After refining our 33 Ford all summer we felt ready to go fast at the 5th annual Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational in Pahrump last weekend. OUSCI is a collection of 55 of the fastest [and best looking] street cars in the world. The participants range from a 1933 Ford [ours] to a 900hp 67 Camaro to a Lamborghini that ran 236mph in the standing mile. Rarely can you find a more interesting mix of hotrods…it would be a major challenge for the RideTech 33 to compete with these cars!
The most recent revisions were some power steering tweaks to fix a frontend chatter, a new Centerforce DYAD clutch to calm the car down, and a new wing for the rear to give the car some rear downforce at speed. These changes were all successful as the 33 Ford placed 5th in the autocross segment, 12th in the road course segment, and WON the speed stop challenge segment to finish tied for 3rd overall!
RideTech President Bret Voelkel commented: “Not only has the RideTech crew worked hard on this car all summer, but we’ve had a tremendous amount of support from Fox Shocks, Falken Tires, Centerforce clutches, Baer Brakes, Forgeline Wheels, Woodward Steering, and Holley EFI to get this thing going fast. It is truly fun to drive on the street and on the track!”
In addition to the RideTech 33, there were several customers who were successful in the Optima Challenge:
Event Photos
Press Release
2012 OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational Captivates Sold Out Crowd
Nov. 8, 2012 (MILWAUKEE) – The fifth annual OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational, presented by K&N Filters and Royal Purple, brought in massive crowds with a sold out event, more thrilling moments and record times, ultimately crowning Mark Stielow and his custom 1967 Chevrolet Camaro as the 2012 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car. It was a year for close competition with the top two participants separated by a single point and a tie for third place overall. Additionally, there was a more diverse showing of vehicles this year with nearly 20 percent of the field falling under the import category.
The OPTIMA Invitational packed the grandstands with non-stop activity, something for everyone in the manufacturer midway, on-the-ground excitement of television personalities (Amanda Salas and Bill Goldberg) filming the miniseries finale of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational broadcast series.
The main race events of the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational took place Saturday, November 3, with the BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge, Ridetech Autocross Challenge, Wilwood Disc Brakes Speed Stop Challenge, and the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Performance and Design Challenge. The Detroit Speed and Engineering/JRI Shocks Road Rally occurred following the close of the SEMA Show Friday, November 2.
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 Lance 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 Saleen Parnelli 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)
Not one MoPar?
There was a 1969 Dodge Superbee in the race but it didn’t make the top 25.