Its May of 2002.
Hard to believe that a full 10 years ago about a half-dozen TR nuts met across automotive ‘Net News’ groups on the internet and began chatting about their cars. Remember, this is prior to the ‘web’ as we now know it, so there weren’t any web sites or bulletin boards. This on-line meeting led to the beginnings of GNTTYPE - what has now become a thriving community of over 3500 TR enthusiasts.
I have to admit that this all started as a somewhat ‘selfish’ pursuit. I’d had my T for about a year, and really needed someone to help me with some tech info. I hadn’t found anyone in my area that knew any more than I did. Sure, there were a few people locally willing to wrench on my car for a price. But I wasn’t convinced they really knew more than I did. Plus, my curiosity led me to want to really understand the car. Not just have things done to it. As I began to find a few likewise curious souls lost and searching on the net, I introduced them to each other. I began to forward their emails to each other. It was some time before this process was even automated! Many of the original group are still part of our ranks today, while others probably sold their cars long ago.
That little exercise exploded along with the internet into a group that was doubling in size every few months. Eventually, the size leveled off. Now it’s a thriving group of enthusiasts who talk via the ongoing email list that has been going for the full 10 years, our relatively new web-based discussion group, and perhaps most importantly, our ever-expanding web site packed with technical articles and other information. All of it submitted by TR enthusiasts like yourselves. We’ve always been about ‘tech’, not just ‘talk’.
To help celebrate our 10th anniversary, GNTTYPE is a Premiere sponsor at this year’s GS Nationals. You’ll see our logo prominently displayed at the event via our banners and at our booth. You’ll see our logo hats, shirts, and decals for sale, as well as our famous Nats video compilations. Check out our 2001 tape, which will be released at the event! In addition, GNTTYPE is sponsoring the new TSM class, which is part of a 4 race series starting this weekend at Norwalk. And to top it all off, GNTTYPE is sponsoring Bill Anderson in his quest to capture a repeat win in Super 16 Turbo Regal! Look for more information on our GS Nationals involvement, as well as announcements regarding other activities happening with our site in the near future.
Its hard to believe that this has been going on for 10 years. Sometimes it seems like its only begun. On behalf of myself, the other moderators, and the web team, thank you all for contributing to and for making these past 10 years possible.
Scott Keller - Founder and Moderator
The Grand Nationals and T-Type Performance Enthusiasts Organization (GNTTYPE)
Celebrating our 10th Year! – 1992-2002