GRM will present the Editors' Choice awards in our February 2003 issue, the magazine's way of celebrating the standout achievements that shaped our world during the past year: news, cars, people, products, suppliers, places, events and the like.

If you'd like to nominate someone or something, let us know. Either drop me an e-mail at grmdavid@aol.com or post it on our message board.

 

If someone doesn't nominate the Honda Challenge, Karl and I will cry in many beers.

 

If there's a "Captain Dip ****" award. I nominate the mechanic at the Ford dealer that raped the 2003 Cobra Vert, posted his adventure on one of the mustang fourms, was busted by the car's owner who saw the post online, then was fired by the dealership when the owner bitched.

That thread must be on every internet forum in the world by now


[Modified by Steve91, 8:47 PM 9/27/2002]

 

I'll elaborate upon this via email, but I'd like to nominate Chris Cobetto. He continues to do truly amazing things with the east coast chapters of NASA, and IMHO he represents everything that is great about grassroots motorsports. He's also a MARRS-SCCA champ and a damn quick driver in anything with wheels. He's responsible for literally thousands of new enthusiasts, and he is helping to shape the future of this hobby/sport/industry. Here's to Chris Cobetto.

Jon

 

I've been wondering how to do this since I read it in the latest issue.

Scott: Done

Matt

 

Took care of yesterday!

 

Yep, we get the point about the ECHC. Cool to hear people so psyched about something.

Anything else out there make a big impact on your world this past year?

 

Not my world (unless you consider the Speed TV viewing entertainment aspect) but Pro Spec Miata (that began this year right?) is a way way cool addition to the "every once in a while" televised racing entertainment. Who knows, if it were to lead to other series getting that type of exposure it would be awesome. Hey, I can dream of Bob Varsha calling out an ECHC field

Personal interest item: OPM Motorsports entry into Speed WC Touring Car and a first year win by the hands of Chuck Hemmingston (sp). Also, this was Bimmerworld's first year in WC too right?

Also (since others have mentioned ECHC I won't go there) AI/AIX has been a pretty big hit here too. It seems to have garnered a lot of public interest - especially as these cars haven't had that many outlets to race and it also seems to have the non-Import tuners pretty excited too (Maximum Motorsports, Griggs, Steeda). I'm sure an AI/AIX person could give better feedback on its impact however.

Also, the Falken Azinis (is that a "this year" thing?) seems to be getting a ton of interest and has made a big impact on Solo II (I don't auto-x much so maybe I am poorly representing this??).

Alternative head restraint devices on the market to offer options to the HANS/Hutchins devices. The ISAAC device and the other product whose name is escaping me right now (sorry).

It also seemed (to me, to me, I repeat, seems to me) to be the year that a lot of folks stepped away from Hawk race pads to a good number of very competent other products with different wear and performance characteristics at a similar price point.

Sorry if these aren't that original (or fiscally correct).

 

Dinner at Adam's house.
Seriously.

 

I would second Phat-esses recommendations. Though I don't own any Azenis, take a look at the difference in the tire selection at STS Nationals between 2001 and 2002:

http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/na...sults/sts.html

http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/na...sults/sts.html

It is quite telling.

 

A bit shy of GRM Editors' Choice Awards I'd think

But I really enjoyed slinging some pots and pans that weekend. Actually, that whole weekend was fun as hell!

<-- finally bought a real TV for my birthday (and killed the cheesecake on the occasion) - video critiques are life size now

 

Well it may not be a ground breaking product, but I'd say the Falken Azenis have made an impact in SCCA for STS/STX class cars this year. I say these tires should be recognized simply for being an outstanding performance tire at an unbeatable price. It may be small potatoes to some but I'm quite happy to have them on my car.

 

My vote goes to Cobra Killer (Cobetto) as well. About two years ago before I started the club at my school he approached me about starting a flagging program where we'd provide workers for NASA events. Since then we've been able to get dozens of our people involved and he's helped bring us into the fold. Meanwhile he's been working hard experimenting with new series like Honda Challenge and 944 Cup as well as totally new events like Hyperfest. I'd venture to say he is the most important man in grassroots motorsports on at least the East Coast, definitely in all of the NASA regions, and probably the United States. He definitely deserves a hand.

 

Here here! After seeing him work behind the scenes for HyperFest 2, I can attest that this is a hard-working man who deserves appreciation for his dedication!


[Modified by drumsy, 11:39 AM 10/1/2002]

 

Not to mention how cute he looks in a racing suit! Oh wait, did I say that outloud?

Seriously, Chris deserves all that and more. Apart from the unbelievably hard work put in by Scott and Karl, he is the reason that the ECHC exists, and the reason why people have heard of us. The guy is amazing at what he does, and his efforts to introduce road racing to the Fast and the Furious crowd is going to sustain NASA for years to come.

Matt