We’ve said it time and time again that pro-touring car owners have the best of both worlds. Not only do they get the classic looks of an American muscle car, but they also have modern performance components that give them road and track worthiness. Another reason why pro-touring guys and gals have it good, are that they get to participate in events like the Midwest Musclecar Challenge. Check out some of the highlights of the 2011 event in the video we found on YouTube above.

Ridetech's 48 Hour Camaro Images: Bangshift

The Midwest Musclecar Challenge is a new event that gives muscle car owners the opportunity to test their car’s road maneuverability as well as perfect their driving skills in a safe environment.

Held in Indiana and Illinois, the event spans about 100 miles with a day at Putnam Park Road Course in Greencastle, Indiana, a 100-mile cruise, autocross day at Mid-America Air Center in Lawrenceville, Illinois and a speed-stop challenge.

In addition to going out and showing what you’ve got, participants have access to several instructors to help navigate the road and autocross courses. They also participate in one of three categories pertaining to their skill and comfort level.

For 2011, the second year of the event, several people from the industry’s leading companies came out to instruct and participate in the event. The crew from Ridetech, Royal Purple’s Kyle Neal, Baer Brakes’ Dutch Miller, Spectre Performance’s Brandy Morrow, Forgeline’s David Schardt, Detroit Speed’s Stacy Tucker, Bowler Transmissions’ Mark Bowler and Carbon Kustoms’ Albert Melchoir were all there, as well as other crew members. Forgeline sponsored the Hot Lap Challenge at the event, while Spectre sponsored two “Top Speed” challenges, Baer Brakes sponsored the Speed Stop Challenge, and both Royal Purple and Bowler Transmissions sponsored the Street Challenge Autocross.

The Finch-driven '71 Camaro is a force to be reckoned with. Step aside if you see this behind you.

Brian Finch and his ‘71 Camaro ended up taking the Street Car Challenge Autocross by storm with a winning time of just 42.256 seconds. Other winners included Billy Utley and his ‘72 Nova for the Speed Stop Challenge, and Ridetech and the 48 Hour Camaro for the Hot Lap Challenge. Novice and Intermediate challenge wins were awarded as well. Finch ended up being named the Overall Midwest Muscle Car Challenge Champion.

When all was said and done, participants had a great time not only driving their cars and learning how to better handle them, but also gaining a camaraderie  with other muscle car enthusiasts at the 2011 event.

The Midwest Musclecar Challenge event has yet to be announced for 2012, so stay tuned for more information about when you can get a chance to participate in this awesome event.