From the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational Organizers

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The 2nd annual Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational ended successfully last Saturday. The top priorities for us were safety and fun for all involved. We have had no reports of any injuries and for the most part, we have heard very positive comments from an overwhelming majority of the participants regarding the “fun factor.” However, even the most seasoned event promoters have a difficult time keeping everyone happy. As expected, there was some controversy over things like tire rules and some confusion with regards to final scoring. We are quadruple checking the scoring to ensure fairness based on the established rules.

The Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational began as a small enthusiast event last year as way to promote our street car enthusiast hobby by showcasing the finest vehicles both import and domestic, cars and trucks, using the best parts in a fun, yet competitive environment. Most consumers get to view great still shot magazine coverage of cars built by the elite group of car builders and performance manufacturers, yet they seldom get to see the cars in action. This Invitational is designed to separate the “show only” cars from the real performance vehicles. Since SEMA is the single most important gathering place of the latest customized street vehicles using the most current high performance parts available from around the world, it just seems to make sense to get these vehicles on the track while they are all in one place at the same time. Where else do you have an opportunity to make friends with Rob “Cupcake” Kinnan, Kyle “Goody Two Shoes” Tucker, Brett “Grand Puba” Voelkel and many others who are responsible for shaping this industry? Then watch as these guys take beautiful cars out on the track and tear them up. Pretty darn cool if you ask us.

The event is designed to promote street cars and not race cars. It is important to ensure this event remains friendly and inviting for true enthusiasts from all walks of life who may not have professionally-honed driving skills. It is exciting to watch the pros make some hot laps as an exhibition entry, but we will take extra steps to ensure this is an event for non-professional “enthusiasts”. Right or wrong, the element of healthy competition was created to add focus to what the performance aftermarket and our hobby is all about. A little nudge, if you will, to step it up a notch. However, at no time was the competition meant to be the primary reason for the event.

With competition comes controversy and it looks like we have more than our fair share here. It’s obvious we can do a better job in defining and communicating the rules. Both objective scoring and subjective judging should be clearly communicated. We apologize if we fell short here, but we promise to do better next year. One fact is undeniable – SEMA and our industry is not about stock vehicles. We do have a deep respect for original cars and the astounding performance they have against today’s cars but a relatively stock vehicle (no matter what it is) will never rank high in the styling portion of the OPTIMA Invitational. Styling preference is subjective and we will continue to enlist third party professional judges that represent a variety of likes and dislikes. One of the goals is to represent an element of public opinion.

We will be forwarding a post event survey to the people most important to helping shape the next event – the participants, volunteers and sponsors. Those who did not participate, did not volunteer to work the event or weren’t able to show up to watch, please feel free to forward your suggestions via PM. There have been numerous constructive comments already. We can’t wait to incorporate some of the suggestions in the plan for next year. Putting on an event like this is both exciting and stressful. It’s like putting on a big party and you want to be the best host to ensure everyone is happy. Invariably, you will overlook something or someone. What you thought may have been a small detail may end up being a big deal. Or, something unexpected happens to change the expected outcome. Unfortunately, one of our best friends was unable to get any road course time due to the unfortunate timing of a transmission deciding to leave the K&N car late in the day. Clean up took valuable track time and barely allowed for a final, but important, sponsor TV shot. That bothers us much more than any of the competition controversy. Sorry Scott. Hopefully, the majority of our guests at the Invitational had a great time. We will strive for continuous improvement and to make next year’s event better in every way.

[ironworks]

I thought it was a great event, The car selection was perfect and the performance of the cars was amazing. The facility is amazing. The time of year is perfect. I think this will grow into one of the top events of the year.

Could the event use some tweaking, Sure nothing is perfect. But I will be there next year for sure and would be honored just to make the top 10 at an event like that.

Rodger

[camcojb]

This event was the best automotive race track event I've ever attended. I definitely plan on going next year, and really can't wait. I'm sure you guys will get things tweaked, and really appreciate that you want to make a great event even better.

Jody

[Vegas69]

I'm going to shadow these guys and say it was a great event and a blast for the competitors and spectators. Take the criticism as constructive and improve the event every year. We all appreciate the time and effort planning and pulling off the event.

[awr68]

I attended the first and second year and loved both, and it was really nice to see it grow like it has and I look forward to being there next year! Thanks for puting on the event!!

[Flash68]

I can't see how I can miss this event next year.

[coolwelder62]

Ditto, the event was super.I hope I am lucky enough to come back next year.This needs to be held four or five times in diff. locals.Drivers collect points and come down to a champion.This would allow more poeple to compete.Does need a lunch break,I had to eat my dioblo sandwich as fast as Buford T Justis.Scott.

[Steve1968LS2]

Originally Posted by Flash68

I can't see how I can miss this event next year.

It really is a "must attend" event. I can't believe they ran that many cars and event with the carnage finished all the timed events.

With a little tweaking this could become the biggest event of the year. It's already the most fun.

Thanks to you guys for putting it on and for the Sponsor for chipping in to make it a reality.

[GregWeld]

I'm involved in a business that sponsored 3 Indy Light cars - so got to hang with the big boys at the Indy events... Which includes Danica Patrick.... and even as cute as she is ----- I'd far prefer, and had a way better time, at the Optima event! I only mention the first in order to put it into perspective...

Great group of people - great group of cars - and a challenging event!

Congratulations to everyone that ran!

[rogue]

Require that all cars are driven to the event, by having everyone meet in Prim first and then caravaning to the event. No trailers allowed!

Great event, keep up the good work and don't invite Steve Rupp Back.