The first GTI was constructed in 1996-97 to compete in the SCCA’s extremely popular Improved Touring ‘B’ class. Originally built in the shop of 5 time IMSA champion Jim Downing, where Bildon Motorsport rented shop space. The #55 car immediately saw success winning races at Road Atlanta and holding the Rd. Atlanta short course record. The car also competed in back to back Moroso 24 hour races where it set a track record.

In 2001 the car came “home” where it competed in the NE Div for the remainder of its life.  The #55 car was sold in 2007 to make room in the shop for newer race cars, but  then in 2020, it unexpectedly found its way back into the Bildon stable where it began the next phase of it’s life, and was converted to SCCA H Production.