Grand American Road Racing Association
Encyclopedia
GRAND-AM Road Racing or GRAND-AM is an auto racing
sanctioning body that was established in 1999 to organize road racing
competitions in North America
. It currently sanctions six auto racing series.
, near the homes of NASCAR
, International Speedway Corporation
(ISC), and Daytona International Speedway
. Although originated by some members of the NASCAR community, GRAND-AM centers on different styles of racing including sports car racing
, touring car racing
, and motorcycle racing
on road racing circuits throughout North America.
On September 4, 2008, NASCAR Holdings announced their buyout of the Grand American Road Racing Association in an attempt to merge communications, research, and marketing resources into a single entity, while allowing each organization to continue to control their own racing series.
The premiere series of GRAND-AM is the Rolex Sports Car Series
which originated in 2000 as a successor to the defunct United States Road Racing Championship
. Combining classes of Sports Racing Prototypes and Grand Touring-style production-based cars, the series is centered around the Rolex 24 At Daytona but includes a wide variety of American, Canadian, and Mexican tracks.
In 2003, the series replaced its Sports Racing Prototypes with new Daytona Prototype
s, a custom-built class built specifically for the Rolex Series. These cost-effective race cars offer a relatively economical racing environment in which technology is carefully controlled to ensure close racing and approximate parity between different chassis and engines.
The GT classes have also been simplified over the years, allowing for a variety of American, European, and Japanese manufacturers to participate including Chevrolet
, Pontiac
, BMW
, Porsche
,
Ford and Mazda
. Rules allow for tuned production cars or custom tube frame
chassis to be used, letting participants save cost if necessary.
Daytona Prototypes and GTs usually share the track although do occasionally race separately, typically at shorter circuits.
series. The series is split into two classes known as Grand Sport (GS), intended for large capacity GT-style cars, and Street Tuner (ST), consisting of smaller sedans and coupes, some of which are front-wheel drive
. The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge supports some Rolex Series races but also headlines some of its own dates. The series is somewhat comparable to the old Trans Am Series.
series. Using identical race-tuned Ferrari
s, the series originally ran the F355 then switched to the 360 Modenas before switching to new F430
s in 2006.
Historic Challenge is a series consisting of older Ferrari
, Maserati
, and Scuderia Ferrari
-run Alfa Romeo
models. Although a racing series, the competition is more of an exhibition of the classic machinery than a true race.
The only motorcycle
series run by GRAND-AM, the SunTrust
Moto-ST Series launched in 2007 is an endurance racing series for production-based motorcycles. Races range from three hours to eight hours. Motorcycles must be four-stroke, two cylinder models that are broken into classes depending on power and weight. Teams of riders are used to run an endurance event. Since 2009 the series was sanctioned by the AMA.
iRacing.com
. This series races digital versions of a Riley Daytona Prototype
and the Ford Mustang FR500S, mirroring the Rolex and Continental Tire series.
series under the 2.0 Litre formula. However the series was later reorganized and came under the control of the National Auto Sport Association
(NASA) where it currently runs under the Formula TR name.
The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup was a series which started in 2008. A one-make series similar to the Ferrari Challenge, this series will use identical Ford Mustang
FR500S cars co-developed by Ford Racing
and Larry H. Miller
, owner of Miller Motorsports Park
. The series features amateur drivers in 45 minute sprint events.
The series held its final event September 12, 2010 at Miller Motorsports Park. In the announcement, the series predicted that the FR500S Mustang "will continue to be eligible for competition in a variety of series." Six Mustang Challenge competitors entered the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge event at Mid Ohio on August 7 and August 8, 2010. The cars are now eligible for competition in the GTS class.
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
sanctioning body that was established in 1999 to organize road racing
Road racing
Road racing is a general term for most forms of motor racing held on paved, purpose-built race tracks , as opposed to oval tracks and off-road racing...
competitions in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. It currently sanctions six auto racing series.
Overview
The Grand American Road Racing Association was established in 1999 and is located in Daytona Beach, FloridaDaytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach is a city in Volusia County, Florida, USA. According to 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the city has a population of 64,211. Daytona Beach is a principal city of the Deltona – Daytona Beach – Ormond Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, which the census bureau estimated had...
, near the homes of NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
, International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation is a corporation whose primary business is the ownership and management of NASCAR race tracks. ISC was founded by NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr. in 1953 for the construction of Daytona International Speedway and in 1999 they merged with Penske Motorsports to...
(ISC), and Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
. Although originated by some members of the NASCAR community, GRAND-AM centers on different styles of racing including sports car racing
Sports car racing
Sports car racing is a form of circuit auto racing with automobiles that have two seats and enclosed wheels. They may be purpose-built or related to road-going sports cars....
, touring car racing
Touring car racing
Touring car racing is a general term for a number of distinct auto racing competitions in heavily-modified street cars. It is notably popular in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Scandinavia and Britain.-Characteristics of a touring car:...
, and motorcycle racing
Motorcycle racing
Motorcycle sport is a broad field that encompasses all sporting aspects of motorcycling. The disciplines are not all "races" or timed-speed events, as several disciplines test a competitor's various riding skills.-Motorcycle racing:...
on road racing circuits throughout North America.
On September 4, 2008, NASCAR Holdings announced their buyout of the Grand American Road Racing Association in an attempt to merge communications, research, and marketing resources into a single entity, while allowing each organization to continue to control their own racing series.
Rolex Sports Car Series
The premiere series of GRAND-AM is the Rolex Sports Car Series
Rolex Sports Car Series
The Rolex Sports Car Series is the premier series run by the Grand American Road Racing Association. It is a North American-based sports car series that was founded in 2000 under the name Grand American Road Racing Championship to replace the failed United States Road Racing Championship...
which originated in 2000 as a successor to the defunct United States Road Racing Championship
United States Road Racing Championship
The United States Road Racing Championship was created by the Sports Car Club of America in 1962. It was the first SCCA series for professional racing drivers. SCCA Executive Director John Bishop helped to create the series to recover races that had been taken by rival USAC Road Racing...
. Combining classes of Sports Racing Prototypes and Grand Touring-style production-based cars, the series is centered around the Rolex 24 At Daytona but includes a wide variety of American, Canadian, and Mexican tracks.
In 2003, the series replaced its Sports Racing Prototypes with new Daytona Prototype
Daytona Prototype
A Daytona Prototype is a type of sports prototype racing car developed specifically for the Grand American Road Racing Association's Rolex Sports Car Series as their top class of car, replacing contemporary open cockpit sports cars, specifically Sports Racing Prototypes...
s, a custom-built class built specifically for the Rolex Series. These cost-effective race cars offer a relatively economical racing environment in which technology is carefully controlled to ensure close racing and approximate parity between different chassis and engines.
The GT classes have also been simplified over the years, allowing for a variety of American, European, and Japanese manufacturers to participate including Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
, Pontiac
Pontiac
Pontiac was an automobile brand that was established in 1926 as a companion make for General Motors' Oakland. Quickly overtaking its parent in popularity, it supplanted the Oakland brand entirely by 1933 and, for most of its life, became a companion make for Chevrolet. Pontiac was sold in the...
, BMW
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1916. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands...
, Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
,
Ford and Mazda
Mazda
is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Fuchū, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.In 2007, Mazda produced almost 1.3 million vehicles for global sales...
. Rules allow for tuned production cars or custom tube frame
Tube frame
Tube frame may refer to:*Tube , a structure designed to act like a three-dimensional hollow tube so to resist lateral loads*Space frame or space structure, a truss-like, lightweight rigid structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern*Superleggera, sometimes referred to as a...
chassis to be used, letting participants save cost if necessary.
Daytona Prototypes and GTs usually share the track although do occasionally race separately, typically at shorter circuits.
Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series
Originally based on a Canadian series before being acquired by GRAND-AM, the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (originally known as GRAND-AM Cup) is a production-based touring carTouring car
A touring car, or tourer, is an open car seating five or more. Touring cars may have two or four doors. Often, the belt line is lowered in the front doors to give the car a more sportive character. They were often fitted with a folding roof and side curtains. Engines on early models were either in...
series. The series is split into two classes known as Grand Sport (GS), intended for large capacity GT-style cars, and Street Tuner (ST), consisting of smaller sedans and coupes, some of which are front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive is a form of engine/transmission layout used in motor vehicles, where the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel drive vehicles feature a transverse engine, rather than the conventional longitudinal engine arrangement generally found in rear-wheel drive and...
. The Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge supports some Rolex Series races but also headlines some of its own dates. The series is somewhat comparable to the old Trans Am Series.
Ferrari Challenge
GRAND-AM is the sanctioning body behind the North American arm of the international Ferrari ChallengeFerrari Challenge
The Ferrari Challenge is a single-marque motorsport championship that was created in 1993 for owners of the 348 Berlinetta who wanted to become involved in racing. It now encompasses three official championships in the United States, Italy, and Europe. Competitors from each series are brought...
series. Using identical race-tuned Ferrari
Ferrari
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947...
s, the series originally ran the F355 then switched to the 360 Modenas before switching to new F430
Ferrari F430
The Ferrari F430 is a sports car that was produced by the Italian automaker Ferrari from 2004 to 2009, as a successor to the 360. It debuted at the 2004 Paris Motor Show...
s in 2006.
Shell Historic Challenge
Tied together with the Ferrari Challenge series, the ShellRoyal Dutch Shell
Royal Dutch Shell plc , commonly known as Shell, is a global oil and gas company headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands and with its registered office in London, United Kingdom. It is the fifth-largest company in the world according to a composite measure by Forbes magazine and one of the six...
Historic Challenge is a series consisting of older Ferrari
Ferrari
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947...
, Maserati
Maserati
Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer established on December 1, 1914, in Bologna. The company's headquarters is now in Modena, and its emblem is a trident. It has been owned by the Italian car giant Fiat S.p.A. since 1993...
, and Scuderia Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari is the racing team division of the Ferrari automobile marque. The team currently only races in Formula One but has competed in numerous classes of motorsport since its formation in 1929, including sportscar racing....
-run Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian manufacturer of cars. Founded as A.L.F.A. on June 24, 1910, in Milan, the company has been involved in car racing since 1911, and has a reputation for building expensive sports cars...
models. Although a racing series, the competition is more of an exhibition of the classic machinery than a true race.
SunTrust Moto-ST Series
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
series run by GRAND-AM, the SunTrust
SunTrust Banks
SunTrust Banks, Inc., is an American bank holding company. The largest subsidiary is SunTrust Bank. It had US$172.7 billion in assets as of September 30, 2009...
Moto-ST Series launched in 2007 is an endurance racing series for production-based motorcycles. Races range from three hours to eight hours. Motorcycles must be four-stroke, two cylinder models that are broken into classes depending on power and weight. Teams of riders are used to run an endurance event. Since 2009 the series was sanctioned by the AMA.
GRAND-AM iRacing.com Online Sports Car Series
GRAND-AM also sanctions an online racing series through the racing simulatorSim racing
Sim racing is the collective term for computer software that attempts to simulate accurately auto racing , complete with real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, tire wear and grip, and suspension settings...
iRacing.com
IRacing.com
iRacing.com is an online, subscription-based racing simulation service for Microsoft Windows created by iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations...
. This series races digital versions of a Riley Daytona Prototype
Daytona Prototype
A Daytona Prototype is a type of sports prototype racing car developed specifically for the Grand American Road Racing Association's Rolex Sports Car Series as their top class of car, replacing contemporary open cockpit sports cars, specifically Sports Racing Prototypes...
and the Ford Mustang FR500S, mirroring the Rolex and Continental Tire series.
Formula Renault 2000
GRAND-AM initially sanctioned the North American arm of the Formula RenaultFormula Renault
Formula Renault is a class of formula racing founded in 1971. It is popular in Europe and other countries. Regarded as an entry-level series to motor racing, it is a respected series where drivers can learn advanced racecraft before moving on to Formula Three, World Series by Renault, GP2 or...
series under the 2.0 Litre formula. However the series was later reorganized and came under the control of the National Auto Sport Association
National Auto Sport Association
The National Auto Sport Association is an American motorsports organization promoting road racing and high-performance driver education....
(NASA) where it currently runs under the Formula TR name.
Ford Racing Mustang Challenge
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was initially based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. Introduced early on April 17, 1964, as a "1964½" model, the 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A...
FR500S cars co-developed by Ford Racing
Ford Racing
Ford Racing is the Ford Motor Company's racing division and the multinational name used for its motorsport activity.-History:* 1896 - Henry Ford reached a top speed of 20 mph in his first car, Quadricycle....
and Larry H. Miller
Larry H. Miller
Lawrence Horne "Larry H." Miller was a Utah businessman and philanthropist who was well known as the owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz and the of Triple-A baseball team, the Salt Lake Bees, 41 automotive dealerships throughout the Western United States , and a variety of other business ventures...
, owner of Miller Motorsports Park
Miller Motorsports Park
Miller Motorsports Park is an auto, motorcycle, bicycle and kart racing facility located in the unincorporated Erda area just outside Tooele, Utah.- The Track :...
. The series features amateur drivers in 45 minute sprint events.
The series held its final event September 12, 2010 at Miller Motorsports Park. In the announcement, the series predicted that the FR500S Mustang "will continue to be eligible for competition in a variety of series." Six Mustang Challenge competitors entered the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge event at Mid Ohio on August 7 and August 8, 2010. The cars are now eligible for competition in the GTS class.