GM Performance Parts to offer race ready Camaro body

Pundits will argue that the new Chevrolet Camaro will be short lived like it's predecessor, thanks to high oil prices and the tanking economy. It's times like these when you need to cater to your true fans, and that's exactly what GM is trying to do by offering up a plain white Camaro body for sale.



Fans of traditional muscle have long clamored for a basic model of today's muscle cars, complete with a low base price and a lack of options (and weight). While no one has offered a "stripper" model per say, the availability of a plain body for race use is a start anyway.



The Camaro BIW package will be a full body assembly available through GM Performance Parts for $7,000 beginning in the first quarter of 2009. The chassis will not have a VIN number, so there will be no means for street registration. Any application must be submitted to GM for approval before a transaction is made. See the press release for more information on this race ready body.



PRESS RELEASE:



RACERS REJOICE! GM PERFORMANCE PARTS TO OFFER NEW CAMARO BODIES IN WHITE



Grand Blanc, Mich. – Racers who want to slip into something more fashionable at the track next year will find the 2010 Camaro is just their size. GM Performance Parts will offer body in white packages of the new Camaro starting in the first quarter of 2009.



The basic package lists for $7,000 and includes an assembled body structure, including the front fenders, hood, front valance/grille header panel, roof, doors, rear quarters, trunk lid and rear valance. The structure also includes the complete floorpans and chassis rails.



Racer must fill out an online application to be eligible to purchase one. The form is available at www.gmperformanceparts.com. Bodies will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no limit to the number an approved racing team can purchase.



"This is the easiest and most cost-effective way to build a race-ready new Camaro," said Dr. Jamie Meyer, of GM Performance Parts. "We envision racers using these bodies for all types of competition, from Pro Street and Competition drag racing to road racing."



The body in white includes only a painted body shell and no additional components or materials. The bodies do not have vehicle identification numbers, so they may only be used as racing vehicles that will never be licensed for street driving.



Racers will add powertrain, fuel system, suspension, interior components and glass (or sanctioning body-approved alternative), and safety equipment, then go racing.



"For the racers who would strip down the entire car and replace most of the components with racing-spec parts, the body in white saves time and money," said Dr. Meyer. "Drag racers, for example, won't have to worry about swapping out for a solid axle – they can just bolt one up and go."



The body in white's unadorned interior also saves time and money by allowing racing teams to eliminate the process of stripping a fully equipment production car in order to reduce weight and prep the chassis for a roll cage.



And when it comes to building up the body in white, GM Performance Parts offers crate engines, engine controllers, high-performance transmissions and hundreds of other parts to help complete the project – including dedicated drag racing engines and engine suited for circle track and road racing competition.



GM Performance Parts – Tested to the Limits, Backed by GM



GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation; requiring that the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. And if that's not enough, GMPP installs crate engines in its own engineering vehicles for ongoing testing and continuous improvement. It's that commitment to quality and durability that allows General Motors to back GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24 month / 50,000 mile warranty (whichever occurs first). All GM Performance Parts components carry a 12 months / 12,000 miles warranty.



Enthusiasts who crave the latest technology, maximum horsepower and the expertise and confidence backed by GM, can purchase GMPP crate engines, blocks, heads, high performance transmissions and components, from GMPP Authorized Center dealers or any other GM dealership nationwide. For more information or to locate the closest GM dealership visit www.gmperformanceparts.com.

Discovery HD to air three part series on Mustang Challenge

It's been over a year since Ford revealed the FR500S Mustang at SEMA in Las Vegas, but the road racer has already been through an entire season of races. The Discovery Channel has been at each race capturing all the action from the first green to the final checkered flag, and will be airing a three part series on HD Theater starting December 7 from 8-9 PM ET with the next episodes running on the following two Sundays. The show will feature footage from in-car HD cameras as well as the off-track challenges of each team.



PRESS RELEASE:



(Silver Spring, MD) – Throughout this summer, HD Theater's WHY WE RACE: THE MUSTANG CHALLENGE has been capturing the rivalry, competitive drive and racing drama of the inaugural Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup. This new professional road racing series, co-developed by Ford Racing and Miller Motorsports Park, features professional racers utilizing the Ford Mustang FR500S in an eight-race schedule across North America. WHY WE RACE: THE MUSTANG CHALLENGE premieres on HD Theater on Sunday, December 7 from 8-9 PM ET and runs for three consecutive Sundays.



HD Theater is a premier offering from Discovery Communication's family of high-definition networks and it is exclusively available in 1080i and 5.1 digital surround sound on high-definition platforms nationwide.



WHY WE RACE: THE MUSTANG CHALLENGE features the thrill of this high-speed racing series from start to finish and all of the crumpled fenders and dented egos in between. Through the use of tiny HD cameras mounted inside the racing cars, HD Theater's audience rides shotgun through each hairpin turn and serpentine chicane. While the drivers' racing experience ranges from raw rookies to hardened veterans, the racing competition proves dramatic with close finishes, bump and grind position changes and hard-hitting crashes. Every Ford Mustang FR500S in the series is identically prepared, making success a product of each driver's skill of holding their lines in the corners, going flat-out down the straight-aways and avoiding the tire barriers, walls and other competitors.



In addition, cameras follow the racing teams to capture the unique racing culture of the series off the track and each team's ambition for success. The Ford Racing Mustang Challenge for the Miller Cup features a diverse set of racing teams ranging from father-son duos following a passion for speed to well-financed enterprises featuring multiple race cars, drivers and full crews of mechanics.



WHY WE RACE: THE MUSTANG CHALLENGE showcases dramatic stories of triumph including 20-year-old Andrew Caddell's consistent podium appearances among the racing series' elite, as well as the harsh reality of how a devastating crash can financially undercut a race team's ability to continue to compete.

Pontiac G8 GXP laps Nurburgring in 8:30

The G8 GXP has garnered some serious love from the press and those lucky enough to drive it first hand. The ride has been called a "budget E39 M5" by several folks. And the comparisons may be well deserved, as Der Auto Inshiderfahvenberger is reporting that the GXP ran around the 'Ring in 8:30 -- a mere two seconds off the E39M5's time.



The run was supposedly set by one of the GXP's development engineers – not a professional driver – but as always, we're wary of any development mule setting "unofficial" lap times, particularly when a roll cage is fitted, aiding in chassis rigidity. Regardless, it's hard to argue with a four-door sedan coming in under $40-large and delivering this level of performance.

Shelby to offer 427 package for GT500

Image via WikipediaIn conjunction with a Shelby Automobiles will be sponsoring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motorspeedway in March. The race will actually be lengthened to 427 miles and will be called the 'Shelby 427'. We think it would be more historically appropriate for Shelby to sponsor a road racing event, but the company's proximity to the race track and the better marketing reach make NASCAR a logical choice.



In conjunction with the sponsorship, Shelby will be offering a 427 package for the GT500. Hoping for a 427ci engine conversion? So were we, but prepare to be disappointed. The 427 package will be a simple badge job and will include "Mr. Shelby's personal autograph as well as many other event-related add-ons." Those who purchase the package will also receive race tickets and the possibility to serve as the race's honorary starter.



[Source: Shelby]





PRESS RELEASE:



LAS VEGAS – The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1, 2009 will be sponsored by Shelby Automobiles. The event will be lengthened to 427 miles and will be called the "Shelby 427."



Together, LVMS and Shelby will market a Las Vegas Motor Speedway Limited Edition Shelby 427 package for the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang.



LVMS President Chris Powell and Shelby Automobiles founder Carroll Shelby made the announcement today at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.



"We are ecstatic to have the legendary Shelby name on our 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup race," Powell said. "It's a tremendous opportunity for us to give added exposure to the Shelby brand that has, over the years, become synonymous with the best in high-performance cars."



Bruton Smith, founder and CEO of LVMS parent company Speedway Motorsports, and Carroll Shelby have been friends for many years.



"We are thrilled to combine the efforts of our two companies in this sponsorship," Smith said. "Carroll and his team have long been known for the high quality of their work and the tremendous popularity of their cars."



Carroll Shelby has driven and designed race and sports cars for more than 50 years. His company, Shelby Automobiles, located its manufacturing facility at the speedway complex as the anchor tenant in 1998. The company uses the oval and road courses for its research and development. This is the first time Shelby Automobiles has sponsored a NASCAR event.



"The Shelby name will be forever linked to racing because of our unrivaled success in competition over the years," said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Automobiles. "The Ford Shelby Mustang programs have allowed us to begin exploring motorsports options again. While we determine the series best suited to our products, we wanted to raise our profile in the racing community, and the NASCAR race next to our campus presented the ideal opportunity. Shelby was the first small American sports car and muscle car manufacturer to win world championships, and now we're the first to sponsor a NASCAR race."



"We're thrilled to have our name on the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Shelby 427," Carroll Shelby said. "From drag racing to Formula 1, I've been involved in just about every type of motor racing except NASCAR. I love the competition, passion and excitement of the fans and teams in NASCAR. We're offering real enthusiasts an opportunity to be part of something really special through this program."



Since its inception in 1998, the Sprint Cup race at LVMS has been run at a length of 400.5 miles, which is 267 laps around the 1.5-mile oval. In order to accommodate the new event name, the race will be increased by 27 miles and will feature 285 laps.



As part of the one-year race sponsorship, Shelby Automobiles will market a Las Vegas Motor Speedway Limited Edition Shelby 427 package for the Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang. Owners of 2007 and 2008 Shelby GT500s with the post title Super Snake package on their muscle car can purchase the limited edition "pace car" upgrade on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing shelby427@lvms.com. Shelby enthusiasts may have their names added to a waiting list for the package by emailing shelbywaitinglist@lvms.com. The upgraded package will include Mr. Shelby's personal autograph as well as many other event-related add-ons. Only 427 of these packages will be available through Shelby Automobiles.



Those who purchase a Shelby 427 package will also receive special race tickets and other amenities, including the opportunity to serve as the race's honorary starter

Superformance and Roush team up for special edition MKIII-R

Superformance, the only Shelby-licensed producer of Cobra kit cars, has teamed up with Roush for a special edition version of their MKIII replicar that features a Roush 427 IR crate motor pumping out 576 horsepower.



In addition to standard features like TIG welded ladder frame chassis, independent front and rear suspension, fiberglass body, and Wilwood brakes, the MKIII-R gets custom Cobra seats with four-point harnesses, black chrome trim, Roush floor mats and short throw shifter, custom Roush-engraved wind wings, and a unique Monza Red paint scheme with silver stripes and black pin stripes.



The package is now on sale and will be sold as an upgrade for the standard MKIII chassis. You can check out the full details in the press release below.



PRESS RELEASE:



The Question:



What happens when you take the most sought after 1965 licensed reproduction Cobra replica and shoehorn in an engine built by a company that has more Ford wins than any other manufacture?



The Answer:



You get the Roush/Superformance Special Edition MKIII-R!



The Project:



The Roush/Superformance Special Edition MKIII-R was built specifically to tour the country and represent the bread and butter of what Roush Performance Engines and Superformance LLC have to offer. The plan was to build a one off display vehicle, but the project's high interest quickly changed everyone's mind and suddenly the car was slated for production. The Special Edition car was introduced to the public at the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas Nevada. The MKIII-R showed the public what it has always wanted to see - two industry leaders working together to produce the best of both worlds, a stunning double diamond with the roar of a lion under the hood. A car that is truly pleasing to all of your senses!



Now Available for Purchase:



The Roush components will be available as an upgrade package that will be sold separately from the standard Superformance MKIII roadster. The interior features a set of Roush embroidered leather seats, unique gauges, billet short-throw shifter, Roush embroidered floor mats, dual gauge pod, and a serialized plaque. Customers can choose from a variety of Roush crate motors including the 427 IR V8 that is dyno tested at 576 horsepower and comes with a 2-year/24,000 mile warranty.



The Players:



Superformance LLC, the leader in "Licensed Reproduction" replica and continuation component chassis of the 1960's. As one of the first players in the industry, Superformance has over 20 independent dealers throughout the world including Europe, Africa, and Australia. Superformance has earned the reputation of being the best through their relentless attention to detail, quality, craftsmanship, fit, finish, and customer service. Superformance teamed with Hi-Tech Automotive RSA (the world's largest specialty car production facility with more than 600 craftsmen and associated employees in their 400,000 square foot build facility located in South Africa) has built over 4000 rolling component chassis to date.



Roush Performance Engines, a division of Roush Industries and better known to the general public as Roush Fenway Racing has been producing complete performance crate "street engines" since 2003 and currently has over 15 different combinations from mild to wild to choose from.



Hillbank Motor Corporation is Southern California's Superformance licensed reproduction replica and Shelby continuation vintage racing and component chassis dealer. Hillbank has the largest selection and inventory of complete "turn-key minus" MKIII's, Cobras, Daytona Coupes, and GT40's on the West Cost and is a premier retailer of the top name brand and genuine aftermarket American Muscle performance parts & accessories.



Exotic Auto Restorations is a well respected installation center for Hillbank Motor Corp. Exotic specializes in custom fabrication of classic vintage race cars, early & late model Mustangs, and show quality vehicles. Owner, George Cunha and his crew have over 26 years of experience in and around the custom fabrication and restoration industry. Exotic holds numerous awards with their show winning cars and has recently been seen on Hot Rod TV.



The Journey:



Hillbank Motor Corp collected all the pieces of this performance puzzle and began to align the stars for this new venture. Once the pieces were all collected, Hillbank called on Exotic Automotive Restorations to masterfully assemble the dream car!



The MKIII-R started its journey in South Africa, where it was built completely minus the engine and transmission by Hi Tech Automotive RSA and shipped Hillbank Motor Corp. After 5 weeks on the water it arrived at Hillbank and was quickly sent over to Exotic where it began the transformation process.



The Exotic crew first removed all of the chrome factory trim pieces including the windshield, hood and trunk latches, headlight rings, quick jacks, all the way down to the Tonneau cover rivets and roll bar and sent them out to be coated in a black chrome finish. With the help of our sponsors (Roush, GTP, Wilwood Engineering, Tremec, American Racing, Sube Sport, Michelin USA, and Snake Power Performance) this vehicle was well on its way to its new transformation!



Specs:



2007 Superformance MKIII chassis

Monza red paint with dark silver Le Mans stripes and black pin stripes

Independent Suspension

Limited slip differential

Billstein shocks and custom H & R springs

GTP sway bars

Heavy duty TIG welded ladder frame chassis with crumple zones

Custom Wilwood upgraded power- assisted vented disc brakes. 4 pot calipers

Heater and defogger

American Racing 18" pin drive wheels

Hand laminated fiberglass body with reinforcing inserts

Original style Smith gauges

Original style Lucas switches

Safe Craft fire suppression system

Ceramic coated headers and side pipes

Custom floor mats

Custom Roush engraved wind wings

Cobra seats with custom embroidery

4 point harness seat belts

Black chrome trim

Tri pod head lamps

Soft top and tonneau cover

Stainless steel 17 gallon pressure tested fuel tank

Roush 427 IR dry sump motor:

o 576 HP

o 2 year/24,000 mile warranty

o Hard coat anodized billet covers

o Tremec 5 speed transmission

o Oil cooler and braided hoses

Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge

With the economy tight and everyone looking to pinch some pennies, project car enthusiasts tend to push their projects to the back burner to focus on more important things, like paying bills.



Fortunately for enthusiasts, there are more frugal options for racing in today's world. Grassroots Motorsports Magazine is out to prove that cheap racing is still alive and well.



The Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge is entering it's ninth year. The magazine crew dedicated to amateur motorsports has organized an annual competition of cars built around a budget equal to the current year in dollars.



While this may sound ridiculously restrictive given the high cost of racing in general, but some competitors come in under the cap. The 2007 champion, a Chevrolet Corvette, managed to top the field for less than $2,000. The cost cap forces participants to be creative and use some backyard ingenuity.



The $2008 Challenge will take place October 3 – 4 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, FL. The cars will spend a grueling two days dueling it out on the autocross course, drag strip and even the parking lot for a car show. Competitors should also be brushed up on their accounting skills since they are required to keep an itemized list of all their expenses. This detail keeps the event fair and also offers the magazine's readership inspiration to create their own budget racers.



PRESS RELEASE



Sept. 22, 2008 – ORMOND BEACH, Fla.



It's not easy to build a racer that handles and performs like a supercar. Tack on a $2008 budget, and the task becomes seemingly impossible-unless you're a competitor at the Kumho Tires Grassroots Motorsports $2008 Challenge.



For the ninth consecutive year, Grassroots Motorsports magazine has challenged its readers to buy, build and race a car on a tiny budget. Each year, some of the craziest car nuts in the country have risen to the challenge and built penny-pinching powerhouses.



This year's Challenge will be held October 3-4 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. Keeping with tradition, the budget has increased by one dollar to $2008.



Despite the low budget, past entries have been able to outrun exotic supercars with 10-second quarter-mile passes, and they've done so while looking good enough to wow seasoned concours judges.



And while this event is no clunker-fest, you can expect to see some pretty outrageous machinery. Entries from the $2007 Challenge included a Zamboni that traded the ice rink for the autocross track. Also entered was a twin-turbo Corvette fitted with some special features: An additional engine and fan created a Chaparral-inspired suction unit that glued the car to the track. Looking at this event's history, it seems that the outrageousness and performance levels of Challenge creations increase every year.



Competitors and their cars are judged on how well they perform in three areas: autocrossing, drag racing and concours. And, of course, Challengers may not spend more than a total of $2008 to build their vehicles. Some trading and selling is allowed, but each vehicle entered must be accompanied by a detailed budget that itemizes each and every dollar spent.



For complete details, including rules, a schedule and a list of entrants, see http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/events/2008-challenge/



For details and videos from last-years' $2007 challenge, including the budget for the $2007 Challenge-winning Vette sucker car, see http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/events/07-challenge/



Grassroots Motorsports is the how-to magazine for the serious sports car enthusiast. From profiles of new sports cars to in-depth--and occasionally off-the-wall--project cars, for 25 years each issue of GRM has been packed with practical tips helping real-world sports car enthusiasts get race car performance out of their daily drives. To receive a free trial copy of Grassroots Motorsports, request one online at grassrootsmotorsports.com/try/ or call the magazine's offices at 800-520-8292.