The final event of the regular season of OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street car is now over and it was everything we had hoped for.  Traveling across the country to some of the most exciting tracks the nation has to offer has truly been an experience to remember. On October 4–5 the USCA held the final regular event of the 2014 season at the famous Pittsburgh International Race Complex.

Billy UtleyThe final showdown pushed the 54 drivers and their vehicles to the absolute limit during a gauntlet of exciting driving challenged spanning over two days. Braking, handling, agility, and driver concentration were on display for spectators as some of the coolest street cars in the nation battled against the clock as four lucky individuals secured their spots in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational taking place this November at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The USCA had a bit more luck this time around with the weather as Pittsburgh offered its competitors decent track conditions toBradley Yonkers kick off the action first thing Saturday morning with the judging of the Lingenfelter Design & Engineering Challenge. Shortly after judges made their finished tallying their scores, drivers got behind the wheels of their street cars for the Ridetech Autocross. Participants hit the autocross course with everything they had and laid down some outstanding and very close lap times. After a competitive few hours of cone swerving and tire squealing, the field was prepped for the Willwood Disc Break Speed Stop. Heat after heat, the drivers improved upon their times and left spectators begging for more. Later that evening the Detroit Road Rally and Holley Welcome Party gave drivers time to relax and cool down from such a non-stop day of driving action.

Larry WooSunday’s BF Goodrich Hot Lap Challenge quickly confirmed that the USCA had created an extremely special atmosphere at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. The competitive spirit of the drivers brought with them a contagious atmosphere that could only be found at a USCA event with track junkies giving newcomers useful advice on how to conquer Pittsburgh’s tricky infield course.  At the end of the day four more drivers were added to the list for the OUSCI. Congratulations go to Billy Utley and his awesome Nova  for taking the GT3K class. Bradley Yonkers and his Corvette swept the GT2K class with a total score of 229.266. Larry Woo and his beautiful Porsche 911 took the top spot in the AWD class with a whopping score of 230.934 points. Last but surely not least, Andrew Neir and his Mustang were awarded the coveted K&N Spirit Of The Event Award.

The USCA would like to thank all of our participants for being a part of our inaugural event series this year. If you were not ableAndrew Neir to lock yourself in a spot for the 2014 OUSCI remember there is always next year, so get ready! Congrats and good luck to all of our Invitational qualifiers we will see you in Las Vegas this November.