On Jan. 30-31, the only GTO.R competing in the Grand American Road Racing Rolex Sports Car Series ran wheel-to-wheel with other GT Class racecars as well as Daytona Prototypes in road racing’s premier event, the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona – and the GTO Association of America was along for the ride!
  The Matt Connolly Motorsports (MCM) no. 21 GTO.R, sporting a striking white with blue and orange accents paint scheme, displayed the logos of two new sponsors – a2z Racer Gear (“Apparel Inspired By Legends”), and the GTOAA – as she roared around the high banks and twisting infield road course of Daytona International Speedway, her LS2 V8 powerplant propelling her at speeds approaching 180 mph, on Pirelli racing tires. GTOAA members and chapters, you can join in the thrills of the Rolex Series and help support one of Grand American’s top-tier teams, and the 21, a remarkable racecar with a remarkable legacy.
  The GTOAA's new-generation logo on the 21 is only part of the Association’s participation in the “big leagues” of Grand Am road racing and professional motorsports. For the 2010 season – the GTO.R’s final under a special Grand Am waiver (normally, GT Class cars can compete for a maximum of three seasons after the factory vehicle has ceased production) – the GTOAA has entered into an exciting partnership with MCM and a2z Racer Gear, which makes an attractive line of retro-style racing apparel. The company has produced a line of MCM apparel featuring the GTOAA’s new-generation logo, including two styles of jacket and a polo shirt. A portion of the proceeds from apparel sales benefits MCM, and also benefits the GTOAA. (There is no cost to the GTOAA for this sponsorship.) In addition, the MCM crew is outfitted in a2z uniforms featuring the GTOAA logo. The merchandise will be sold through the a2z website, the GTOAA Club Store, the Grand Am website, and at the track during races. Click here for the 2010 Rolex Sports Car Series schedule. “We’re thrilled to sponsor Matt Connolly and the GTO.R,” says GTOAA President Bob Alexander. “It’s a great opportunity for the GTOAA to gain additional national exposure and attract new members, and provide enjoyable racing experiences for chapters and individual members. MCM is one of the premier teams in the Rolex Series, and the GTO.R is one of the most successful Pontiac racecars in professional motorsports of all time. I encourage our membership and our chapters to support Matt and his team.” One way to do that, and have an unforgettable experience in the process, is to participate in one of the GTOAA-members-only events that Bill Vantuono is arranging with Grand Am at several races, including Watkins Glen, Virginia International Raceway, Lime Rock Park (Connecticut), New Jersey Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio, and Miller Motorsports Park (Utah). These events, which are being arranged with GTOAA chapters, feature a car corral (show area) and a parade lap of the track, plus hot laps in the pace car with a professional driver. In many cases, race tickets will be included. “Last season, we did an event at Watkins Glen, and everyone had a great time,” says Vantuono. “Our Susquehanna Valley, Western New York, Pioneer Valley, and Garden State chapters were represented, and it was a lot of fun driving our classic and new-generation GTOs on the race course. Matt Connolly was a great host, and he and his team were very appreciative that we came out to support him. He’s really looking forward to seeing his fellow GTOAA members at as many races as possible this season.” Following this season, the 21 will be available to a collector interested in acquiring and preserving a famous racecar. “She’s got a great heritage, winning Rolex Series team and manufacturer titles as the no. 64 in 2006, with Kelly Collins and Paul Edwards driving her for The Racer’s Group,” says Connolly. “This GTO.R is unique: She’s got a GM factory VIN, and is one of only two in the world. (Andy Lally, Marc Bunting, and R.J. Valentine piloted sister TRG GTO.R no. 65 to the driver’s title in 2006. Valentine acquired the 65.) Rather than transform her into a different racecar next season, I want the 21 to remain a GTO. I deeply appreciate the support the GTOAA is giving me. We’re going to do our utmost to have a successful season, and your support will help make that happen.” Coming soon to the GTOAA website: Matt Connolly Motorsports Report, which will provide race results, team news, photos, and other information on MCM and the no. 21 GTO.R. |
