Registration open for OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car 2015 reality series

[USCA 1]

Registration is now open for all events in the 2015 OPTIMA's Search for the Ultimate Street Car. With a slew of new tracks and a few tweaks to the rules, the second season of The Search for the Ultimate Street Car is set to be even more exciting than last year.

Highlights of some of the new things for 2015:

- 1-day and 2-day entry packages available
- ½ price promo for all first timers
- group discounts available for three or more entries from an established shop or club
- 4 for 3 discount - register for 3 events before March 31st and receive a fourth event free

Also for 2015, the Pro Touring faithful now have their own class - GTV - (vintage) for all 1989 and older cars.

OPTIMA's Search for the Ultimate Street Car season 2 will again be on MavTV with more street car action than ever
before. The participants are the stars, so register today to secure your opportunity to be a part of what is MavTV's most popular program.

For more detailed information and to register for the events, visit www.driveusca.com.

[GrabberGT]

Any changes to the show format for this year. I notice its now called a "... reality series". Will you be following individuals/teams more closely throughout the season?

[USCA 1]

That's the plan Chris.

[glassman]

I'm in for T-hill (if my rims come in time), and Fontana.....Looking forward to being "average" LOL...

[rickpaw]

Once I check the scheduling with the bosses at home, I'm going to sign up for the Texas event as first timer.

[MattO]

Question! You noted 1/2 price for first timers. How do I note this in my registration for the event?

[bret]

There is lots to like about the refinements for 2015. I think the most enticing one is that now you can run just one day. for those who were intimidated by the price and the prospect of running the big track, $250 will get you Saturday which is Autocross and Speed Stop. Although I am no stranger to the big track, I have a couple cars I'd like to run at Optima that are not appropriate for the higher speeds of the road course. Now I can play with those as well!

Also [and this is just an opinion] Reality is misspelled. It should be spelled PERFORMANCE. :)

[Panteracer]

I like the new format also... my Firebird
is just going thru a lot of changes and I
still don't know the car yet.. brakes are ok
for autocross and stop box but not sure they
will work for over a couple of track laps.. I know
the Thunderhill track pretty well but not in
my firebird that needs a little more shaking down

Bob

[DBasher]

Ahh c'mon Bob, you'll do just fine! And if you don't I'll be there to let you know!:D

[Panteracer]

Debasher,
I have a few of my Pantera buddies with Hi horsepower
cars that found out what it is like to fade brakes at the
end of a big straight... not for me right now
I also think I need to change the gearing before
I start tracking the car.. thought of bringing the Pantera
for Sunday just for exhibition but too much work to
deal with two cars

Bob

[MattO]

Ordered new tires for the event. Still wanting to hear about that first timers incentive. I flip burgers for a living, s every dollar counts lol

[glassman]

I like the new format also... my Firebird
is just going thru a lot of changes and I
still don't know the car yet.. brakes are ok
for autocross and stop box but not sure they
will work for over a couple of track laps.. I know
the Thunderhill track pretty well but not in
my firebird that needs a little more shaking down

Bob

Menopause? :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
Well, they are 45.....Sorry Bob, couldn't resist....See ya there...

[rustomatic]

The "first timers" thing still requires full price to register. Just enter FIRST as a promo code when you pay (there's a box), and you will reportedly be reimbursed within 24-48 hours (via PayPal). This opportunity is what got me to register for the 1-day deal . . . if only I had time for the whole thing.

I look forward to being destroyed in the autocross, but I had a good time just volunteering at the Laguna Seca event last year. It should be a good time, even if you're just watching, walking, and talking...

[MattO]

Thanks for the info. Gonna finish signing up soon as I'm home. Can't wait to learn how to drive.

[MattO]

Welp, I'm signed up. If any of you guys go out there, I'll be the kid with the truck who has no idea what he's doing.

[Panteracer]

From what I have seen in the past this is the event
where you get to run the car as many times as you
get in line.. tweak it a little.. get a little feel for your
vehicle.. better than just 3 runs at a lot of autocrosses

You will be fine and the main thing is to have fun
We can let the Pros worry about pressure etc:)

Look forward to seeing you there

Bob

[MattO]

I'm looking forward to it. I'm getting the truck ready with some things that just NEED to happen like tires, fresh brakes, and hopefully a custom transmission controller for the 4L60. I'm looking forward to instruction and feedback more than anything. And I'm bringing the old man, so I apologize in advance guys.

If he offers you kettle corn, JUST SAY NO! Ask Greg about that lol

[pro71bird]

From what I have seen in the past this is the event
where you get to run the car as many times as you
get in line.. tweak it a little.. get a little feel for your
vehicle.. better than just 3 runs at a lot of autocrosses

You will be fine and the main thing is to have fun
We can let the Pros worry about pressure etc:)

Look forward to seeing you there

Bob

I'm looking forward to it. I'm getting the truck ready with some things that just NEED to happen like tires, fresh brakes, and hopefully a custom transmission controller for the 4L60. I'm looking forward to instruction and feedback more than anything. And I'm bringing the old man, so I apologize in advance guys.

If he offers you kettle corn, JUST SAY NO! Ask Greg about that lol

See you there, I'll be in the truck. :cheers:

[Panteracer]

George,
what about the orange F-Body??

Bob

[GregWeld]

Since I'm taking the Mustang back to BMR under Mister Sutton's guidance... for some final tweaking -- and picking up the Miata I just acquired from Mister Hobaugh... (Don't ask because I don't know - but it's street days are history if I keep it).... I will be there! Kill all kinds of birds with this trip!! LOL

[pro71bird]

George,
what about the orange F-Body??

Bob

Bob,
I plan to run the Camaro at the Fontana event.

[rustomatic]

I'm pretty sure my car does not weigh 3200 pounds or more--this seems a bit Camaro-biased. As a result, I signed up for the lightweight group, whatever it was called, even though my car is from 1963. Really, I don't care who I'll be running with as a group, but seriously, are they going to be weighing cars at the event to permit accurate levels of competition, or are the assignations of groups more to make people feel more evenly spaced (read: competitive)?

Will I wind up being the one geezermobile grouped in with all of the Evos and whatever else might fit in that group, or will I simply benefit from a shorter line? Oops, did I give up a bit of strategery?

[GregWeld]

It doesn't take much to scale a car -- and I know RideTech is a sponsor and they have portable scales... so I would EXPECT to be weighed to verify.









I'm pretty sure my car does not weigh 3200 pounds or more--this seems a bit Camaro-biased. As a result, I signed up for the lightweight group, whatever it was called, even though my car is from 1963. Really, I don't care who I'll be running with as a group, but seriously, are they going to be weighing cars at the event to permit accurate levels of competition, or are the assignations of groups more to make people feel more evenly spaced (read: competitive)?

Will I wind up being the one geezermobile grouped in with all of the Evos and whatever else might fit in that group, or will I simply benefit from a shorter line? Oops, did I give up a bit of strategery?

[DBasher]

I know at Laguna and Portland last year they only scaled the winners in each class....so you'll be fine:lmao:

I'm sure we'll be the only Mopar running again, she's a big girl at close to 4k lbs. Looking forward to seeing some trucks and the falcons running....also hoping Maier has found a seat for the event.....:secret:

See y'all in a few weeks
:thumbsup:

[Panteracer]

George,
I was thinking of taking the Pantera to Fontana

I hope they have scales there.. would like to check
how much I took out of the Firebird recently... was 3710
two years back

Bob

[craig510]

My falcon was 3132# according to the SCCA scales at the Crows Landing tour event. I'm going to add about 70# of ballast so I can run with my people. It use to be a tick over 3000# before the 255 17s and the roll bar.

[Panteracer]

My firebird was 3560 at the very first Crows Landing
SCCA Divisional 1990 or 91.. a new ZR-1 vette went
right in front of me and we were 2lbs apart...
Hoping I am 3500 something as I have started
the lightening process.. still have a ways to go

Bob

[rustomatic]

Thanks for chiming in on this point, dudes! Craig, I can't be that far off of your weight, although I have added a bit of lightness in my recycled beer-can heads and front suspension (now sporting beer-can/Ridetech coilovers). While I have no back seat, I have added about 100 pounds of manly steel tubing to the car, give or take. Still, the Falcon feels way lighter than my 2012 Honda Civic . . .

Whatevs . . . maybe I'll try to change my group, so as to at least be on the right side of events, or what I'd prefer to see/hear running. Evos do nothing for the ears. Maybe I should just consume less beer, and stick with adding more lightness . . .

DBasher, I will surely win something, even if it's only a foot-race to the crapper . . .:catfight:

[GregWeld]

Maybe I should just consume less beer, and stick with adding more lightness . . .

DBasher, I will surely win something, even if it's only a foot-race to the crapper . . .:catfight:

You can weld a bunch of lightening holes together and change your name to Colin Chapman....



I remember doing a Macy's Fourth of July fireworks show in NYC one year -- all my fellow pyro's had gotten mad drunk the night before a big work day... Now they're out on a hot steel barge in July in NYC with super high humidity and a plastic crapper parked on one lonely corner of the barge.... it was a very bad day for them all. I thanked my higher power for being the only one that wasn't going to need to use that thing that day.

[DBasher]

Rusto, just to fill you in and so you don't look silly.....we all use Greg's sh!tter! It's the Lat-G party wagon!

[CamaroMike]

I will see you boys in Colorado!

[pro71bird]

Hmmm, I have no idea what the Maro weighs. May have to run across the local truck scale tomorrow and find out.

The truck weighs 4,780 without my butt in it. D'oh..... :lostmarbles:

[pro71bird]

My falcon was 3132# according to the SCCA scales at the Crows Landing tour event. I'm going to add about 70# of ballast so I can run with my people. It use to be a tick over 3000# before the 255 17s and the roll bar.

Craig,
Where or how do you add the ballast? Do you center the weight in the trunk or split it over the rear tires?

[craig510]

Craig,
Where or how do you add the ballast? Do you center the weight in the trunk or split it over the rear tires?

I think I am going to bolt some 3/4" steel plates to my sub frame connectors in front of the rear wheels. I'm going to put it on the scales and try to get some better weight balance. If I run out of time I might just bolt some free weights to the floor under the carpet.

[rustomatic]

Rusto, just to fill you in and so you don't look silly.....we all use Greg's sh!tter! It's the Lat-G party wagon!

On this note, I usually try to maintain a safety radius around Greg's stuff, in case the brilliant shine of one of his cars blinds me--I could accidentally trip and scratch something, and then Greg would have to recycle my car for scraps to touch up his paint . . . this would be grotesquely inconvenient, even if I came equipped with a nice fluffy roller for paint touch-up.

Apparently, the foot-race idea is not an acceptable make-up for sucking in an autocross . . .

I could still win worst paint, or maybe even worst adhesion of stickers . . .

[DBasher]

We've got a sticker guy that I can loan out so worries there. As far as sucking at autocross, you've got a car and you're out wheeling it...you got me beat!

Looks like atleast 2 trucks, 2 Falcons and I see another big Mopar is planning on showing...gonna be a hoot!

:thumbsup:

[MattO]

Looks like atleast 2 trucks, 2 Falcons and I see another big Mopar is planning on showing...gonna be a hoot!

:thumbsup:

And at least one moron (me) so we've got all the bases covered on this one.

[USCA 1]

I'm pretty sure my car does not weigh 3200 pounds or more--this seems a bit Camaro-biased. As a result, I signed up for the lightweight group, whatever it was called, even though my car is from 1963. Really, I don't care who I'll be running with as a group, but seriously, are they going to be weighing cars at the event to permit accurate levels of competition, or are the assignations of groups more to make people feel more evenly spaced (read: competitive)?

Will I wind up being the one geezermobile grouped in with all of the Evos and whatever else might fit in that group, or will I simply benefit from a shorter line? Oops, did I give up a bit of strategery?

Yup, we weigh 'em!

[pro71bird]

And at least one moron (me) so we've got all the bases covered on this one.

Matt,
Your truck is very cool and I think you're going to do great. It's all about having a great time, which I know we will. :cheers:

[DBasher]

Matt,
Your truck is very cool and I think you're going to do great. It's all about having a great time, which I know we will. :cheers:

Eggzachery!
:thumbsup:

[Smittys67]

I suppose you can add another truck to your list. A bright red C-10 will be traveling a long way to be there.

[rustomatic]

Yup, we weigh 'em!

Thank you for the official word--I'll stay put in GTL, and if it turns out that I'm way more obese than I realize (possible, with the beer I've been drinking), I'll happily take a bumping to another class. That's cool.

[RPitts]

Sooo with the whole Tw200 and no "R" compound what is the tire of choice? FYI NT05 are on national backorder and thinking my only chance is Michelin SS? Now I know some might not want to put that info out but if you wouldn't mind sending a PM.

Sorry car is 2013 ZL1

Thanks,
Rob

[Flash68]

3 local cars out of the Road Touring Customs shop should be there... and maybe even a 4th.

http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr131/califconstruct/Livewire/IMG_3038.jpg (http://s477.photobucket.com/user/califconstruct/media/Livewire/IMG_3038.jpg.html)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/DSCF3977.jpg (http://s236.photobucket.com/user/flash68/media/DSCF3977.jpg.html)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/1011chp-01-o1969-chevrolet-camarofront_zpsgoxqtztk.jpg (http://s236.photobucket.com/user/flash68/media/1011chp-01-o1969-chevrolet-camarofront_zpsgoxqtztk.jpg.html)

[pro71bird]

Sooo with the whole Tw200 and no "R" compound what is the tire of choice? FYI NT05 are on national backorder and thinking my only chance is Michelin SS? Now I know some might not want to put that info out but if you wouldn't mind sending a PM.

Sorry car is 2013 ZL1

Thanks,
Rob

I waited 3 months for the NT05's. :headspin:

[pro71bird]

I suppose you can add another truck to your list. A bright red C-10 will be traveling a long way to be there.

Cool :thumbsup:

Hey Rob, Bob and Wes, you guys coming out?
.
.

[65_LS1_T56]

3 local cars out of the Road Touring Customs shop should be there... and maybe even a 4th.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff245/flash68/DSCF3977.jpg (http://s236.photobucket.com/user/flash68/media/DSCF3977.jpg.html)
[/URL]

:drool:
I likey

[DBasher]

X2!
What a good looking Chevelle!

Looking forward to seeing your truck in action Smitty!
:thumbsup:

[Msracing89]

We will be there with Dbasher and crew. Looking forward to some good times.

[DBasher]

:cheering:
:cheers:

[Flash68]

We will be there with Dbasher and crew. Looking forward to some good times.

Cool Charger... what's it got cookin in it?

[DBasher]

Cool Charger... what's it got cookin in it?

Pretty typical big block...aluminum heads, port injection, some forged internals...it's good for about 300hp:underchair:

It's a street car that does well on the track, especially when put up against other street cars....:poke:
I've been wanting to do a write up on the harness bar, if that doesn't happen before the event come by and check it out, it's the coolest!

:thumbsup:

[GrabberGT]

Pretty typical big block...aluminum heads, port injection, some forged internals...it's good for about 300hp:underchair:

It's a street car that does well on the track, especially when put up against other street cars....:poke:

:thumbsup:

The ultimate form of sandbagging... When others do it for you. :guns:

[Panteracer]

I ran against a guy that said he and his buddies car
had a junkyard motor in it...he won all the time
They were not allowed to put subframe connectors
or weld in a cage.. they welded some posts to the
floor, ran a low bar on the cage (subframe connector's) but
had a pipe slide over the welded in pipe and ran a bolt
thru it.. so it was all bolted in.. Smokey's rules bent just a little
but legal:) He was pretty smart.. raced his buddies car
but had 18 muscle cars all Z/28's or big block F-bodies

Bob

[Matt@BOS]

Sooo with the whole Tw200 and no "R" compound what is the tire of choice? FYI NT05 are on national backorder and thinking my only chance is Michelin SS? Now I know some might not want to put that info out but if you wouldn't mind sending a PM.

Sorry car is 2013 ZL1

Thanks,
Rob

I would run Pilot Super Sports, or the oem Goodyear G2s. Hankook RS3s are good too if they come in your size, although they might only go up to 19"

[pro71bird]

I would run Pilot Super Sports, or the oem Goodyear G2s. Hankook RS3s are good too if they come in your size, although they might only go up to 19"

+1 on the Pilot Super Sports:thumbsup:

[Gscherer78ta]

Just registered for the TMS event. This is going to be fun!

[GrabberGT]

Just registered for the TMS event. This is going to be fun!

Im getting pretty stoked myself. Still have lots of work to do though to have the car ready in time. I'd like to hit the SCCA event the weekend before goodguys as a shakedown event. My baby needs foreplay before she's fully charged for action. :lmao:

[Gscherer78ta]

Im getting pretty stoked myself. Still have lots of work to do though to have the car ready in time. I'd like to hit the SCCA event the weekend before goodguys as a shakedown event. My baby needs foreplay before she's fully charged for action. :lmao:

I had my first shake down cruise last weekend at Lone Star with wonderful conditions... Standing water, pouring cats and dogs outside, only sprinkling inside, wipers going( at least they worked).....

Still, the car handles much better than last year with the changes I made to keep the tires fully contacting the road. I am planning on a few more events before the USCA- I hope the car has the same plan.

[MattO]

Crap, I forgot to buy a pass for my dad. Can I do that at the event, or do I need to go online?

[glassman]

You can do it at the gate..

[Panteracer]

I hope I can buy a pass for one of my buddies at the
gate also as one was coming then not then yes.. so
I went on line the other night and the website had some
glitch.. have not gone back since

Bob

[Sieg]

I hope I can buy a pass for one of my buddies at the
gate also as one was coming then not then yes.. so
I went on line the other night and the website had some
glitch.. have not gone back since

Bob
Shouldn't be a problem.

[Panteracer]

I'll just tell them I know you Sieg and Greg
They will be sure to throw us out.... lucky I
have never met Charley.... not sure what would
happen if I used his name.... they might give
me the piece sign back:)

Bob