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Stielow
09-21-2011, 04:31 AM
I found this on the web....

2011 OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational:

First Vehicle Finalists Revealed



Upcoming Invitational offers action-packed race entertainment with some of the highest performing and most diverse vehicles in the performance automotive aftermarket industry



September 16, 2011 (MILWAUKEE) – OPTIMA® Batteries, the global leader in high-performance automotive and marine batteries, gears up for the fourth annual OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, presented by K&N Filters and Wilwood Disc Brakes, by revealing the current list of drivers and vehicles that have qualified for and have been selected to compete in the event.



The current qualifying drivers range from newcomer enthusiasts to seasoned industry veterans, all of which will not disappoint spectators and fans that gather for the highly-anticipated competition. The vehicle selections represent a variety of industry-leadingmuscle cars, pro-touring cars, hot rods and street trucks, from both import and domestic manufacturers. Initial qualifiers were recruited through a series of events of similar format that tested drivers’ skills and vehicle performance power.



The following participants have earned a spot to compete in this year’s OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational:





? · Vinnie Allegretta, ‘69 Chevy Camaro

? · Erik Cederberg, ‘10 Chevy Camaro

? · Carmine Dell Aquila,’10 Nissan GTR

? · Hartmut Feyhl, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Widebody

? · Brian Finch, ‘72 Chevy Camaro

? · Phil Gerber, ‘66 Chevy II

? · Wanda Goldberg, ‘70 Pontiac Trans Am

? · Matt Harber, Cadillac CTS-V

? · JF Launier, ‘57 Chevy

? · Dan Livezey, ‘69 Chevy Corvette

? · Mike Musto, ‘69 Dodge Daytona

? · Brian Moat, ‘70 Pontiac Firebird

? · Dan Oliver, ‘10 Ford Mustang

? · Zeke Peterson, Volkswagen Bug

? · Danny Popp, ’06 Chevy Corvette

? · Mary Pozzi, ‘72 Chevy Camaro

? · Mark Stielow (2010 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational Champion), ‘69 Chevy Camaro

? · Brad Twiss, Toyota Supra 600HP

? · Kyle Tucker, ‘70 Chevy Camaro

? · Stacy Tucker, ’69 Chevy Camaro

? · Bret Voelkel, ‘67 Chevy Camaro







World-Class Talent



“We couldn’t ask for a more exciting initial list of vehicles for the 2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. The qualifying events brought in an unprecedented turnout and resulted in a wide range of vehicles that represent all segments of the performance automotive aftermarket industry,” says Cam Douglass, director of product development and marketing for OPTIMA Batteries. “The event has grown incredibly since its inception a few years ago and we are fortunate to have such amazing support from sponsors, fans, media partners and participants.”



Besides racing in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, participants also get an automatic invitation to feature their car at the 2011 SEMA Show, compete in the event, gain awareness through hundreds of print and online articles, and will be featured in the broadcast special filmed around the event.





Full List of Finalists



The final, pre-SEMA round of finalists will be announced during the first week of October. After that point, there will still be one additional opportunity to qualify for the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. At SEMA, a committee made up of OPTIMA and industry representatives will walk the show floor in Las Vegas, looking for the best of the best across all vehicle segments. This final search will be promoted during the show and the final vehicle invitations will be awarded during SEMA.



Sponsors of the 2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational include the presenting sponsors, K&N Filters and Wilwood Disc Brakes, and the race event sponsors, including BFGoodrich, Ridetech, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Raybestos and Detroit Speed and Engineering. Additionally, The Roadster Shop is an associate sponsor for the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational.



New in 2011



This year, fans will be able to view the action from the front row for the first time ever. A limited number of spectator tickets will be available for purchase.Spectators and fans can purchase tickets by visiting OptimaInvitational.comthrough November 4, 2011, or until sold out.



Also new this year is the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational T-shirt Design Contest. The contest, which started on September 7, 2011, will last two weeks, running through September 21, 2011. The designer of the winning T-shirt concept, which will be determined by the OPTIMA Facebook community, will have the opportunity to win a trip to the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational. The winner’s design will also be considered for use as this year’s official T-shirt. Participants must be 21 years of age or older to enter. Contest rules and information on how to submit T-shirt designs and how to vote for favorites can be found at http://www.facebook.com/optimabatteries. Fans are encouraged to begin work on their designs now, as the first five entries will receive a free OPTIMA-branded hat.



2011 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational Details



The Invitational will take place at Spring Mountain Motor Ranch, a state-of-the-art racing facility in Pahrump, Nev. during the first week of November. The Invitational brings in some of the top automotive talent, highly modified vehicles, credible racing veterans and fresh talent with undiscovered street machines.



The main race activity of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational takes place on Saturday, November 5 and will offer something for every race fan with the BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge, Ridetech Autocross Challenge, Wilwood Disc Brakes Speed StopChallenge, and the Raybestos Performance and Design Challenge. The Detroit Speed and Engineering Road Rally will occur the day before, following the close of the SEMA Show.



For the current list of the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational participants, the official rules, and more information on the event, visit http://www.optimainvitational.com/.



About OPTIMA® Batteries



OPTIMA YellowTop®, RedTop® and BlueTop® batteries are available through leading battery distributors throughout theglobe. Consumers should look for the unique colored top and six-pack design for which OPTIMA is known throughout the world. For the nearest retailer, consumers can also call 1-888-8OPTIMA (1-888-867-8462) or visit www.optimabatteries.com.



OPTIMA batteries are manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI - News) is the global leader that brings ingenuity to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team of 140,000 employees creates a morecomfortable, safe and sustainable world through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12 million homes and one million commercialbuildings. Our commitment to sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit http://www.johnsoncontrols.com.

James OLC
09-21-2011, 07:27 AM
Some great cars and drivers already qualified - this should be a great OUSCI. Its nice to see some really different cars being invited - I think "Mr. Angry" Mike Musto's Daytona will be a riot to watch... up until the autocross (sorry Mike - the cones are only so tall) and I know that Mary has been working on getting her "A" game together so she could be a force. Danny and Mark are probably the odds on favorites heading in but there could be some suprises in the mix. The OLC will be back this year - exhibition only - but it's always an honor to be asked; I learned some stuff last year that hopefully I can put to use this year and at least put in a good performance. See everyone there!

Flash68
09-21-2011, 12:01 PM
Don't forget about Brian Hobaugh as a top contender. That guy with his new car should be a force. I'm betting top 5 if not 3. :thumbsup:

Jr
09-21-2011, 02:09 PM
I can't wait to see Vinnie's 69 on the race track! Jakes suspension looks top notch.:thumbsup:

Where can I see more info on Danny's 06 vette?

Brian Hobaugh's 2nd gen is a MONSTER!

I'm really looking forward to this event.

Flash68
09-21-2011, 02:14 PM
I can't wait to see Vinnie's 69 on the race track! Jakes suspension looks top notch.:thumbsup:

Where can I see more info on Danny's 06 vette?

Brian Hobaugh's 2nd gen is a MONSTER!

I'm really looking forward to this event.

I agree! Vin's 69 is another top contender and he can drive. :thumbsup:

This should be the best field yet I believe.

skatinjay27
09-21-2011, 03:11 PM
damn its gonna be some stiff stiff competition this year!
cant wait!!!

Jr
09-21-2011, 05:09 PM
I hope everyone got tickets! This year is going to be epic!

Van B
09-21-2011, 05:42 PM
Looks to be one of the toughest groups yet. :thumbsup:

Jr
09-22-2011, 09:06 AM
I didn't see Charlies name on the list...Can we vote The Mule in?

sik68
09-22-2011, 09:10 AM
Danny Popp

73CPCAMARO
09-22-2011, 11:08 AM
This event is going to be a lot of fun and very competitive. The experience level is going to be the best so far. The defending champ, Mark Stielow, will be on his game. Kyle Tucker is really getting fast. Danny Popp is going to be very tough to beat, along with other very experienced drivers that I have been around for many years: Dan Livezey, Mary Pozzi, and my pick if is not me :D , Mike Maier in his killer 66 Mustang. Adding an 850 HP Roush Yates engine along with his suspension upgrades plus his incredible talent will make him one to watch. He and I are not on the list that was just published, but we will be there. I will be driving for Wilwood and Mike for K&N. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Brian

Flash68
09-22-2011, 01:09 PM
Wow I did not know Maier was picked. That will be tremendous. :thumbsup:

73CPCAMARO
09-22-2011, 01:14 PM
Wow I did not know Maier was picked. That will be tremendous. :thumbsup:

Only a few people knew as it has not been announced yet.

SLO_Z28
09-24-2011, 07:36 PM
Only a few people knew as it has not been announced yet.

Its on the interwebs now! It will be great to compare results from your car and Mary Pozzi's car!

GregWeld
09-25-2011, 09:02 AM
This event is going to be a lot of fun and very competitive. The experience level is going to be the best so far. The defending champ, Mark Stielow, will be on his game. Kyle Tucker is really getting fast. Danny Popp is going to be very tough to beat, along with other very experienced drivers that I have been around for many years: Dan Livezey, Mary Pozzi, and my pick if is not me :D , Mike Maier in his killer 66 Mustang. Adding an 850 HP Roush Yates engine along with his suspension upgrades plus his incredible talent will make him one to watch. He and I are not on the list that was just published, but we will be there. I will be driving for Wilwood and Mike for K&N. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Brian


So much fun to watch you drive Brian! The others are fun as well... I hope Jimi "makes me" help on the timing at auto X again... :woot:

CRCRFT78
09-27-2011, 07:20 AM
Kind of off-topic, but is anyone driving to the event from NorCal/SoCal? I'll be driving from San Francisco and thought it would be cool to join up with anyone that may be driving out there.

c10addict
10-14-2011, 06:14 AM
We were also fortunate to receive an invite with the "Runt" and are looking forward to again being part of this great event.. Curts gonna give it hell out there and see what we can do..

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn89/c10addict/IMG_1941.jpg

JohnC
10-14-2011, 10:09 AM
Sorry for the lame question, but what is The Detroit Speed and Engineering Road Rally?:_paranoid

And where does that fit in if SEMA is until Friday and Saturday is OUSCI?

Also, good question, is Charley going to be on that list?:unibrow:

Thanks in Advance,
John:thumbsup:

camcojb
10-14-2011, 12:05 PM
Sorry for the lame question, but what is The Detroit Speed and Engineering Road Rally?:_paranoid

And where does that fit in if SEMA is until Friday and Saturday is OUSCI?

Also, good question, is Charley going to be on that list?:unibrow:

Thanks in Advance,
John:thumbsup:
Haven't heard of that, but they have in the past had the cars caravan from SEMA on Friday afternoon out to Pahrump, with photo ops mixed in. That would be my guess.

JohnC
10-14-2011, 01:00 PM
Haven't heard of that, but they have in the past had the cars caravan from SEMA on Friday afternoon out to Pahrump, with photo ops mixed in. That would be my guess.

Thanks, Jody. That's what I figure it is, but thought I'd ask since it is in Mark's OP.

Anyone's car have room for two from SEMA to Pahrump? :_paranoid :D

John:lateral:

David Pozzi
10-15-2011, 03:13 PM
DSE might be the sponsor of the road driving part of OUSCI. It's sort of a tour around the Vegas strip then out to the track to prove the cars are road worthy.
David

73CPCAMARO
10-18-2011, 05:50 PM
Spy shot! Mike Maier and I ran at Thunderhill Raceway Park last week to get some laps in. Mike was flying!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j188/bdjhob/309042_289624657732016_112957798732037_1096137_609 34168_n.jpg

Al Moreno
10-24-2011, 09:58 AM
Are we able to buy tickets at the event or do we have to per-purchase?

youthpastor
10-24-2011, 10:36 AM
This is going to be interesting:unibrow:

Rybar
10-24-2011, 11:39 AM
Spy shot! Mike Maier and I ran at Thunderhill Raceway Park last week to get some laps in. Mike was flying!


Brian are you running the Vette or Camaro? Any more info on your cars or Mike Maier's Mustang? Look like some killer rides...

73CPCAMARO
10-24-2011, 12:21 PM
Brian are you running the Vette or Camaro? Any more info on your cars or Mike Maier's Mustang? Look like some killer rides...

I will be running my Camaro. I am driving for Wilwood Brakes at OUSCI. Mike will be running for K&N. Mike has an 840 HP Roush Yates Nationwide engine with a C&R Transmission. Of course, all Maier Racing suspension with JRI Shocks. My build thread has all of my information. Both of our cars will be parked in the OUSCI coral at SEMA.

DW69
11-04-2011, 12:05 PM
Without question. Saw the Mustang at SEMA yesterday. It has progressed so much since it first came around. To top it off, I think the rear tires on it are 265's!

Flash68
11-04-2011, 01:33 PM
Without question. Saw the Mustang at SEMA yesterday. It has progressed so much since it first came around. To top it off, I think the rear tires on it are 265's!

I am anxious to see how he harnesses 265 street tires with 800 hp. :thumbsup:


If anyone needs 2 tickets to watch the Optima event, I cannot make it and have 2 available. Just PM me your email address and I will email you them.

GrabberGT
11-04-2011, 02:03 PM
So who's the smart money on this weekend?

Danny Popp
Mark Stielow
Brian Hobaugh
Kyle Tucker
Mike Maier
Filip Trojanek
or OTHER

I think I'd like to see a "Creature Comfort" category added to the competition next year. Car stereos, A/C, Heat, working windows, accessory ports, carpeting... Several of these "Street Cars" are nothing more than race cars with working lights and street tires.

RPM HOTRODS
11-09-2011, 05:30 AM
So who's the smart money on this weekend?

Danny Popp
Mark Stielow
Brian Hobaugh
Kyle Tucker
Mike Maier
Filip Trojanek
or OTHER

I think I'd like to see a "Creature Comfort" category added to the competition next year. Car stereos, A/C, Heat, working windows, accessory ports, carpeting... Several of these "Street Cars" are nothing more than race cars with working lights and street tires.

Agreed!!!!!!!!

GregWeld
11-10-2011, 08:41 AM
Agreed!!!!!!!!



So........ Maybe that should be incorporated in the "style points" section.... you'd get extra points for having working windows - carpet - upholstery... A/C etc.... AND OR a deduct for NOT having those things.... That would "lift" some of the cars in the overall standings.

Although -- Mark Stielow certainly shows that you can have all those things and still "win" (last year a win - this year a tie settled via his slower track time).

There is a recipe for winning.....

800+ HP for long track speeds

ABS brakes for StopTech Challenge

Great driver for both Autocross and Road course

Then it all has to look good and have some style!


EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA