GRASSROOTS MOTORSPORTS $2000 CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY TIRERACK
APRIL 18-19TH, 2026
The Original Automotive Festival Celebrating Autocross, Drag Racing, and Ingenuity returns to Gainesville Raceway in 2026, it’s the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge presented by Tire Rack. This two-day competition pits penny-pinching against extreme speed as competitors aim to build a car for less than $2000 to see if more money = more speed.
Registration for the 2026 edition of the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge presented by Tire Rack is now available! Click the buttons above to register now!
GRASSROOTS MOTORSPOTS $2000 CHALLENGE EVENT INFORMATION
Spectators of all ages are always welcome at the $2000 Challenge. You’ll see the competition on track, paddock, pits, and more.
Tickets are required for spectators attending on Saturday. Save money by buying tickets in advance at the link below. Spectators are also welcome to purchase tickets for the special $2000 Challenge T-shirts, subject to availability.
Children under 10 years old can enter as spectators free of charge, but a parent or guardian will need to sign the track entry waiver on their behalf. A parent or guardian will also need to sign the entry waiver on behalf of any paid spectator under the age of 18.
On Sunday, April 19th, join competitors, spectators, and car enthusiasts alike for Cars & Coffee during the $2000 Challenge concours. All cars are welcome out with FREE registration, coffee, and donuts provided!
As an added bonus, spectator entry will be FREE (Sunday only) for all guests in your registered car! All attendees must pre-register due to capacity limitations of 500 cars. Click the button below to register for Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge presented by Tire Rack Sunday Cars & Coffee.
The Best Western Gateway Grand Hotel and Conference Center is the preferred hotel partner of Gainesville Raceway! Located on 39th Ave just off of I-75, the exceptional Best Western Plus Gateway Grand offers the best of both worlds. A convenient location close to the excitement of Gainesville’s best attractions with premier lodging and amenities, as well as a full-service conference center.
GRASSROOTS MOTORSPOTS $2000 CHALLENGE EVENT SCHEDULE
- 12:00pm | Early Trackside Camping Check-In Opens
- 5:00pm-8:00pm | Optional Early Registration in Lobby of Best Western Grand Gateway
- 7:00pm | Track Gates & Camping Check-In Close
- 7:00am-6:00pm | Registration Open Outside Gate
- 7:00am | Track Gate Opens
- 8:00am | Autocross Course Open for Walking
- 7:30am-9:15am | Tech Inspection at Flag
- 9:00am | Event Welcome Meeting at Timing Trailer
- 9:15am | Mandatory Novice Meeting at Timing Trailer
- 9:15am-4:00pm | $2000 Challenge Autocross
- 5:00pm | Drag Racing Orientation for New Drivers at Pavilion
- 6:00pm-9:00pm | $2000 Challenge Drag Racing
- 10:00pm | Track Gate Closes to Those Not Camping
- 8:00am | Track Gates Open
- 8:00am-2:00pm | Registration Open Outside Gate
- 8:15am | Concours Pavilion Opens for Move-In
- 10:00am | Judging Begins
- Noon | Judging Lunch Break
- 2:00pm | Judging Ends
- 2:00pm | Panel Discussion: How to Win the $2000 Challenge
- 3:00pm | Awards Ceremony at Gainesville Raceway
- 4:00pm | Competitor Town Hall
- 5:00pm | Trackside Camping Closes