Lateral-g Forums - [merged] OPTIMA Ultimate Streetcar Invitational, Penny Wins, CAR Vette 2nd!

Hey Guys and Gals, I just got back to the office after getting everything wrapped up for SEMA and the Inaugural OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational. In spite of a couple of hiccups (like no 0-60-0 event), I couldn't believe how well the event went - it exceeded our expectations by a lot! I can't thank everybody that volunteered to help us enough - we couldn't have pulled it off without everyone's help. I tried really hard to keep track of everyone that volunteered and offer them my personal thanks, but I'm sure I missed somebody - more likely multiple somebodys - so for all those that assisted us, you have our sincere gratitude and appreciation.

The Ultimate Street Car Invitational was staged to prove to our enthusiast community that not only do these cars look good, but they can perform just as well. I have so much respect for every individual that accepted our invitation - it seems to me I was everywhere on the track all day long and able to experience the event from a race directors point of view, and let me tell you, there was not a single individual that babied their car in any of the events throughout the day. Each and every competitor pounded the snot out of these vehicles! You should all be proud of the 24 contenders that laid everything on the line last Saturday.

I and my partner Wally would personally like to thank every single person that came out to the event for your patience as we worked through some of the unforeseen challenges that cropped up throughout the day. We're already compiling a list of those things that worked well and those that didn't so we can improve the experience next year. If you have specific feedback or constructive criticism, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. We want to make this a premier annual event that will support and grow our common interests and help debunk the myth that our cars don't perform as good as they look. As well, we want to continue to focus on and support our sponsors that spend countless dollars every year to research and develop the products we all need to make these street cars what they are.

Finally, congratulations to all of our winners and to The OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car for 2008 - Steven Rupp and Bad Penny! You've built a bada$$ street car and Mary and Dave did a great job showing how well it works.

I will be sending out a blast email to all the participants and sponsors later this week with all the results - I know you are all looking forward to it! Thanks again for all of your help and support for the Inaugural OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational presented by HOT ROD Magazine!