We’re sure you remember the recent Castrol Syntec Top Shop Challenge (et 12/08). We were challenged to find an engine builder who could compete against the best in the country. We went up against some of the import and domestic mags published by our company. A valiant effort by 034 Motorsport meant we finished in third place.

This month, we’re announcing another challenge, the Castrol Syntec Top Car Challenge. Only this time there’s a twist. We’ve been asked to find a car that will represent European tuning at its finest, and that could be you!
eurotuner, along with six of our sister publications (Super Street, Import Tuner, Modified, Honda Tuning, Lowrider and 5.0 Mustang), is helping Castrol Syntec find the Top Car in the United States. So we’re inviting all of you to submit your cars for consideration in this challenge.

Before you rush to email us your details, take a look at the judging criteria below. We need a car that’s good in all these areas, not just good in a straight line, or fast round a track. It also needs to meet emissions and complete an endurance run in LA traffic – don’t worry if you’re from the East Coast. Apparently there’s a transportation fund if you’re selected.

Cars will be tested in the following categories:
Lap Times: Cars compete for the single fastest lap time during a 20-minute session on the road course.
Quarter Mile Time: Cars compete for quickest times, best of three runs.
Quarter Mile Speed: Cars compete for fastest trap speed, best of three runs
Horsepower: Cars will be dyno-tested to find the highest peak horsepower, limited to three runs.
Power to Weight: Cars will be weighed at the dyno to calculate which has the best ratio.
Emissions: Vehicles will be tested with a five-gas emissions analyzer.
Acceleration: 0-60mph using a radar gun.
Braking: 80-0mph using a radar gun.
Endurance: Cars must drive to the track in Los Angeles rush hour traffic.
Vehicle Cost: Scores will be based on the current used car value from www.intellichoice.com

So if you think your car has what it takes, you can enter at www.SyntecTopCar.com on March 2nd when the website goes live. But don’t delay because we need to find a car before the summer arrives. Even if you don’t want to nominate your car, you can visit the website and enter to win $10,000, or find updates on how the challenge is progressing throughout the year.