LS Cars Run a Track Takeover at Willow Springs

Optima Ultimate Street Car

The famous Willow Springs race track played host to round three of seven of the 2021 Optima Ultimate Street Car championship late last month. A huge variety of cars of all eras and different styles of builds always grace the track for these events. And the California dessert race was no different.

Photos: Hot Rod

Season Schedule

The season schedule started in Las Vegas in March. The opener was followed by races at NOLA Motorsports Park in April and then Willow Springs in May. Coming up through the rest of the year, the competition heads to Atlanta Motorsports Park in a few days, followed by Utah, Wisconsin, and Kentucky, in July, August, and October respectively.

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Qualifying for Vegas

The season culminates back where it began for the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational LVMS which takes place in November. Competitors will need to qualify for the season finale, held during SEMA week. The way to qualify is by gathering points at races throughout the year. Each participant's top three point-scoring races will be taken into consideration to decide who qualifies.

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Staying Close to Home

Most drivers tend to race at events that are closest to their homes. California's Willow Springs happens to be considered a home race for many drivers. It's not often that we see drivers make the trip cross country to participate in races. Though it does happen occasionally. Top competitors try to score their points in the races closest to them while monitoring the progress of others.

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Classifications

There are a total of seven racing classes. These classes vary significantly in terms of regulations. For example, the GT Class features vehicles newer than 1989 with a minimum weight of 3,200 pounds. Conversely, a category like the Outlaw Class has very relaxed rules, allowing for more creativity!

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Chevrolet Champ?

Unsurprisingly, the majority of the winners and podium finishers in almost every class were Camaros, Corvettes, and other Chevys or Chevy-powered race cars. GT Class winner Dave Schotz has already achieved incredible success through the first three events with his 2020 Camaro. And he looks to be on pace to bring the championship home and back under the Chevy banner. 

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