time they print stuff, it’s very old news. I don’t even buy R & T any more, I just read Peter Egan’s Side Glances online. The only publication that I still buy religiously is Grassroots Motorsports.

You see, GRM is a car mag that is put together by real car guys who like to get dirty and then play with their creations. Heck, a friend is even involved in the production side of the so called Canadian Edition.

One of the things that has made GRM unique over the years is the creation of a fun annual challenge. For example, the $2006 Challenge competitors must build a vehicle that can autocross, drag race and look good, all for under $2006. A really loyal following has developed over the years, with people taking great pride in returning to Florida year after year. If you think that you can’t build a fast, decent looking ride for that little cash, think again. Some of the creations over the years have been nothing short of incredible.

This year’s challenge happens this weekend at Gainsville Raceway. The autocross was today, while tomorrow is drag day. If you’re anywhere near Gainsville, be sure to head on down and check it out. I believe it’s free for spectators.