(Photos and Words Bob Chiluk/Greg Rourke) This past weekend was one of the premier pro touring events of the year, the 2013 Optima Batteries Faceoff at Road America, and all that attended had the time of their life. This event is a Qualifier for the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational in Nevada in November, and the coveted spots are given to 4 lucky competitors who not only bring a great car, but who embody the spirit of the competition, camaraderie, and fun. Plenty of track time was had by all, including the 2.2 mile Backhalf road course, speed stop challenge, and Ridetech Street Challenge Autocross. Luckily for us, Bob Chiluk and Greg Rourke were out shooting photos, including some very close calls, while Chad sat high atop the Optima Rig and announced all the action.

Road America is one of the premier historic road courses in the country, and sits on 525 acres of lush greenery and rolling hills . It really is more of a beautiful camp ground, with a historic race track inside. Just over 4 miles long and 14 turns, with 110 feet of elevation changes throughout, make for a fun and challenging track to run . Road America was built in 1955 and has hosted motorcycle and auto racing of all catagories including IMSA ,SCCA, NASCAR, Trans Am, American LeMans, and more. Everyone that runs at this event is lucky to experience the thrill on pavement that has been traveled by the greats of racing. Phil Hill ,Carl Haas and Roger Penske are just a few of the greats in racing that have run on this hallowed blacktop. The Optima Batteries Faceoff at Road America was divided into 4 segments, including the BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge, Wilwood Disc Brakes Speed Stop Challenge, and Ridetech Street Challenge Autocross, along with the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Style and Design Award. These gave competitors loads of competion and tons of fun, and resulted in a battle that came down to the very last minute.

Watch your TV listings this fall for Optima Batteries Search for the Ultimate Street Car which is produced by BCII TV with host Bill Goldberg. The TV crews were on had shooting all the action and all the hot and heavy drama so that you’ll be able to really get a sense of what it’s like to compete.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE GUYS WHO WON THE SPIRIT OF THE EVENT AWARDS THAT GET THEM TO VEGAS FOR THE ULTIMATE STREET CAR INVITATIONAL IN NOVEMBER

2013 OPTIMA ULTIMATE STREET CAR INVITATIONAL INVITEES FROM THE FACEOFF AT ROAD AMERICA:

Damion Campbell in the 1963 Pontiac Lemans pictured above.

John Kundrat in his beautiful 1964 Corvette Convertible

Steve Kepler in his 2013 Nissan GTR

Dennis Prunty in his 1981 Pontiac Trans Am
Congratulations Gentleman!