The Optima Search For The Ultimate Street Car Series Podcast

The Ultimate Street Car Association
  • 4.8 (38)
  • Sports
  • Updated Bimonthly

The bi-monthly show that details the latest and greatest in the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series! Hosted by race series director Jimi Day and automotive podcast veteran Rob Kibbe, this INSIDE SCOOP show will follow the drivers, news, and events that encompass the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car series. Fans of Adam Carolla's CarCast, NPR's Car Talk, the Autoblog Podcast, the Pro-Touring.com Podcast, and The MuscleCar Place Podcast will certainly enjoy this show.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    USCA #231: Lightweight Wins—How Dayton de la Houssaye Makes a Miata Outrun the Competition

    This week on the Ultimate Streetcar Podcast, Jimmy and I continue our Summer Interview Series with one of the brightest young stars in the Ultimate Streetcar Association, Dayton de la Houssaye of GeauxMoto. At just 23 years old, Dayton has already become one of the fastest drivers in the series, consistently putting his EcoBoost-powered Miata at the very top of the time sheets—even against much larger, more powerful competition. What makes Dayton's story so interesting isn't just the speed. We talk about growing up in Louisiana riding dirt bikes and racing four-wheelers before transitioning into cars, how GeauxMoto evolved from building lifted rally Miatas into an engineering and fabrication company designing custom performance parts, and why lightweight cars continue to outperform expectations. Dayton explains why learning to drive a lower-horsepower car makes you a better driver, how aerodynamics completely transformed the handling of his Miata, and why engineering and driver development often matter more than simply adding horsepower. The conversation also dives into GeauxMoto's latest projects, including EcoBoost conversions, custom carbon fiber aero components, and an ambitious K24-powered Porsche build that is sure to turn heads when it debuts. Along the way, Dayton shares why Ultimate Streetcar remains one of his favorite series to compete in, the friendships and family atmosphere that keep him coming back, and the healthy competition that continues to push him to become a better driver every season. More than anything, this episode is a reminder that the future of performance driving is in good hands. Dayton brings an enthusiasm, humility, and passion for motorsports that is contagious, making this one of the most enjoyable conversations we've had all summer. Whether you're a Miata fan, an engineering enthusiast, or simply love hearing how talented young racers are changing the landscape of street car competition, you're going to enjoy this one. Source

  2. Jul 3

    USCA Podcast #230 – Chris “Smitty” Smith on Sponsorships, Building Relationships & Growing Your Racing Program

    Whether you're chasing championships, building a race car in your garage, or trying to grow a business in the performance aftermarket, sponsorships are one of the most misunderstood parts of motorsports. In this episode, Rob Kibbe and Jimi Day sit down with longtime Ultimate Street Car competitor, builder, and business owner Chris "Smitty" Smith to pull back the curtain on what successful sponsorships really look like. From approaching companies the right way to creating lasting partnerships that benefit everyone involved, Smitty shares the lessons he's learned from years of building both race cars and relationships. This conversation isn't just for competitors looking for free parts—it's equally valuable for manufacturers, retailers, and aftermarket companies wondering how to get a better return on their motorsports investment. Chris explains why sponsorship is a two-way street, how racers can provide real value beyond logos on a car, and what separates successful partnerships from those that never get off the ground. Along the way, Rob and Jimi also catch up on summer racing, discuss the continued success of Forgeline Wheels at events like Le Mans and Spa, and preview what's ahead as the Ultimate Street Car Series returns later this season. If you've ever wondered how to earn support, become a better ambassador for the brands you represent, or simply gain a deeper understanding of how sponsorship works in grassroots motorsports, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Source

  3. Jun 9

    USCA Podcast #228: Willow Springs Recap, Family Wins, First-Time Invites & Summer Break

    The 2026 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Series made its annual stop at the legendary Willow Springs International Raceway, and the California desert delivered exactly what competitors expected—high winds, high speeds, and some of the closest competition of the season. With 57 competitors on hand and an incredible amount of seat time available throughout the weekend, drivers were pushed to find the perfect balance between speed, consistency, and strategy. From razor-thin podium battles to first-time class winners, Willow Springs proved once again why it's one of the most challenging and rewarding stops on the USCA schedule. Beyond the results, Willow Springs was a celebration of everything that makes Ultimate Street Car special. Families competed together, longtime competitors finally solved frustrating mechanical issues, and newcomers made their mark in front of one of the most passionate paddocks in motorsports. The weekend also featured a remarkable comeback story with Tony Phillips debuting his rebuilt 1955 Bel Air, while Kyle Hansen's unique EcoBoost-powered Ford Fairmont wagon earned both a SEMA invitation and the coveted Summit Racing Spirit of the Event Award. As the series now heads into its summer break, the championship picture is beginning to take shape and anticipation is already building for the return to competition at Road America in August. Source

  4. May 22

    OUSC Podcast #228 – Willow Springs 2026 Preview, West Coast Kickoff, & Points Battle Update!

    The 2026 Ultimate Street Car Association season heads west for Round 3 as competitors prepare to take on the legendary Willow Springs Raceway—one of the most iconic and demanding tracks in American motorsports. In this episode, Rob Kibbe and OPTIMA Jim McIlvaine break down everything drivers and fans need to know before the Willow Springs weekend, including the full event schedule, key class battles, standout competitors, and what makes this heritage-format event so unique. With USCA running solo at Willow Springs, competitors can expect an incredible amount of seat time across autocross, road course, and peak performance challenge sessions. From sunrise drivers meetings to packed afternoon sessions, this event delivers maximum track action and valuable opportunities to score points before the season’s bigger East Coast and invitational events tighten the standings. The competition storylines are already heating up. Brandon Hurst and Tony Pruch continue their close battle in GTS, while returning competitors, first-time entries, and fresh builds are set to make Willow Springs one of the most exciting events of the season so far. The episode also touches on the unfortunate fire loss experienced by Brian Hobaugh and his team, while highlighting his return to competition in a brand-new 2026 Corvette Z06. Beyond the racing, Willow Springs represents something special within the USCA schedule—a true grassroots, driver-focused weekend where competitors can spend more time behind the wheel and less time waiting in line. It’s fast, raw, competitive, and exactly what many racers love most about the series. And of course, there’s Willow Springs itself. Located deep in the Southern California desert, this legendary facility has challenged racers for decades with high speeds, technical corners, and a setting unlike anywhere else on the USCA calendar. A huge thank you to all the drivers, sponsors, volunteers, fans, and staff who continue to make Ultimate Street Car Association one of the most competitive and welcoming motorsports communities in the country. If you’re headed to Willow Springs—safe travels and good luck. If you’re watching from home—you won’t want to miss this one. Source

  5. May 8

    OUSC Podcast #227 – Interview with Rob Byrd: Autocross Design, Racing Birds, and FM3 Culture

    Rob Byrd has become one of the driving forces helping shape the modern USCA and FM3 autocross experience, and in this episode the team sits down to pull back the curtain on the passion, philosophy, and commitment behind what competitors experience every race weekend. From his early days discovering autocross through the Camaro community to building Racing Birds into one of the most respected names in event operations and course design, Rob’s story is rooted in one thing above all else: creating an environment where people can safely push themselves, improve their driving, and have an incredible time doing it. His approach to autocross goes far beyond cones and lap times—focusing heavily on course flow, driver confidence, fairness between vehicle platforms, and making every competitor feel welcomed, whether they’re a first-timer or a national champion. Throughout the interview, Jimi Day and Robert Kibbe dive into the details of what makes a great autocross course, why the USCA and FM3 partnership with Racing Birds has elevated the experience nationwide, and how Rob and his wife Trish have become such an important part of the organization’s culture. The conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes effort required to build consistent, high-energy events while also showcasing the family atmosphere that continues to define Ultimate Street Car competition. From chalk-line philosophy and vehicle diversity to the growing excitement surrounding LS Fest Texas and the remainder of the 2026 season, this episode captures the heart of what makes the sport special: passionate people dedicated to making every event better than the last. Source

  6. Apr 17

    OUSC Podcast #226: NOLA Recap, Resilience, Rivalries & Road to Willow

    The 2026 OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car season rolled into NOLA Motorsports Park for event two, and it didn’t disappoint. Even with Jimi Day unable to attend in person, the USCA team delivered a smooth, high-energy weekend packed with strong competition, great weather, and standout performances across the board. From seasoned veterans continuing to refine their edge to first-time drivers stepping up in a big way, NOLA showed just how deep the field has become. The level of competition is rising fast—and it’s clear this season is going to push drivers harder than ever. What really defined the weekend, though, was resilience. From clean, dialed-in autocross runs to drivers battling through adversity—like competing after major on- and off-track setbacks—the spirit of USCA was on full display. This series has never been just about lap times; it’s about passion, perseverance, and the people behind the wheel. With two events down, the momentum is building as the series heads west to Willow Springs International Raceway—where speed, history, and high-stakes competition will take things to the next level. Source

  7. Apr 3

    OUSC Podcast #225: NOLA 2026 Preview, Event Schedule, What to Expect & Key Weekend Highlights!

    The 2026 Ultimate Street Car Association season continues as we head to NOLA Motorsports Park for one of the most anticipated stops of the year. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know for the NOLA event—schedule, format, and what competitors can expect across all segments including the road rally, autocross, design & engineering, and road course sessions. With a more streamlined schedule and added opportunities like autocross fun runs, this weekend is built for maximum seat time and competition. We also take a look at what makes this event unique—from the expanded media presence and increased driver visibility to the overall growth of the series heading into 2026. And of course, it wouldn’t be NOLA without a little local flavor. Whether it’s late-night bench racing or grabbing a cup of classic New Orleans coffee, this stop always delivers more than just track time. If you’re competing, this is your game plan. If you’re following along, this is your preview of what’s coming next. Get ready—NOLA is up. Source

  8. Mar 27

    OUSC Podcast #224: 2026 Season Opener Recap, G2 Highlights, Standout Performances & What’s Ahead!

    The 2026 Ultimate Street Car Association season is officially underway, and the opener at G2 Motorsports Park set the tone in a big way. From the first run to the final awards, the event delivered high-level competition, strong participation across multiple classes, and a smooth, efficient flow that reflects the continued evolution of the series. With updates to event operations and a team that moves quickly and adapts in real time, the weekend came together nearly flawlessly—creating an experience that elevated both driver performance and overall event quality. This event proved that 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest seasons yet, with increased competition, new faces entering the field, and returning drivers continuing to push the limits. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made it happen—from the drivers and fans to the sponsors and event staff working behind the scenes. And a special thanks to Lou Gigliotti for building a world-class facility that continues to raise the bar. If this opener is any indication, we’re just getting started. Source

  9. Mar 13

    OUSC Podcast #223

    Source

  10. Feb 20

    OUSC Podcast #222: 2026 Season Kickoff, G2 Event Preview, TV Crew Rollout & Sponsor Spotlight!

    Welcome to the Show! Get the show in Apple Podcasts! Welcome to the Optima Search For the Ultimate Street Car Series Podcast! This show is produced twice-per-month show and will be a great way to keep people informed on everything going on, from rules discussions, to event coverage, and to feature interviews with

  • 10 Episodes

4.8
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

The bi-monthly show that details the latest and greatest in the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series! Hosted by race series director Jimi Day and automotive podcast veteran Rob Kibbe, this INSIDE SCOOP show will follow the drivers, news, and events that encompass the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car series. Fans of Adam Carolla's CarCast, NPR's Car Talk, the Autoblog Podcast, the Pro-Touring.com Podcast, and The MuscleCar Place Podcast will certainly enjoy this show.

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