Tucked away in the sun-drenched town of Ormond Beach, Florida, Grassroots Motorsports magazine has been fueling the passion of car enthusiasts since 1984. More than just a publication, it’s a full-throttle celebration of automotive performance, technical innovation, and the fiercely independent spirit of DIY racers across America. Whether you’re tuning up an aging Miata in your garage or chasing seconds on the track, Grassroots Motorsports (often lovingly referred to as GRM) speaks your language.
Published eight times a year by Motorsport Marketing Inc., GRM blends expert insights with real-world enthusiasm, offering a unique lens on everything from autocross and road racing to rallying and budget builds. With a print and digital reach of over 60,000 readers, it’s not just a magazine—it’s a community. And at the heart of that community is a commitment to accessibility: proving that you don’t need a million-dollar team to compete, innovate, and win.
Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts
Founded by husband-and-wife team Tim and Marjorie Suddard, GRM has always worn its passion on its sleeve. From the start, the magazine was designed to serve a growing number of amateur racers and car builders who felt underrepresented by traditional motorsports media. Where other publications might focus on the professional racing circuit or six-figure supercars, GRM zeroed in on the grit and ingenuity of everyday drivers turning wrenches in their driveways.
That ethos continues today under the leadership of publisher Tom Suddard and editor David S. Wallens. Their editorial team doesn’t just write about motorsports—they live it. Whether it’s participating in time trials or hosting trackside events, GRM’s staff brings firsthand experience and authenticity to every article.
More Than a Magazine
What truly sets GRM apart is its role not just as a publication, but as an organizer and advocate within the motorsports community. Through its parent company, Motorsport Marketing Inc., GRM has become a driving force behind a host of events that give enthusiasts a chance to test their skills and showcase their builds.
Signature events include the Tire Rack Ultimate Track Car Challenge, which pits purpose-built cars of all shapes and budgets against each other for ultimate bragging rights. There’s also the Grassroots Motorsports $2000 Challenge, where competitors are tasked with building a car capable of tackling drag racing, autocross, and concours judging—all on a shoestring budget of $2000. Equal parts creativity and competition, it perfectly captures GRM’s do-it-yourself spirit.
Other GRM-hosted or -sponsored happenings, like the GRM Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports Mitty and the GRM Experience at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, further reinforce the magazine’s commitment to both modern and vintage motorsports. These events offer a platform for learning, networking, and celebrating a shared love for speed and engineering.
A Platform for Learning and Innovation
At its core, GRM is a technical magazine. Every issue is packed with detailed how-to guides, project car features, product reviews, and performance tests. Whether you’re interested in building a roll cage, dialing in suspension geometry, or extracting the last bit of horsepower from a naturally aspirated engine, GRM delivers expert advice with a hands-on approach. The magazine never talks down to its readers—instead, it empowers them.
And unlike many glossy publications that cater to high-budget operations, GRM shines a spotlight on creativity and resourcefulness. Readers are just as likely to see a heavily modified Honda Civic setting lap records as they are to encounter a stripped-down BMW E30 lovingly restored on weekends.
Community-Driven Content
One of GRM’s strengths lies in its engaged and knowledgeable readership. The magazine’s online presence—anchored at grassrootsmotorsports.com—serves as a vibrant forum where enthusiasts swap tips, share project updates, and debate the finer points of performance tuning. GRM’s digital footprint complements its print edition, creating an always-on space where the spirit of grassroots racing never sleeps.
This sense of community extends beyond the page. GRM staff are fixtures at national and regional automotive events, not only covering the action but often participating in it themselves. This boots-on-the-ground approach builds trust with readers and maintains the magazine’s grassroots credibility.
Staying True to the Mission
In an age when digital media often chases fleeting trends, GRM has remained remarkably consistent in its mission: to support and celebrate amateur motorsports and hands-on car culture. The publication has evolved, certainly—expanding into video content, social media, and digital publishing—but its soul remains unchanged.
It’s a magazine for the people who love the smell of high-octane fuel, the satisfaction of a perfect heel-toe downshift, and the thrill of shaving seconds off a lap time—not with money, but with brainpower and elbow grease.
Final Lap
Grassroots Motorsports isn’t about glamour or prestige. It’s about the joy of building something yourself and the thrill of pushing it to its limits. It’s about community, learning, and perseverance. And for more than four decades, it has been a steadfast ally to anyone with a passion for performance and a willingness to get their hands dirty.
In a world where motorsports often feels out of reach, GRM continues to prove that racing belongs to everyone.
