2012 Optima Faceoff Challenge Results

Paul Welch, who won the Spirit of the Event award, makes quick work of some cones in his '78 Trans Am. Images: pro-touring.com

During this year’s Power Tour, enthusiasts gathered on the final day of the 1,371-mile 8-day road trip to watch the 2012 Optima Battery Faceoff Challenge. Held at the Arlington, Texas QuickTrip Park on June, 9th, thirty-seven Power Tour entrants particpated in the event that tested handling, braking, and overall performance. The event was presented by K&N Filters and Royal Purple, and just about any kind of car is able to enter.

The thirty-seven participants were competing against one another for a chance to win an invite to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational that takes place during the 2012 SEMA show in Las Vegas on November, 3rd. Kicking off the event was the Ridetech Street Challenge Autocross, followed by the Wilwood Disc Brake Challenge. Winning the Ridetech trophy was Todd Earsley wheeling his 2011 Mustang, and Todd Earsley piloting a 2003 Mitsubishi Evo VIII took home the 1st Place Wilwood Disc Brake Challenge.

A '56 Pontiac Safari on the Eagle's Canyon Raceway road course.

The following day, participants headed out to the Decatur, Texas in the Detroit Speed Road Rally to compete in the BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge. The winner was none other than Lou Gigliotti with his now-famous 2010 Corvette ZR1, while Rodney Moore’s 1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda earned the 1st Place trophy in the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Design Challenge.

The really cool thing about the Optima Faceoff Challenge, is that not only do the event organizers recognize incredible driving ability, but they also take in account the amount of enthusiam that the participants demonstrate throughout the festivities. The winners of this year’s “Spirit” award was Paul Welch with his 461-equipped ’78 T/a, and Cliff Elliot in another 2011 Ford Mustang. If you’re interested in viewing the results, check out the pro-touring.com website for the full rundown.