two-wheel vs. four-wheel. The exhibition match-up featured Mark Stielow’ s high-performing 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and a 2013 1190RS Erik Buell Racing( EBR) motorcycle, which was street-prepped and driven by Geoff May. Stielow beat May by one split second, and the thrill of the competition got the crowd to their feet with excitement.
Charitable Elements Many of the OPTIMA Invitational participants teamed up for a never-been-done-before, heart warming charitable effort. Beginning at the SEMA Show Pro-Touring dinner, Rob McGregor initiated the movement by committing a designated dollar amount to the Wounded Warrior Project for every participant he placed ahead of in the OPTIMA Invitational. The group learned that the cause is near and dear to McGregor’ s heart as his nephew is currently serving in Afghanistan. Several other participants followed and together OPTIMA Invitational participants raised more than $ 20,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project over the weekend.
Additionally, OPTIMA Batteries and the Golden State Foods Foundation wrapped up their final OPTIMA Build-A- Bike event of the year at the famed Shelby Museum, a stop on the Detroit Speed and Engineering / JRI Shocks Road Rally. The OPTIMA Invitational participants cheered along as volunteers assembled bicycles along with 50 children from the local Boys & Girls Club chapter.
OPTIMA Invitational Sponsors Sponsors of the 2012 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational include presenting sponsors K & N Filters and Royal Purple; race event sponsors BFGoodrich, Ridetech, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Lingenfelter Performance Engineering and Detroit Speed and Engineering / JRI Shocks. Additionally, The Roadster Shop, MagnaFlow, RECARO, Centerforce Clutches and Mothers are associate sponsors. Beyond sponsoring the event, all of the performance automotive aftermarket companies provided additional prizing for the top winners in each category and the overall winners, providing a rewarding and memorable experience for all participants involved. For more information on the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational participants, official rules and more, visit http:// www. optimainvitational. com /.
How Can YOU Enter? The road to the 2013 OPTIMA Invitational is already underway! If you want a chance to compete in the big show simply enter one of the events listed below. If you are good enough you may earn a“ Spirit of the Event” invite to the 2013 Invitational!
• Detroit Speed Southern Slam – Kershaw, SC( April 19-21)
• Faceoff at Road America – Elkhart Lake, WI( June 22-23)
• GoodGuys Des Moines – Des Moines, IA( July 5-7)
• MotorState Challenge – Watersvilet, MI( July 25-27)
• Sandhills Open Road Challenge – Arnold, NE( August 7-11)
• Holley LS Fest – Bowling Green, KY( September 6-8)
• Silver State Classic Challenge – Ely, NV( September 11-15)
• GoodGuys Fort Worth – Fort Worth, TX( October 4-6)
Final Results
The 2012 OPTIMA Invitational top 25 ranking participants are listed below and additional final results can be found online at optimainvitational. com.
1. Mark Stielow( 1967 Chevrolet Camaro) 2. Brian Hobaugh( 1973 Chevrolet Camaro) 3. Todd Earsley *( 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 GSR) 3. Bret Voelkel *( 1933 Ford Coupe) 5. Travis Hill( 2013 Nissan GT-R) 6. Steven Rupp( 1968 Chevrolet Camaro) 7. Danny Popp( 2010 Chevrolet Camaro L28) 7. Kyle Tucker( 1970 Chevrolet Camaro) 7. Karl Dunn( 2007 Ford SaleenParnelli Jones Mustang) 10. Brian Finch( 1972 Chevrolet Camaro) 10. Jim Holloway( 2013 Ford Mustang RTR) 12. Phil Gerber( 1970 Chevrolet C10 Pickup) 12. Ryan Mathews( 1966 Ford Mustang) 14. Bob Bertelsen( 1971 Chevrolet Camaro) 15. Rob McGregor( 1970 Chevy C10 Pickup) 16. Chris Smith( 1967 Chevrolet C10) 17. Joey Seely( 1986 Porsche Carrera) 18. Dale Akuszewski( 1964 Sunbeam Tiger) 18. Jeff Cleary( 1967 Chevrolet Corvette) 20. David Brandt( 1969 Chevrolet Camaro) 20. Todd Foust( 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible) 22. Todd Rumpke( 2010 Chevrolet Camaro) 23. Curt Hill( 1972 Chevrolet C5 Blazer) 24. Brad Coomer( 1970 Chevrolet C10) 25. Stacy Tucker( 1969 Chevrolet Camaro)
* Third place was a tie; Per the rules, Todd Earsley earned the official third place because of his placement in the BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge
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