We're big fans of OPTIMA batteries here at 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords. I've got a Blue Top cell in my '86 T-top Coupe, Big Steve's Fox 500 and PVT are charged with Red Top units, Boss 340 will have twin Yellow Tops on board, and even the 12-Volt power for our 28' enclosed trailer is handled by an OPTIMA battery.

As you can imagine, we attend a lot of shows and events that feature hot street and/or race Mustangs. Many times, OPTIMAs are the batteries that also are found in those Ponies as well. OPTIMA actually puts on a pretty cool endurance/performance event each year that's held around the same time as the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in which its batteries are put to the test in cars that are displayed in the SEMA show.

Robert Wilson of Rancho Santa Margarita, California's, 2010 Mustang GT is one of those cars, and that's why we're interested.

I've got more info on this after the jump...

Yes, it's almost time for the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Challenge; an invitation-only event that was created as a platform for showcasing the finest street machines in the world. Hundreds of car owners submitted entries in hopes of participating in this unique event. OPTIMA and its committee of automotive industry experts, including manufacturers, media, top builders and designers, are selecting up to 40 finalists, which will include some of the most well-known drivers and vehicles in the industry.

On Saturday, November 7th, 2009, Robert and other participating drivers and vehicles will compete on a closed-circuit professional road-racing course (at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada), in four categories that include acceleration/braking, autocross, road course laps and styling. The three racing segments of the event will be timed and the styling segment will be judged on overall vehicle quality, design and craftsmanship. Styling points will be awarded on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst.

The vehicle race times are cumulative and combined with the styling points for the overall scoring. Only those completing in all four segments of the Invitational will be eligible to win the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car of the Year title. All vehicles must be street-legal and pass a basic safety and technical inspection at the track before the Invitational begins.

No purpose-built race cars or kit cars will be allowed and DOT-approved tires are required to compete.

"The vehicle finalists are leaders in the aftermarket performance automotive industry and are carefully chosen to represent what specialty vehicles and aftermarket products are capable of," says Cam Douglass, director of product development and marketing for OPTIMA Batteries. "The spirit of the competition is to exhibit the true potential of the vehicles showcased at SEMA, proving they are built for speed and performance, not just for looking good on the show floor."

If you're attending SEMA, stop by the OPTIMA booth (#23561) on Thursday, November 5th at 10:00AM for a press conference detailing the contestants and competition in the OPTIMA Batteries Ultimate Street Car Invitational, or check out www.optimainvitational.com for more information on the event.