Matt Alcala's '69 Camaro qualifies for the 2013 OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational
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The first qualifying event for the 2013 OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational took place last weekend at the fourth annual Run To the Coast event in Irvine, California. Once the dust settled, Matt Alcala and his 1969 Chevy Camaro emerged with the first invitation of the year for the 2013 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, joining defending champion, Mark Stielow and his 1967 Camaro.
Alcala's car is a perfect example of why anyone interested in competing in the OUSCI should really find a way to run a qualifying event, as his car has already been featured at the SEMA Show, but was not selected by the OUSCI Race Directors. Alcala's Camaro is based around a Detroit Speed Engineering subframe and Quadra-link suspension, which is a great framework for any Pro-Touring ride, but special detail has been paid to every aspect of his build.
Power comes from a modern, 454 cubic-inch LS7, built by RPM Motors in Santa Clarita, California. The powerplant generates 700 horsepower, which is transferred by a T56 Magnum, six-speed transmission into a Speedway Engineering nine-inch floater rearend. Forgeline wheels are halted by Wilwood Disc Brakes. The whole project came together at Best of Show Coachworks, in Escondido, California.