Bob Lutz’ CTS-V Throw-Down Draws 120 Applicants
According to Cadillac about 120 people applied for . chance to beat Bob Lutz and his CTS-. sedan at the private Monticello Motor Club in upstate New York on October 29..
The deadline to apply for the CTS-. was last Friday. Don'. think there will be 120 cars out at Monticello. It'. Cadillac '. party and it'. setting the rules. Cadillac will choose about five or so from among the 120 applicants to compete in New York. How many of the applicants followed the basic tenets of the eligibility rules (stating that . competing car must be . unmodified four-door sedan of roughly the same ilk as the $60,000 CTS-.)?.
According to Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork,.”Honestly, about three-quarters of them were in the spirit of the contest. Of course, there were some like,.'.'ve got . Porsche GT3 RS blah, blah, blah.'”.
Those who are chosen (a winnowing process that should be done tomorrow) will also get a chance to take the CTS-V around the course too. Already there are at least a few journalists/bloggers/automotive hangers-on planning on making the trip to Monticello.
And while this whole event/stunt began with a personal challenge from Bob Lutz in a conference call with media, GM will have professional racer and former GM engineer John Heinricy on-hand. According to Twork, “Heinricy will be used at the discretion of Mr. Lutz.” In other words, GM will have its own ringer should any other competitor bring one.
It might be something of a publicity stunt, but as stunts go, having over-endowed sports sedans racing for time around a beautiful and demanding road course is a pretty decent stunt. For credibility's sake, one would hope Cadillac makes sure a Porsche Panamera, BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E63 and/or C63 will be on the track.
Have a look at the CTS-V Challenge web site, even if it's too late for you to participate.
