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Spectre sponsored driver Brian Finch will be representing Spectre Performance at the Goodguys Sponsor Shootout in Columbus, Ohio.

Not only is Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, the biggest Goodguys event of the year, it will host one of the most competitive autocross shootouts.  The Goodguys Autocross Sponsor Shootout takes place each year at Goodguys Columbus.  When walking the pits, you might see banners from different manufactures hanging around the track.  These manufactures support the autocross throughout the year and often have cars and drivers that race in the series at each event.

After Goodguys PPG Nationals, Brian Finch will start prepping for the Baja 1000 with team BFGoodrich.

Years ago, it was determined that a shootout between sponsors might help draw spectators to the autocross, helping not only the manufactures that sponsor the event, but also the drivers.  Manufactures were allowed to choose one driver to represent them in the shootout.  The shootout was similar to that of a bracket race.  During the first ever PPG Nationals shootout, drivers learned quickly that anything could happen regardless how good they were behind the wheel.  One slight mistake could mean forfeiting the shootout.

When it was Spectre’s turn to decide who would represent them at this year’s shootout, there were quite a few drivers to choose from.  When it came down to the final decision, there was one name that had represented Spectre for several years, long before the Spectre name was popular on the show circuit.  Brian Finch had seen the Goodguys Autocross winner’s circle on several different occasions including his recent win at Goodguys Nashville in the Street Machine Class.  Choosing him was the perfect fit leading up to the big shootout this weekend.

After Goodguys PPG Nationals, Brian Finch will start prepping for the Baja 1000 with team BFGoodrich.

Brian Finch is a name that was and still is quite popular in the pro-touring world.  Over the past couple years Finch has expanded his career beyond the autocross and racetrack to include a little bit of dirt in his life.  As a two-time Baja 1000 champion, Finch will return to Mexico once again this November to race for his third Baja win.  Though Finch’s main focus is on Baja this season, he still brings out his 1971 Camaro to participate in track and autocross events.  The PPG Nationals Sponsor Shootout will be Finch’s biggest and toughest autocross event of the season, but that has not stopped him before.  Finch is definitely one driver that could pull off the win during the Sponsor Shootout.

Smith has done exceptionally well in the Spectre sponsored 1972 Corvette throughout the 2016 race season.

There are a handful of other drivers selected to compete in the Sponsor Shootout this weekend alongside Brian Finch.  Spectre sponsored driver Chris Smith will be racing his 1972 Corvette in the Sponsor Shootout on behalf of RideTech.  Smith has had an extremely busy race season, traveling across the country on several different occasions to compete in series like Goodguys and Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car.  Several changes were made to the Corvette over the winter months that made a huge difference on how the car handled.  Smith has been overly impressed with the car and its performance throughout the 2016 race season.  With minor changes throughout the year, Smith has become very competitive in the bright yellow Corvette.  He will be racing against some tough competition this coming weekend, but that has not stopped him from seeing the podium in the past.

Chris and Lynda Jacobs will both be representing Spectre at the Goodguys PPG Nationals.

Though the Sponsor Shootout is one of the main events that take place at the Goodguys PPG Nationals, there is still the typical autocross that takes places throughout the three-day event.  In the past, over one hundred cars have come to participate in the autocross, making it the largest Goodguys autocross event of the year.  Though Finch and Smith are focused on the shootout, they will also be competing in the Pro Class.  This class includes several other Spectre sponsored drivers that will also be attending this weekend’s event.

The Jacobs’ 1966 Chevelle will be doing double duty as both Chris and Lynda get behind the wheel and hit the autocross.

Spectre driver Rodney Prouty has created quite a following as he continues to post updates as the evil Stig on his Facebook page.

Chris and Lynda Jacobs each own a Chevelle that have seen several Goodguys autocross events over the years, but Lynda’s Chevelle will not be attending Goodguys Columbus this weekend.  Instead, the blue 1966 Spectre sponsored Chevelle will be doing double duty while Lynda and Chris both take the wheel.

Though the Jacobs are competitive, they also prove that there is more to racing than just winning.  Chris and Lynda are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.  You will often find them in the pits talking with other drivers and spectators or helping another competitor while they are not racing.

There is one final driver that has built quite a following with his evil Stig Facebook posts.  Many questioned where Rodney Prouty would go with his social media updates after the buildup he created leading into the Optima event in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Rodney wasted no time, jumping back on social media with his Spectre driving suit and helmet, announcing how he would prepare for his next event.

Spectre driver Rodney Prouty has created quite a following as he continues to post updates as the evil Stig on his Facebook page.

Prouty’s updates on social media have all lead up this weekend’s autocross showdown where he will most likely be suited up and signing autographs.  Not only has Prouty captured a following with his humorous social media updates, he’s an exceptional driver.  Prouty will be racing his 1968 Camaro at the Goodguys PPG Nationals this weekend in the Pro Class against Finch, Smith, the Jacobs and several other drivers.

All five Spectre Performance drivers will be available for photos, questions and autographs starting Friday through Sunday afternoon.

As one of the biggest events throughout the 2016 season, you can expect that all five of these Spectre drivers will be in the pits prepping both their cars and themselves for one of the toughest autocross events of the year.  If heading to Goodguys PPG Nationals this weekend, make sure to walk the pits of the autocross and check out the Spectre sponsored vehicles.  Don’t forget to stop by the Spectre Performance booth in the Midway or watch on-site air intake installations taking place near the Goodguys Autocross.  We wish all the Spectre drivers the best of luck and will check back with them after the weekend’s events.

The stainless Spectre 4256 Hood Pin Kit offers form and function in one package.

The Spectre 6284 Large Shifter Boot helps to add some flair to an otherwise forgotten area.

Money was scarce during the Great Depression, so car enthusiasts had to get creative. Most couldn't afford a new car, let alone the parts. They had to make stuff, from other stuff. These new creations were called 'hot rods', and they consisted of a bunch of junkyard parts, bolted to a lightweight body. The parts they used were often homemade, and many of the custom details were truly extraordinary. There was real craftsmanship back then, because people took pride in their work. Today's car enthusiasts are no less talented, but they no longer need to scour the salvage yard for the thing they need to make the other thing, that eventually becomes the finishing detail. Hot rodders can simply go to Spectre Performance and browse their catalog of stainless and aluminum interior/exterior accessories. Let's look at a few of them now:

When you're looking for the perfect automotive accessory, you want something that functions as good as it looks. The Spectre Performance catalog is stuffed with things like the Spectre 4256 Hood Pin Kit, the Spectre 6280 Aluminum T-Bar Shifter, and the Spectre 6288 Chrome Gas Pedal. All of these accessories are designed to make any vehicle look good. But Spectre also has specialty items like the Spectre 90022 Aluminum Rear Wing for the 1969 Chevy Camaro, and the Spectre 90104 Aluminum Door Panels & Handles for the 1964-1965 Chevy Chevelle.

The Spectre 4982 Billet GM Column Shift Lever is milled from a single piece of aluminum and made to fit in place of the OE shifter.

What's so special about billet aluminum parts and stainless steel parts?

High quality automotive accessories should be able to withstand lots of abuse. That's why premium auto part manufacturers like Spectre Performance, use durable metals like stainless steel and billet aluminum. These materials come at a higher cost, but the strength and finish are second to none. Billet aluminum auto accessories for example, are made by milling or machining a solid aluminum blank (billet), into the desired part. This allows the particular accessory to be made from one solid piece of aluminum, improving both the strength and number of finish options. Stainless steel auto accessories are made in much the same way, however these parts are often laser cut from a thick sheet of steel, then chrome plated, polished, or a brushed finish is applied.

Examples of different Spectre billet accessories & Spectre stainless accessories:

The Spectre 90022 Aluminum Rear Wing for the 1969 Chevy Camaro will add style and added downforce to the rear of your car.

Under the category 'Shifters', you'll find the Spectre 4982 General Motors Billet Column Shift Lever. Designed for an OE fit in 1973-1994 GM vehicles, this handsome column shifter will add a custom touch to any style interior. It is precision milled from a solid aluminum billet, and features an attractive polished double slot design, capped off by a polished shift knob. Thanks to its OEM replacement design, all you have to do is remove the old shift lever and slide this one into place.

Under the category 'Shifter Boots', you'll find the Spectre 6284 Large Shifter Boot. If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, you may have never considered the shifter boot to be a design element. Until now that is. The Spectre Large Shifter Boot features a soft black rubber shifter boot, accented by a triple chrome plated stainless ring at them top of the boot beneath the shifter, and one at the base. Not only does it look elegantly understated, the rugged construction will probably outlast the factory shift boot.

No matter what you drive, Spectre Performance can make it look and perform better. To check out the complete line of Spectre interior/exterior accessories, visit the interior/exterior accessories page. Or, you can enter your year/make/model into the search by vehicle tool, to discover everything that Spectre makes for your ride.

Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car Pikes Peak International Raceway is right around the corner

Pikes Peak International Raceway owner, Bob Boileau, has a Datsun 520 and 411 that appeared on the Optima race circuit last year

Some may not recognize the name Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR), but that has not stopped Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car Race Series from returning to this track for its second year as part of their ten event race series for 2016.

With almost two decades since its grand opening in 1997, Pikes Peak International Raceway has hosted several different race events over the years. Series like INDY and NASCAR used the track up until 2007/2008. Currently the track holds amateur race events such as the Time Attack Series and the Optima Race Series along with several other local events throughout the year.

Spectre Driver James Shipka will be returning to the Optima Race Series with his 1967 Camaro

With the Optima Series Race around the corner, we took a closer look at the competition that will be attending Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car at Pikes Peak International Raceway.

Bob Boileau's 1966 Datsun 520 is unique within itself, but the little truck has grown in popularity even more as it continues to participate in the Optima Race Series

Owner Bob Boileau is no stranger to getting behind the wheel and hitting the track. Bob introduced his 1966 Datsun 520 and his 1967 Datsun 411 at last year's Optima Pikes Peak Raceway event. The little 1966 truck has been quite popular, as it has raced in the 2015 Optima Auto Club Speedway event and Optima's Ultimate Street Car Invitational at Las Vegas last November. Not only does Bob have some impressive skills behind the wheel, he is typically found in the pits offering advice and a helping hand when needed.

Though this will be James' first time behind the wheel of his 1967 Camaro for the 2016 race season, he was also spotted shaking down his 1LE car earlier this year

Besides Bob, several other Spectre Performance drivers will take to the track at PPIR. Matt Alcala announced that he is prepping the "Rental Car," a 2006 Mustang, to compete at PPIR. The Mustang recently competed in the NMCA West Hotchkis Autocross with multiple drivers racing the car throughout the weekend. Over the past week Matt has been testing some new aero on the front of the Mustang along with wider fender flares to accommodate 335's on all four corners. Pikes Peak International Raceway will be the first big event the Mustang will compete in after the upgrades are complete.

Bob Gawlik will be attending Pikes Peak International Raceway in his 1968 AMX

Spectre Performance driver James Shipka will be returning to the race circuit with his 1967 Camaro. With a recent addition to his already family of three, the birth of his second daughter kept James' main focus the first half of the year. This will be James first race in the 1967 Camaro for the 2016 race season, though he has also been racing his 1LE car over the past couple months. James has been participating in the Optima Series for several years before its growth in popularity. Though competition has increased over the years, James is one driver that can keep up with the competition, possibly bringing home a win in the GTV Class.

Bob received his invite to compete at OUSCI after winning the Spectre Performance Spirit of the Event back in April

Previous Spectre Performance Spirit of the Event Winner Bob Gawlik will also be competing in his 1968 Orange AMX. Bob already has an invitation to compete at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) in November, after winning the Spirit of the Event Award at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this past April. Bob's AMX does not only perform well out on track, it looks great standing still. Several people have asked why Bob takes such a beautiful build out on track and beats on it. Yet, as long as Bob is having fun, he will continue to beat on the car regardless when and where.

As of right now, fifty-three drivers are register to compete at the two-day event for a chance at an invite to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational. With time still left to register for the upcoming race, it is hard to predict who will come out on top and take home an invite. Best of luck goes out to all the drivers competing at Pikes Peak International Speedway and we look forward to seeing who will move on to the final showdown in Vegas this November.

It has been a very busy race season for Spectre driver Greg Thurmond, competing in Goodguys Autocross, NMCA West Autoctross, SCCA, the Optima Series and several Camarillo Autocross events.

The race to win the Hotchkis Cup was held over a two-day autocross event hosted by the Racing Byrds. NMCA West is held four times a year at the Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California. Eighty to ninety competitors bring out some of the most competitive built, pristine vehicles to race over the two days, trying to prove that they are the fastest driver.

NMCA West Hotchkis Autocross brought out several competitive drivers as they all fought for the ultimate title, the Hotchkis Cup.

Greg Thurmond entered the 2016 race season by storm in his 1965 Corvette named SCAR. Greg's season has been filled with race events including Goodguys, NMCA, SCCA, the Optima Series and several Camarillo Autocross events. Downtime isn't part of Greg's vocabulary. When he is not racing he is the man behind GTS Customs, working on customers' Corvettes and various other makes/models. Greg's work can be found in his own Corvette, from the precision bodylines, wide custom fenders and eye catching orange paint that he completed in time for its debut last SEMA.

Some people may think Greg Thurmond is out of his mind for racing such a beautiful piece of art, but for Greg, he would not have it any other way. Greg's desire to perform better, improve as a driver and represent his sponsors is always seen when watching him at the track. The level he has achieved in the last five months of racing has resulted in some notable finishes and now him taking podium.

Greg did exceptionally well both Saturday and Sunday, maintaining a podium finish on both race days.

The NMCA West Hothckis Autocross was not an easy win. With temperatures reaching well over 110 degrees and track conditions melting as the heat index increased, competitors had to be prepared for anything. From problems with overheating vehicles to dehydrated drivers, one could easily be forced out of the competition early due to unavoidable circumstances. Luckily Greg was not one of those drivers, racing his way through the heat and making his way to the top of his class.

Not only did Greg race his way into first place on Sunday, he finished within the top five drivers overall for the entire weekend.

Aside from the poor weather conditions, competition in the Classic Muscle Class was tough. Saturday brought out several pro drivers including autocross instructor Casey Cronin and his 1972 Vette along with SCCA competitor Richard Trujillo and his 1969 bright green Mustang. This did not stop Greg Thurmond from battling his way into the top three, resulting in a second place finish and less than a half of second off of the top time in his class.

The Hotchkis Autocross recognizes official times on both Saturday and Sunday. Competitors have the option to compete in both days or just one. The heat on Saturday resulted in a handful drivers dropping out of the race come Sunday. The NMCA West June Autocross event had been sold out long before the event. Those who chose not to attend Sunday's event opened new spots for waitlist drivers to enter the competition. This meant a handful of new drivers and more competition come Sunday.

Greg also took the lead in the Classic Muscle Class Sunday, resulting in a first place finish in his class.

The Racing Byrds make sure that the two-day autocross is fair for both Saturday and Sunday competitors. In order to do this, the track is reversed and drivers who ran Saturday must now run the track the opposite direction come Sunday. Several drivers including Greg Thurmond arrived early to prep their cars before the heat set-in. A drivers meeting was held then the track went hot as drivers either buckled up or found shelter from the heat. Greg knew this was his last chance to grab the lead not only in his class, but overall.

In order to be eligible for the Hotchkis Cup, a driver must compete both Saturday and Sunday. After ten laps each day, the day's averages were calculated and combine into an overall score. The driver with the fastest and most consistent time of the weekend would be awarded the Hotchkis Cup.

As the final five contenders for the Hotchkis Cup were announced, Greg was recognized for his third place overall finish against forty-two other drivers.

As awards were presented Sunday evening, Greg Thurmond was called to the podium as the Classic Muscle Class winner. Greg maintained an 8/10th of a second lead over his wife Jane Thurmond and her 1964 Corvette, who placed second in the Classic Muscle Class and a full second ahead of the third place contender.

The Hotchkis Cup was still to be announced, as this would be the final award presented Sunday evening. The top five drivers were called to the podium, each eagerly awaiting the process of elimination. Out of forty-three Hotchkis Cup eligible competitors, Spectre driver Greg Thurmond took third overall in the lineup for the Hotchkis Cup. With a little over one tenth of a second from the overall leader Tom Kamman in his 2004 Corvette, Greg Thurmond ranked ahead of forty other drivers who had ran both Saturday and Sunday for the overall title.

NMCA West Hotchkis Autocross will revisit the Auto Club Dragway in September of this year. Between now and then Greg has several more events lined up for the '65 Spectre Performance sponsored Corvette. We can only guess that when September comes around, Greg Thurmond will race his way ahead of his competition once again, possibly achieving an overall win and a chance to be named recipient of the Hotchkis Cup.

Brian Finch's 1971 Camaro started its winning streak back in 2010 and has continued to grow in popularity throughout the years.

Brian Finch is a name many recognize in the pro-touring community. From businessman to car builder, weekend racer, event coordinator, and the several other hats he wears, Finch has made quite the name for himself over the years. Brian Finch has been a long supporter of Spectre Performance, so it was no surprise when he joined the Spectre Performance race team for the 2016 season. Finch's racing history started long before the rise of the pro-touring era, but the 1971 Camaro took the world by storm as Finch started his winning streak in 2010.

Driver Brian Finch was one of the original Spectre Performance sponsored racers, supporting the brand name for several years before officially joining the Spectre racing team.

Finch has earned several wins including multi-time champion at the Goodguys Autocross, Holley LS Fest, and the Optima Series. The Kurt Urban 427ci-powered Camaro has undergone a lengthy list of changes over the years from different color schemes to swapping powertrains. With those changes, Finch grew in popularity, not only because of the Camaro, but also because of his driving skills. Before long, Finch was featured in shows and magazines like Power Block TV, R U Faster than a Redneck, Super Chevy magazine, Hot Rod magazine, and many others.

The Spectre Performance sponsored Camaro would compete in its first Optima Series event for the 2016 at NCM Motorsports Parkway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Though this would be Finch's first Optima event for the year, this was not his first time behind the wheel during this race season. Finch finished off the 2015 season racing in the Baja 1000 for BFGoodrich only to jump back behind the wheel of his 1971 Camaro in 2016 for the BFGoodrich Are You Driver Enough Program. From there he continued to participate in events such as Cruisin' the Smokies in Tennessee, the Goodguys Nashville Autocross, the Midwest Muscle Car Challenge, and the NSRA Mid-American Street Rod Nationals Autocross in Georgia.

Though this would be Finch's first Optima Series Race for the 2016 season, he has competed in several other series throughout the year.

So how does one win an Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Race? There is a lengthy checklist many drivers formulate before a race like Optima. From vehicle setup, driver ability, car preparation, and execution, a lot can happen that can bump a driver out of first place. Years of experience behind the wheel of the Spectre Performance sponsored 1971 Camaro have helped Finch adapt if problems arise or course conditions are not ideal.

In order to win his class, Finch has to place in the top three of all the Optima race segments.

Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car at NCM Motorsports Park presented the not so ideal conditions once again. Though it did not rain like the last Optima event, the overwhelming heat index posed a threat to both competitors and their vehicles throughout the weekend.

Per Optima's rules, the white 1970 Camaro ran in the GTV or Vintage class. There are rules detailing weight restrictions for this class, but Finch's Camaro was not affected by these guidelines. There are various awards given at an Optima Race including the overall winner, overall class winners, segment winners, and the Spectre Spirit of the Event winner.

Spectre Driver Brian Finch took home the win in the GTV Class at Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car Bowling Green Race.

After two days of racing and completing five race segments including the autocross, speed stop, road rally, design challenge, and hot lap challenge, the scores were in to see who would be the Ultimate Street Car at NCM Motorsports Park. With four classes and one Spirit of the Event winner, there are only four Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) tickets that were awarded during the Optima Bowling Green ceremony Sunday evening. Points are accumulated throughout the five segment events, ranking drivers in their final standing for the weekend. Finishing top in each category will help a drive take podium come Sunday evening, though the final results do not always favor the driver who was the fastest. With the Design Challenge and Road Rally to consider, drivers must complete and rank high in these two categories in order to move into a podium position.

Finch declined his invitation to race at OUSCI immediately following SEMA as he preps to go for his third Baja 1000 win for team BFGoodrich this November.

It was obvious after day one that Finch was probably going home with a podium win, but the question was if he would take the overall win for the GTV Class. As Sunday came to an end and awards were announced, Spectre Performance driver Brian Finch was announced GTV Class overall winner and OUSCI Invitee.

Unfortunately, Brian Finch had to pass his invitee to second place winner Jim Stehlin and his 1973 Camaro. Brian, who is a two-time Baja 1000 Baja Challenge Class champion, will be racing for his third win this November with the BFGoodrich team. Though he loves racing his 1971 Camaro and will continue to do so throughout the 2016 race season, Finch's passion for Baja has grown over the years and his desire to excel in that sport resulted in dropping out of the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational grand finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this November.

Regardless if it is pavement or dirt, you will continue to see Spectre Driver Brian Finch take the podium as he continues to compete throughout the 2016 season. A huge congratulations to Finch and the best of luck to him as he starts to prep for the upcoming Baja 1000 race this fall.