This event was a lot of fun and I was fortunate to be able to participate this year. Danny Popp is an incredible driver in a well sorted 2006 Corvette Z06. That car and his driving skill is what I am trying to have with my Camaro.
A lot of what is being said on this thread has to do with my car and others like it. This event is run by its team that has a vision of what they want. My car went through their approval process and was accepted to compete. During the week of SEMA, I had countless people come to me and say how they would love to have my car or something like it. The idea of having a competitive car on the track that was also capable of driving on the street was just awesome.
I posted many photos of my car and told the story of my build on this forum for a reason. I also named the thread “1973 Autocross / Street Car” for a reason. This thread has over 175,000 hits. I showed just about everything I have done to the car with nothing held back accept for some dimensions of suspension parts. My car was built to be the fastest autocross car I could build AND be able to drive it on the street and enjoy it legally. I also wanted to be able to go to an open track day here and there and be safe. The cage is for handling and safety. Being able to walk away from a serious crash at track speed is more important to me that anything. I worry for many on this forum and others that, WHEN not IF, one of us has a problem and crashes their “Pro-Touring” car, they are not seriously hurt. The idea of driving hard on a race track without a safe cage scares me.
There was a wide range of cars and drivers out there. This event is many things to many people. Any time you put a start and stop with a clock, the most competitive of us will do what it takes to go fast within the rules.
I did not have an unlimited budget, like most. Compromises must be made. Since I wanted my car to be fast and safe, some comfort features were left out. A/C and leather seats are nice, but do not make the car go faster. I drive a Lexus every day for comfort. I do have all the factory lights (headlamps, turn lamps, brake lamps, back up lamps, and dome light). I also have a horn, windshield wipers, FAN AND HEATER. The only thing I don’t have is side windows. When I was building the doors I was going to install electric motored windows but ran out of time and money. It was not important to me as I live in California and the weather is usually pretty nice. You also have to have your windows down on the track.
There have been a handful of cars in the past OUSCI that did not have any interior panels, door glass, heaters, wipers, and others. This year is not new. Also, there have been a few roadsters that have competed that don’t have a roof. At least I have a roof. This year’ award wining incredible 1959 Corvette that was in the Wilwood display does not have door glass or a roof. If that car was invited and accepted, would that be against the rules some of you have proposed? How would that do in the rain? What about last years beautiful and awesome black 1962 Corvette built by the Roadster Shop. No roof.
When the weather turned ugly on Friday, I was happy to see it. For a while, I have heard rumblings about my car and how it is not a “Street Car”. I was one of the 38 of 55 cars that completed the Road Rally. I drove all over Las Vegas getting the necessary items with Mike Maier in his 1966 Mustang. We ended up taking the long way to Pahrump per the recommendation of Jimi Day at the drivers meeting. We drove over 100 miles Friday night in the rain and it got down to 38 degrees. Even with no door windows, I did not get wet and I did not freeze to death. Sure, it was cold and a bit much for my heater to keep me toasty, but I was fine with a jacket.
Had dinner at In n Out Friday night on the Rally
Met this French couple that just got Married. They thought it was great taking their photo with my car and the best man and aligator?
I also have a Detroit Locker in the rear end of my car. While performing a U turn, it bangs a lot when it is warm. I compromised some noise for performance and durability. I also have a G Force transmission. No clutch necessary on shifts. It can be a bit loud on shifts, but again, a compromise for performance and durability over comfort.
This event is also to showcase SEMA. My car has over 40 aftermarket manufactures represented.
Greg Weld made some excellent points about this topic. I really appreciate all of his thoughts. I agree with him on the subject of driving skill level also. If you put all the competitors in the same car, the results would not change much. Driving has more to do with this event than anything. Put the top drivers in another car and they will beat the owner of that car just about every time.
The Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational is a great event for all of us. It shows that cars are meant to be driven. After that, interpretation of what cars should be there are all over the map. Enjoy the event and all that comes with it. This is part race and look at what racing around the world has done for all cars. It pushes us to build better parts and cars and I hope it never stops.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
Absolutely the class of the field performance-wise. However, if they don't add some rules to determine "street cars" or split them into different classes, then the only way to win this event is get a late model car with full mods and great driver. Our older cars even with a great driver and whatever power level you want cannot compete with them, that's just a fact of life. 
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