Late Model Performance Playoffs Finals

And then there were two.

It should come as no surprise that the two vehicles to emerge from the crucible that was the Late Model Performance Playoffs bracket would be two write-in entries from you – our readers.

But maybe it does come as a surprise that the two gladiators duking it out for late-model supremacy both sport badges from a now-defunct automaker.

Pontiac has been adored by performance enthusiasts since 1964, and that long-time adoration has seeped its way into voting here.

In a bracket filled with modern-day performance powerhouses like the 2013 Shelby GT500, the 2013 SRT Viper, and the 2014 Chevy Corvette Stringray Z51, a 12- and 8-year-old Pontiac mowed through the competition to reach the finals. And truthfully? It wasn’t all that close.

2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 vs. 2006 Pontiac GTO

2002 Trans Am WS6 vs. 2006 Pontiac GTO

The WS6 was the top write-in choice from readers. It made quick work of the 556-horsepower ’09 Cadillac CTS-V after a dogfight with the—wait for it—Pontiac GXP and the ’11 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

The GTO has proven to be the little American sport compact that could. With the muscle of an organized get-out-the-vote campaign by Goat enthusiasts, the GTO has basically slaughtered all comers, including the ’13 Shelby Mustang GT500, the ’14 Corvette Stingray, and the ’14 Camaro Z/28.

We have no idea what’s going to happen next. Only you can decide.

But we’re pretty sure Pontiac fans will be happy. Even if they’re the only ones.

Vote Now

  • Write your pick in the comments section below.
  • Follow OnAllCylinders on Facebook and vote on the individual match-up when we post it. You make your pick by commenting on your favorite.
  • Follow Summit Racing Equipment’s Facebook page. Our friends at Summit Racing will post individual, head-to-head match-ups from the tournament, and you can comment on your favorite to vote.
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Author: Matt Griswold

After a 10-year newspaper journalism career, Matt Griswold spent another decade writing about the automotive aftermarket and motorsports. He was part of the original OnAllCylinders editorial team when it launched in 2012.