A simple and rather innocent question when you approach it at face value. Instead of reciting the “About GTM” page from the website, I thought for a moment before answering. I realized in that moment, GTM means different things to different people. If we were a club for club racers then maybe we would be members because we want to learn about club racing and talk to other club racers. But, we aren’t all the same. We aren’t all alike. And we aren’t all club racers. GTM is different.
From my perspective, what we are is a group of people from all walks of life who have a shared passion for all things Motorsports and have built lasting relationships by uniting around that common interest. I can’t speak for everyone else and try to describe what GTM means to them specifically, because being a member of GTM is more of a personal experience than signing up for “just another car club.”
I never grew up with Motorsports in the family. I mean, of course my father had a hot-rod when he was growing up, but in those days everyone did. When he got older, he left that scene behind and turned to pick-up trucks and fishing. You could say he matured.
I developed a passion for cars and motorsports on my own. I’ve been a member of 3 different car clubs in my life. I started one with fellow GTM’er Andrew M. and a few other guys right after high school (shout out to the Land Pirates!), I was in another one that existed only as forum message board in my 20s (RacersDen), and now Gran Touring Motorsports (GTM).
Being a member of various car clubs has given me a way to talk and hang out with people who share my interests and passions for Motorsports. People that I might not ever have met – especially as I am a bit of an introvert. It connected me to people, it connected me to MY clan. #vikingline. And even though I spent time in a couple other clubs, GTM is still the most unique and diverse group I’ve been around, and that’s a good thing. Friends are the Family you choose.
“I think it goes without saying (but we’re going to say it anyway) — stuff goes wrong in racing. The cars, as strong and reliable as they may be, are prone to failure. The difference, however, is that in this club you’re never alone. And the most important part of the vehicle – the meat behind the wheel – is always taken care of at GTM.”
Now, I say all of that to say this: GTM is a club, and clubs need help from their members to continue operating and existing. GTM’s leadership (Crew Chiefs and Region Chiefs) does a lot for this club to keep it running smoothly, but there is always much to be done and not enough resources to do it. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 12 months, GTM made a lot of great enhancements to our online and social media presence. We completely revamped the website, established an online picture warehouse, set up the slack chat system, and streamlined the event registration system, to name a few. We are a resourceful group and we take pride in the things we are able to accomplish with the limited resources we have. But we can’t do it all alone. We need help.
Where other clubs may charge a membership fee or dues, GTM has tried to steer clear of that for various reasons. Some of you may recall that in late-2017 we started the VMC, or Voluntary Membership Contribution program. The VMC was unique in that it allowed members to contribute both financially or through volunteer hours for the good of the club. And we can’t thank all of the VMC members enough for their help! All told, the VMC was a success and really benefited GTM last year.
But this year we are changing things up a bit…
Instead of the formal VMC program (which is still active by the way) we have elected to do two fundraising drives, the first of which is starting now, and running up until the Summer Bash in June with HOD on Shenandoah Circuit. The Second will run later in the fall leading up to the Watkins Glen Animal House.
…cue Sarah…
And for as low as $0.27 a day…
All jokes aside, this year we’re asking our members to reflect upon all the great adventures we’ve had over the years, and consider donating once again to GTM. Help us keep the website fresh and exciting with new articles, allow us to bring you new and exciting events and adventures, and to keep the great features and benefits you’re grown accustomed to operational. #pickupyourphone #dialnow
“This is an awesome group to be a part of – you all really rally around each other, especially in times of such mishaps 🙂 — at the end of the day, it’s not about the cars, it’s about the people! ” – Member Erin K
We greatly appreciate your contributions (DONATE NOW) throughout the 2019 season and we greatly appreciate you, our members. Because without you, there wouldn’t be a GTM to support.
Merry Motoring — The Crew Chiefs
Note: If you are not a member of GTM and like what we do here and would like to donate to the club, please feel free to use this link! – Or consider joining the club.
More photos available in the Vault!
