After a smoked-filled Saturday night, LS Fest we’re off and running with the final day of 2023 LS Fest East Presented by eBay Motors. Taking center stage, adjacent to the drag strip, is the 3S Challenge. This is a speed-stop competition that challenges your skill and pushes your car to the maximum.

The idea is simple, but the execution takes some finesse. Two drivers start from a stand still on parallel courses. Drivers then make two sweeping 180-degree turns that turn away from each other. Then drag race to the finish.

Immediately past the finish line timing lights is a box outlined by cones. Cars must stop within the box. If any cones are hit or the vehicle leaves the box, they’re disqualified. Sounds easy enough right?

Drivers max out their braking, turning, and acceleration—partly at the same time. Finding traction is the real challenge.

The 3S Challenge is open to Autocross competitors and an important part of Grand Champion competition. The Grand Champions are those with the highest combined scores from autocross, Track X, drag racing, and 3S challenge competition.