(Photos by Charles Wickam) – The 2012 Optima Face off was a qualifying event for the 2012 Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational to be held in Nevada after the close of the SEMA show in November. The two day competition consisted of five events. The Ridetech Street Challenge autocross, The Wilwood speed stop challenge, the Lingenfelter Design Competition, the BFG Hot Lap challenge, and the DSE road rally. Charles Wickam was there to shoot photos of the autocross, speed stop, and the road course action on day two.
This is a gallery of autocross action photos and the Optima Face Off had the most widely varied field of cars I have ever seen at an automotive competition. From a 2004 Lamborghini to a 1979 AMC Concord, 1965 Olds, full tilt pro touring Camaros and Novas, a big block ‘Cuda, and a Nissan GT-R were but a few of the more than 40 cars that participated in the event vying for a spot at the year end invitational.
It was Brian Finch who took the autocross win in his 1970 Camaro. That car is one of the most killer pro touring cars in the country and the fact that it was able to bury a Nissan GT-R, Lambo, and all the rest of the comers on the short cone course speaks volumes for the car’s capability. Brett Voelkel’s Ridetech ’33 was looking damned good for a brand new car. The 600hp small block Ford screams an awesome tone and the car looks fantastic with all of that motor hanging out in the breeze.
Hit the link below to see this incredible field of awesome cars in action on the course in Texas. In a while, we’ll be back with the road course photos and you don’t want to miss them either!
ACTION GALLERY LINK: 
The autocross wasn’t won by Brian Finch in his 1970 Camaro. It was won by Terry Fair in his 2011 Mustang GT.