Competitors in five of the six classes within the Optima Ultimate Street Car Series Round 1, running on Falken Azenis RT660 tires, earned podium finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, March 20-21, 2021.
Falken Tires, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. is sponsoring the Optima Batteries’ Ultimate Street Car Series, best known as the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car, for the seventh year. Falken is the official Road Course Sponsor of the series.
With more than 80 vehicle entries appearing in the event, Efrain Diaz took first place in the GTV Class (vintage vehicles, 1989 and older) in his 1968 Chevy Camaro, sweeping all segments – AutoCross, Design & Engineering (D&E) judging, Road Course and Acceleration & Stop Challenge. He, along with second place finisher Nick Relampagos, driving a 1970 Chevy Camaro, ran on Falken’s Azenis RT660 tires. Additionally, fourth place belonged to a Falken-shod vehicle driven by John McKissack in a 1966 Ford Fairlane RS.
Taking third place in the GT Class (1990 and newer vehicles) was Dennis Healy in his 2015 Ford Mustang GT.
In the GTC Class (compact/sport compact – naturally aspirated or forced induction 4-cylinder, FWD or RWD), Dung Nguyen earned top honors with his 2013 Scion FRS.
Taking second place in the GTT Class (Pro-touring truck/SUV/van) was Sean Kelly in his 1967 Chevy C10.
Finally, in the GTL Class (Lights – all vehicles competing are under 3,200 pounds, meaning they must weigh at minimum 95% of the factory-published curb weight), Chad Sage earned 4th in his 2016 Porsche GT3RS.
“This incredible series is where Falken belongs,” says Steve Wong, Falken’s supervisor of passenger car motorsports and events. “Optima Ultimate Street Car showcases such a wide variety of vehicles, including sports compacts and coupes, sedans and muscle cars, in addition to vintage cars, trucks, luxury sport vehicles and track-day cars. They’re all here at the Optima Ultimate Street Car contests, giving us a chance to connect directly with drivers who care what their tires can do in a variety of driving and competitive circumstances.”
The Azenis RT660 offers track-ready handling and stability. The Azenis RT660 features a new rigid carcass construction which enhances accurate steering response and corresponding vehicle stability, while the motorsports-inspired tread compound provides unmatched grip to drivers seeking high performance capability. A DOT-approved tire, it serves dual purposes of street and track use and is available in a wide range of fitments, inviting enthusiasts to experience a heightened connection between them and the road.
The popularity of the OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car series has exploded, as the series welcomes anything from a 1930s sedan to a 2020 Porsche 911 to compete on world-class racetracks. Over the years, the series has gone to great lengths to make sure the most competitive vehicles = are legitimate street cars. Televised on MAVTV, events feature five competitive activities for true street-legal cars taking place at iconic tracks over a weekend that will award series points and event winners. Top points earners by the end of the series will receive invites to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational that takes place in Las Vegas every year during and after the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
The 2021 OPTIMA Search For The Ultimate Street Car schedule continues with Round 2 at NOLA Motorsports Park, April 10-11. For more information on OSUSC, visit www.driveusca.com.
