Pontiac to send GTO racing in 2005

With sales ofits fabulous Pontiac GTO lower than expected in the U.S.(there are still no plans to sell the car in Canada new and it's still illegalto import used), General Motors has decided to send the Australian-sourcedrocket racing.

So a pair ofhopped-up two-door coupes bearing the Pontiac GTO name will compete in theGrand American Rolex Sports Car Series half-way through the 2005 season, with teamsand drivers to be announced later.

After the GTOrace car is developed to GM's tastes, says Doug Duchardt, GM's racing director,the company plans to sell it to racing teams.

''We've foundthe right type of racing venue to demonstrate the performance capabilities ofthe GTO,'' says Duchardt. ''Pontiachas already achieved success in the Daytona Prototype class of the GrandAmerican Rolex Sports Car Series, and next year will expand its involvement tothe GT division.''

Duchardt says Pontiac will be the firstmanufacturer to produce cars to meet the series' new GT regulations, retainingthe stock body design and ''production-based LS2 small-block V-8 engines.''  

The new6.0-liter LS2 engine that powers the production 2005 GTO ''provides a strong foundationfor the racing version,'' says Duchardt, since in stock trim it cranks out 400 hp.

''With onlyminor modifications developed by GM Powertrain,'' Duchardt explains, ''the LS2easily achieves the 450-hp maximum output specified by Grand Americanregulations,'' with a max torque of 410 at 5,200 rpm. Open exhaust headers, afree-flowing induction system, a competition camshaft, and a road racingdry-sump oiling system are the only changes from the stock mechanicals.

Duchardt pointsout that this is not the first time that the LS2 engine has gone racing, thatit indeed ''the most successful production-based engine in motorsports.''

The road racinggroup manager for GM Racing, Harry Turner, says the company sees ''greatpotential for the GT class in the Grand American Series. GM Racing will be anactive participant in that growth by providing highly developed yet affordablevehicles. We will also provide comprehensive technical support for Pontiac teams.''

Turner says theuse of production-based powertrains and body panels on the race track ''willprovide opportunities to demonstrate the GTO's virtues against an internationalfield of competitors that includes Ferrari, Porsche and BMW.''

Turner explainsthat the 1,225-kg GTOs on race tracks will strongly resemble the GTOs in Pontiac showrooms -- or not, in Canada'scase. Anyway, ''the production body panels -- hood, doors, roof, rear deck lid,and front and rear fascias -- will be precisely duplicated in lightweight compositematerials. Front and rear fender flares will accommodate wide racing tires, anda series-specified rear wing will add both aerodynamic balance and race carcharisma.''

In addition tothe GTO road racing program, Pontiacwill continue its Pro Stock program in the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series in 2005.

"These programsclosely align with one of GM's strategies of racing vehicles that have clearrelationships with their production counterparts," says Duchardt. "It isimportant for both marketing and engineering reasons to have strong linksbetween the products that we race and the products that we sell to ourcustomers. These programs provide opportunities to improve both GM's productionand racing vehicles through the two-way exchange of technology, personnel andprocesses."
photo:General Motors