OUSCI Competitor Bruce Raymond's 2006 Pontiac GTO

Bruce Raymond is one of the more-experienced competitors in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational, presented by Royal Purple and K&N Filters. He knows the event well and has first-hand experience in the different elements within it and the preparation for them. So how did he fare in the Wally's World GTO? Pretty good, considering the level of competition.

The Detroit Speed Road Rally was a piece of cake and the GTO ran flawlessly. On the track, it also posted some impressive numbers. In the BFGoodrich Hot Lap Challenge, it edged out Bob Benson's De Tomaso Pantera by just six thousandths of a second for 30th place. The margin in the RideTech Autocross was also similar, with the GTO edging out Rick Hoback's BMW M6 by just .013 thousandths of a second for 37th place.

The competition was only further apart by comparison in the Wilwood Speed Stop Challenge, as the GTO managed a time just .191 thousandths of a second faster than Troy Ladd's 2014 Mustang, good enough for 33rd position. Overall, the GTO ran strong all day long, coming home in a tie for 37th place. Raymond was hoping for a higher finishing position, but seemed pretty satisfied with the outcome, given the level of competition.

Bruce has watched the event closely over the years and felt any of the top-ten finishers were capable of winning it all this year. In his mind (and we agree), just getting to the OUSCI should be considered a win. Once there, be sure to enjoy the experience without getting too caught up in the competition aspect of it all. You can watch the TV coverage from this event for free, anytime on the OPTIMA Network on Roku.