Roadster Fanatics Planning New Rally

Source: driving.ca

Richmond teacher Brian Gresko and fellow fans of the Pontiac Solstice and its cousin the Saturn Sky are planning a summer rally in the North Shore mountains.

"I have a Solstice GXP and, in the past few months, I've met up with other owners -- about 30 in all -- and we've formed a club," said the 30-year-old roadster enthusiast.

"We're hoping some more owners from this area will join us for the Solstice and Sky Alpine Rallye, on Saturday Aug. 25. As far as I know, it will be the first of its kind in Canada and the route will cover most of the North Shore, including two mountain hill climbs, lots of twisty roads and scenic stops."

The event is free and there are no dues or fees to be a part of the club; it's that informal.

The club started this past January when Gresko and another owner planned a meet in Stanley Park, but the windstorms forced a change of venue to White Rock. Nevertheless, 11 Solstices and Skys and their owners did show up.

"Since then it's just snow-balled. . . in May, we staged a Spring Fling Cruise to Whistler along the Sea-to-Sky Highway which attracted 20 cars. The looks on people's faces when they saw the lineup of our cars was priceless, it was a blast."

The GM roadsters have become top-sellers for the Pontiac and Saturn brands and seem to engender a great deal of enthusiasm and loyalty among their owners.

For Gresko, like many fellow fanatics, it was love at first sight.

"I fell in love with the original Solstice concept car unveiled at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. I never thought that GM would build the car, but when they announced plans for full production I made my own plans to purchase one. For the next four years I saved $300 to $500 each month in my local bank, basically making car payments before I even purchased or could purchase the car!"

Gresko ordered the turbo-powered Solstice GXP in May 2006, the first possible day to order it in the GM computer system. In November 2006, he became the owner of the first GXP delivered in B.C.

Aside from the summer rally, Gresko has more ambitious plans for his GXP: "This August, I am also doing a road trip to California along the Pacific Coast Highway to see the Monterey Historic Races. Next year, I plan to visit the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Route 66 and parts unknown."

If you would like to register for the upcoming event follow this link: http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=507601