16th Annual Motor State Challenge, Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Open Event
The 2024 Motor State Challenge will once again see a division of the competition with two model year groupings – 1988 and Earlier and 1989 and Later – across three classes: standard, Manufacturer, and the new QA1 “#GoDriveIt” class. In addition, we will continue to have the non-competitive “Touring Group” class, which has no year boundaries and is not scored or timed.
Manufacturers participating in the event will be competing in the “Manufacturer Category” and are not eligible for prizes and giveaways, however they will compete in the “Manufacturer’s Shootout” for the overall “Motor State Challenge Manufacturer Champion” trophies (Vintage and Late Model). Manufacturers will be assigned spots using the same criteria as all other competitors; therefore, they will be mixed within the established run groups.
A “Manufacturer” is considered any competitor who designs, builds, and sells parts that enhance the performance and/or look of a vehicle. This includes, but is not limited to, all vendors selling products through Motor State Distributing.
A “Manufacturer Vehicle” will be classified as any vehicle built and owned by the Manufacturer and driven by the Manufacturer, employee of the Manufacturer, or assigned driver of the Manufacturer. If the Manufacturer shares the vehicle with another driver, that vehicle will still stay classified as a “Manufacturer” vehicle.
The QA1 #GoDriveIt class is a timed competition open to any type of car or truck as long as it meets all of the requirements listed under Eligible Vehicle, with the additional requirement that it be driven to and from the event. Please note that if a vehicle is unable to complete the return trip after the event due to a breakdown, it would not be disqualified.
Participants in the #GoDriveIt class are also asked to document their trip by posting images to the #GoDriveIt social media page and tag them with #GoDriveIt #MotorStateChallenge2024 #QA1 and #MotorState. In addition to the standard points awarded for the timed competition, bonus points are awarded based on distance driven. See the scoring section for details.
We will do our best to match participants in groups with like skill level and speed.
GingerMan is a very open track with many safe run-off areas. It will still be stressed that you not let your speed exceed your skill level. With proper spacing and passing procedures, everyone will enjoy a safe outing with plenty of track time.
The GingerMan track day features road course hot laps without a speed regulating pace car. Timed sessions will be run for approximately 15 minutes each. Session duration is at the discretion of the Race Director. Since we’re not limiting speed in the time trial groups, we will limit track time to prevent heat-related malfunctions and failures such as brake fade and excessive oil/coolant temps.
Road Course Timing – Competitors will be timed using AMB Transponders.
If you do not have an AMB Transponder you will need to purchase one and have it mounted prior to the event. If you do not have your transponder prior to registering for the event, please remember to go back into your registration and add your transponder number once you have one.
If you need a transponder for your car/truck feel free to contact us. We have them in stock along with the mounting clips.
Optima Ultimate Street Car Open Event – In order to secure the OUSCI invite, the Spirit of the Event Award winner must compete in at least one of the OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car qualifying events during the calendar year in which the award was received. Official Rules and complete details on “The Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Open” are available by clicking on this link http://driveusca.com/.
Entry Fees
Thursday – Cruise, T-shirt, Dinner, and Car Show – $30
FULL Event Pass (Cruise, Track, and AutoCross) – $300
Event Requirements
Be Safe and Have Fun!
Always keep in mind that this is a hot rodding event–not all out 10/10th racing. Our goal is to provide a venue for enjoyment and camaraderie. It just so happens that we collect times along the way and tally the results. Previous events have taught us that experienced, consistent drivers place well. Good equipment helps. A wide variety of cars, regardless of parts selection or power levels, have placed well in the past. Small or big block; stick or auto; air or steel spring, the equipment is really just a good excuse for a “Gearhead Gathering”. Drivers are the key to safe, successful competition. Excessive driving practices coupled with inexperience and/or mistakes usually lead to poor times, spinouts, broken parts—and crashes. It pains us to disallow a car for a bad battery mount, bald tire, or reckless driving. We understand that enforcement can ruin someone’s day, but we will fully enforce all rules of safety and driver conduct.
Download the 2024 Motor State Challenge rules and regulations.
Download the rules for the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Open, or the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational.
Learn more about the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational.
Host Hotel Contact Information:
The Fairfield Inn and Suites is no longer in business. We will provide updated hotel information and options as soon as possible..
Thursday, July 18th Motor State Check-In, Cruise Night, and Dinner
1:00 PM – Check-In Opens (TBA)
1:30 PM to 4:30 PM – Meet and Greet
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM – Drivers/Participant Meeting (Lane Automotive Parking Lot)
5:30 PM – Cruise Departs (approx. 40-45 miles)
5:30 PM to ? – Cruise and Dinner (TBD)
Friday, July 19th Gingerman Raceway Road Course
7:00 AM to 7:30 AM – Motor State Challenge Staff Meeting
7:30 AM Technical/Safety Inspection
8:15 AM Drivers’ Meeting
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM – Track day at GingerMan Raceway Road Course in South Haven, Michigan. Drivers will be divided into groups, based on experience. Novice drivers will keep speeds to a prudent rate. Experienced and Professional drivers will be able to run the course at a faster pace but will still be expected to keep safety at the forefront. All drivers will be required to wear a SNELL 2015 (or later) rated helmet. There will be absolutely NO fender to fender racing allowed on the course. PLEASE NOTE: Convertibles will not be allowed to participate on the Road Course unless they are equipped with structurally secure, roll-over protection (roll bar or cage).
Saturday, July 20th AutoCross, Tire Rack Test Facility
8:30 AM to 9 AM Motor State Challenge Staff Meeting
9:00 AM to 9:30 AM Registration, Drivers Meeting, and Course Walk
9:30 AM First Car on AutoCross
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Lunch
3:30 PM AutoCross Ends/Awards
Competition will begin at 9:30 AM and continue until 3:30 PM. Awards will be handed out after the AutoCross event. Lunch will be available for a donation (for charity).
Join us for three days filled with good times, good friends, and the chance to experience the technological creativity and excitement that defines Pro-Touring. Due to the nature of this event, participation registrations will be limited. To secure a spot, please register as soon as possible. All events will run, rain or shine.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: TRANSPONDERS
The Gingerman track day portion of the Motor State Challenge is timed using AMB/Mylaps transponders. Participants are responsible for having their own transponder. You must include your transponder number on the registration sheet and have your transponder securely mounted to your vehicle in order to get lap times at Gingerman. We no longer have transponders available to use.
We have put together some special pricing if you would like to purchase one from us. Keep in mind that the transponders have to be “activated” so PLEASE DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE EVENT to purchase your unit. If you have someone you can borrow one from that will work as well, you just need to have your Transponder number on your registration sheet before registration closes on July 12th.
PLEASE NOTICE
IF YOU WANT TO ENSURE YOUR LAPS GET TIMED AND RECORDED AT GINGERMAN FOR THE MOTOR STATE CHALLENGE, IT WILL NOW BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE A TRANSPONDER ON YOUR CAR.
For Special AMB/MyLaps Transponder Pricing Contact
Lane Automotive at: 800-772-2678