Motor State Challenge
The 17th Annual Motor State Challenge
The 17th Annual Motor State Challenge was held July 24-26, 2025, opening with a fun and scenic cruise through SW Michigan, followed by a full day of road course racing at GingerMan Raceway, and ending with Autocross at Tire Rack’s South Bend, IN headquarters.
Nearly 70 drivers came together to race, laugh, and have fun. From familiar faces who have attended past Motor State Challenge events to first timers, everyone had a good time and shared in a comradery that makes this event unique in the world of Pro Touring. Even rain couldn’t dampen spirits, holding off until after the cruise on Thursday and allowing plenty of track time on Saturday before it returned.
The 2025 Motor State Challenge kicked off on Thursday with a spirited cruise through the SW Michigan countryside, led by the incredible Berrien County Sheriff’s Motorcycle Unit, and ending at Weko Beach, in Bridgman. Even though the skies turned dark, the rain held off until the last cars had arrived at the beach, and participants were able to watch the stormy waters of Lake Michigan from the comfort of the beach house while enjoying a delicious catered BBQ dinner from The Pit Stop BBQ. By the time everyone had finished eating, the storm had blown through.
On Friday, drivers spent the day at South Haven’s GingerMan Raceway, where they competed in timed lap sessions on the 2.14-mile road course, famed for its high-speed straights and short sprints, long sweeping corners and tight apexes, heavy and light braking, and elevation changes. The day ended with an ice cream social, hosted by the Motor State team and sponsored by Fragola Performance.
Saturday, racers hit the blacktop at Tire Rack’s South Bend headquarters for the Autocross event. Drivers navigated the twisty and complex course as they competed for the quickest time without any cones as collateral damage. While storms again threatened to disrupt the event, drivers were able to get in multiple runs before the rain hit again. The day concluded with the awards ceremony and door prize giveaways.
It was announced at the event that 2025 was the last year for the Motor State Challenge in its current form, due to a number of factors, including changes to Optima’s qualifier program and an increasing number of conflicting events making a 3-day commitment more challenging for drivers. However, the spirit of the event will continue to live on, and the Motor State team is already looking ahead at ideas for next year.
For a brief video recap of the 2024 Motor State Challenge:
17th Annual Motor State Challenge Winners
Congratulations to our winning drivers of the 2025 Motor State Challenge!
Below are the top 3 drivers in each class except for the #goDRIVEit class where only one award was given in Vintage and Late Model. *In the event of a points tie, the faster Autocross time is the tiebreaker.
Vintage Class
Champion: James Elliot #76 – 1969 Camaro (50 points)
2nd Place: Tony Grace #9– 1970 Chevrolet Camaro (42 points)
3rd Place: Tom Farrington #151 – 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle (40 points)
Late Model Class
Champion: Clay Shearer #17 – 2025 Porsche GT3 RS (46 points)
2nd Place: Zach Rogers #96 – 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (42 points)
3rd Place: Steven Peterson #48 – 2007 Pontiac Solstice (38 points)
Manufacturers Vintage Class
Champion: Randy Johnson #29 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro (50 points)
2nd Place: Josh Powers #19 – 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (46 points)
3rd Place: Lynda Jacobs #66 – 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS (42 points)
Manufacturers Late Model Class
Champion: Jessica Powers #191 – 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (50 points)
2nd Place: David Benham #33 – 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE (28 points)
#goDRIVEit Vintage
Winner: Richard Giesey #71 – 1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS (48 points*)
#goDRIVEit Late Model Class
Winner: Sean McPike #176 – 2000 Chevrolet Corvette (48 points)
Fastest Lap Awards
Road Course Vintage: James Elliot #76 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro [1:36.072]
Road Course Late Model: Clay Shearer #17 – 2025 Porsche GT3 RS [1:34.106]
Autocross Vintage: James Elliot #76 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro [30.973]
Autocross Late Model: Clay Shearer #17 – 2025 Porsche GT3 RS [31.563]
Road Course Manufacturers Vintage: Randy Johnson #29 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro [1:38.724]
Road Course Manufacturers Late Model: Jessica Powers #191 – 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 [1:40.324]
Autocross Manufacturers Vintage: Randy Johnson #29 – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro [31.552]
Autocross Manufacturers Late Model: Jessica Powers #191 – 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 [34.284]
Additional Motor State Challenge Awards
Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational Invite/Spirit of the Event Award:
Tony Grace #9 – 1970 Chevrolet Camaro
The Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational Invite and Spirit of the Event award gives the winner a spot to compete at the 2024 Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Todd Gartshore Memorial Award: Randy Johnson
The Todd Gartshore Memorial Award is awarded to someone who has gone above and beyond in showing their passion and dedication to the event.
People’s Choice Award: James Elliot #76– 1969 Chevrolet Camaro
The People’s Choice Award is a very special honor awarded to a driver/car by his/her peers.
Congratulations to All!
