We know you’re gearing up for the 2012 race season and if you’re a pro-touring fan, the Mecca of all events is the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) in November. Last year, we had a blast at this event and were able to capture some of the top street cars in the country doing what they do best- strutting their stuff in a variety of challenges.

Although the OUSCI was open to spectators for the first time last year, many of you missed experiencing the action first hand. Lucky for you, Optima Batteries just announced the air dates of the official 2011 Optima Invitational TV special set to air on the SPEED Channel.

Check out the promo video we found on YouTube above.

The OUSCI has become the most anticipated exhibition of the country’s top pro-touring cars over the last five years. Including events like the Raybestos Performance Design Challenge, BF Goodrich Hot Lap Challenge, Ridetech Street Challenge Autocross Competition, Detroit Speed and Engineering Road Rally and the Wilwood Brakes Speed Stop Challenge, this event proves that the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show cars are more than just pretty things to look at.

The TV special presented by K&N and Wilwood Brakes includes exclusive race footage of the OUSCI from inside the cars as well as on-track and aerial cameras. You’ll also hear from some of the biggest names in the automotive industry.

In addition to the coverage of the highly anticipated street car challenge, the program will also showcase some of the award winning cars from the 2011 SEMA Show, including Mary Pozzi’s Sony Grand Turismo “Best of Show” award winning ‘71 Camaro R/S, Filip Trojanek’s Sony Grand Turismo “Best Domestic Car” award winning ‘66 Mustang, and Phil Gerber’s Goodguys Street Machine of the Year award winning ‘67 Nova.

Hosted by avid car enthusiast and retired pro wrestler Bill Goldberg, and host of Overhaulin’ and Hot Import Nights, Adrienne Janic, the TV special is sure to be packed full of performance car excitement.

Be sure to check out all the action from last year’s OUSCI on the SPEED Channel at the following times:

• Sunday February 26^th at 3p.m. Eastern Time
• Sunday March 11^th at 2:30p.m. Eastern Time
• Sunday March 24^th at 11a.m. Eastern Time