Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway.

Team Falken Driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. Returns to Top of Podium and Teammate Yoshihara Takes Second at New Jersey's Formula Drift 'Gauntlet'
In his Monster Energy/Falken Tire ’13 Ford Mustang Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway. Gittin Jr.—"JR" to those who know him—beat Falken teammate Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara, defending Formula D champion, to earn the victory.
 
JR qualified second among 42 entrants, while Yoshihara, running the Discount Tire Nissan 240SX/S13, placed fourth. Additional Falken teammates Darren McNamara, in his S15 Silvia, and Justin Pawlak, running another ’13 Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified 10th and 14th, respectively. JR, Dai and Pawlak all advanced through the Top 16 Round, where both JR and Dai moved on through the Top 4 to face each other for the Final Round. It was JR’s first win of the season.

Mike Skeen took Pirelli World Challenge poles at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last Sunday. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Skeen Keeps Rolling in WC GT Qualifying
Remaining perfect on the weekend, Mike Skeen, of Charlotte, North Carolina, captured the Pirelli World Challenge GT pole position for last Sunday’s Motul CTMP Grand Prix Presented by Optima Batteries at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Mark Wilkins of Aurora, Ontario, captured his first series pole position in GTS.

Driving the No. 02 Hawk Performance Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Skeen turned a fastest lap of 1:19.068 (111.959 mph) around the 10-turn 2.459-mile circuit renamed from Mosport International Raceway this year. The lap was about a half of a second slower than Skeen’s record-setting pole time for last Saturday afternoon’s race.

Starting second, after finishing second to Skeen on Saturday, will be point leader Johnny O’Connell of Flowery Branch, Georgia. His lap of 1:19.577 (111.243 mph) in the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R netted him 12 points and second place on the grid. He now holds a 197-point lead over teammate Andy Pilgrim entering today’s race.

Alex Figge of Denver will line up third in his No. 9 K-PAX Racing Volvo S60 after turning a lap of 1:19.656 (111.132 mph). Figge will be the lone Volvo in the field after Randy Pobst was withdrawn following a fire in his car last Saturday that required more time for repairs.

Pilgrim will start fourth in the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R after logging a 1:19.786 (110.951 mph). Lawson Aschenbach will line his No. 1 TruSpeed/Privacy Star/EnTrust Porsche 911 GT3 fifth, after running a best lap of 1:19.911 (110.778 mph).

	The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

Brian Deegan Dominates Rounds 7 and 8 in Both Pro Lite and Pro 2 in Utah
Metal Mulisha founder and 2011 Lucas Off Road Racing Series Driver of the Year “The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

In Saturday’s Round 7 Pro Lite Unlimited—Deegan’s first race of the weekend—he started fourth after the inversion from qualifying and moved up in position very early. A rollover brought out a full-course caution, and the running order up front stayed the same on the restart. On lap six, Deegan was able to get by and up to second after a bicycle by RJ Anderson gave Deegan the opening. Deegan then made an inside pass for the lead at turn four. At the Competition Yellow and two more full-course cautions, Deegan held on to his lead. With just a few laps to go, and after several drivers had been strewn across the track, a green-white-checkers finish was called for. Deegan kept his No. 1 spot safe on the restart and final lap to pick up the win in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford.

Saturday’s Pro 2 Unlimited—the final race of the day—found Deegan in second after the first lap. In the second lap, a full-course caution was called for after another driver came to a complete stop between turns one and two. When the racing resumed, the running order in the top five stayed the same for several laps until lap six, when Deegan pulled a sliding pass for the lead in turn three. Now out front, Deegan began to distance himself from the pack, and at the Competition Yellow, he and his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford picked up a bonus championship point for leading at that point. This order stayed the same on the restart lap, and Deegan continued to stretch out his lead over each remaining lap, coming out on top to pick up his 25th career Lucas Oil Off Road win.

In Sunday’s Pro Lite Unlimited, Deegan started out in third place before pulling up to second on lap two. After a restart from full-course caution, Deegan moved his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford into the lead and didn’t look back, taking his second Pro Lite Unlimited first-place finish of the weekend.

In the final race of the weekend, the Pro 2 Unlimited, at Miller Motorsports Park, Deegan started out fifth in the pack in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford until there was a spin-out on the course moving him to fourth, which held true for many laps. After getting into second, Deegan was on the move to get the lead to make it a clean sweep of the weekend when he was slowed by a few cooling issues. Deegan played it safe and got across the line in second place.

Brown, Dover and Johnson Win on Dirt
Three Roush Yates dirt drivers found Victory Lane this weekend with their Roush Yates Ford and Chevy engines. Chris Brown captured his second win of the 2012 season with his Roush Yates 410 Chevy engine at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Missouri, last Saturday night. Brown earned the pole position and survived heavy lapped traffic to lead all 50 laps and capture the USTMS National Championship Series victory by the length of his bumper (0.095-second margin of victory).

Jack Dover won another ASCS Midwest sprint series race last Friday night with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Dover started eighth in the main feature at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Nebraska, and quickly moved up to second behind Don Droud Jr. With one lap to go, Dover passed Droud and captured his fourth win of the season.

Jason Johnson, driver for Stenhouse Jr. Racing, earned his fifth Lucas Oil ASCS victory of the season last weekend at Salina Highbanks in Salina, Oklahoma, with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Johnson drew the pole starting position and battled fellow contender Johnny Herrera most of the race before Herrera's engine expired with one lap to go. Johnson's victory brought him to second in the Lucas Oil ASCS Championship Standings.

Roush Yates' FR9 engines captured poles in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series last weekend. Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 9 for Richard Petty Motorsports, earned the pole at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, while Chris Buescher qualified fastest at Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana.

	Michael Cooper en route to pole positions at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Cooper, Rapone Repeat Touring Car Poles in Canada
Michael Cooper of Syosset, New York, and Andre Rapone of Thornhill, Ontario, repeated their pole-winning efforts from last Saturday in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car and Touring Car B classes, respectively, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Driving the No. 03 MAZDASPEED Motorsports MAZDASPEED3, Cooper was again the only car to eclipse the 1:33 mark, running a 1:32.559 (95.640 mph) to secure his third pole of the season. Cooper went on to finish second and first in the twin sprint races last Saturday to take the Championship point lead.

Ryan Winchester (No. 72 Ligon Industries/HPD Honda Civic Si) and Todd Lamb (No. 71 National Karting News/HPD Honda Civic Si), clocked in the next two fastest times at 1:33.206 (94.976 mph) and 1:33.219 (94.963 mph), respectively.

Tristan Herbert was the first Volkswagen in qualifying, turning a 1:33.568 (94.609 mph) in the No. 33 HPA/RennGruppe/Brimtek/SG Racing Jetta GLI to complete the top five.

In Touring Car B, Rapone kept his perfect weekend going after taking the pole and both twin sprint race wins in his No. 73 Durabond Racing Honda Fit. Rapone waited until the remainder of the field had a couple of laps in the books before taking to the track.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway
Ford owners from all over the Rocky Mountain and Plains states made the journey to Bandimere Speedway for the June 22–23 Phil Long Ford Fun Ford Weekend presented by Roush Yates, JE Pistons and Joe Gibbs Driven.

The staging lanes were filled with Ford power, the car show field packed with all manner of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and manufactures and vendors lined the midway.

The third and final event of a back-to-back-to-back run of 2012 Fun Ford Weekend events takes place at Bristol's Thunder Valley Dragway, June 29–30.

 Action begins Friday with a test and tune session open to all manufacturers. The day also includes Ford vs. The World—an event that pits the Fords against all-comers.

	Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway.

Team Falken Driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. Returns to Top of Podium and Teammate Yoshihara Takes Second at New Jersey's Formula Drift 'Gauntlet'
In his Monster Energy/Falken Tire ’13 Ford Mustang Team Falken driver Vaughn Gittin Jr., took top honors at last Saturday night’s Formula D Championship at New Jersey’s Wall Speedway. Gittin Jr.—"JR" to those who know him—beat Falken teammate Daijiro “Dai” Yoshihara, defending Formula D champion, to earn the victory.
 
JR qualified second among 42 entrants, while Yoshihara, running the Discount Tire Nissan 240SX/S13, placed fourth. Additional Falken teammates Darren McNamara, in his S15 Silvia, and Justin Pawlak, running another ’13 Falken Tire Ford Mustang, qualified 10th and 14th, respectively. JR, Dai and Pawlak all advanced through the Top 16 Round, where both JR and Dai moved on through the Top 4 to face each other for the Final Round. It was JR’s first win of the season.

Mike Skeen took Pirelli World Challenge poles at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park last Sunday. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Skeen Keeps Rolling in WC GT Qualifying
Remaining perfect on the weekend, Mike Skeen, of Charlotte, North Carolina, captured the Pirelli World Challenge GT pole position for last Sunday’s Motul CTMP Grand Prix Presented by Optima Batteries at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Mark Wilkins of Aurora, Ontario, captured his first series pole position in GTS.

Driving the No. 02 Hawk Performance Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Skeen turned a fastest lap of 1:19.068 (111.959 mph) around the 10-turn 2.459-mile circuit renamed from Mosport International Raceway this year. The lap was about a half of a second slower than Skeen’s record-setting pole time for last Saturday afternoon’s race.

Starting second, after finishing second to Skeen on Saturday, will be point leader Johnny O’Connell of Flowery Branch, Georgia. His lap of 1:19.577 (111.243 mph) in the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R netted him 12 points and second place on the grid. He now holds a 197-point lead over teammate Andy Pilgrim entering today’s race.

Alex Figge of Denver will line up third in his No. 9 K-PAX Racing Volvo S60 after turning a lap of 1:19.656 (111.132 mph). Figge will be the lone Volvo in the field after Randy Pobst was withdrawn following a fire in his car last Saturday that required more time for repairs.

Pilgrim will start fourth in the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac CTS-V.R after logging a 1:19.786 (110.951 mph). Lawson Aschenbach will line his No. 1 TruSpeed/Privacy Star/EnTrust Porsche 911 GT3 fifth, after running a best lap of 1:19.911 (110.778 mph).

	The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

Brian Deegan Dominates Rounds 7 and 8 in Both Pro Lite and Pro 2 in Utah
Metal Mulisha founder and 2011 Lucas Off Road Racing Series Driver of the Year “The General” Brian Deegan clocked his 24th, 25th and 26th career Lucas Oil Off Road wins at Miller Motorsports Park last weekend.

In Saturday’s Round 7 Pro Lite Unlimited—Deegan’s first race of the weekend—he started fourth after the inversion from qualifying and moved up in position very early. A rollover brought out a full-course caution, and the running order up front stayed the same on the restart. On lap six, Deegan was able to get by and up to second after a bicycle by RJ Anderson gave Deegan the opening. Deegan then made an inside pass for the lead at turn four. At the Competition Yellow and two more full-course cautions, Deegan held on to his lead. With just a few laps to go, and after several drivers had been strewn across the track, a green-white-checkers finish was called for. Deegan kept his No. 1 spot safe on the restart and final lap to pick up the win in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford.

Saturday’s Pro 2 Unlimited—the final race of the day—found Deegan in second after the first lap. In the second lap, a full-course caution was called for after another driver came to a complete stop between turns one and two. When the racing resumed, the running order in the top five stayed the same for several laps until lap six, when Deegan pulled a sliding pass for the lead in turn three. Now out front, Deegan began to distance himself from the pack, and at the Competition Yellow, he and his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford picked up a bonus championship point for leading at that point. This order stayed the same on the restart lap, and Deegan continued to stretch out his lead over each remaining lap, coming out on top to pick up his 25th career Lucas Oil Off Road win.

In Sunday’s Pro Lite Unlimited, Deegan started out in third place before pulling up to second on lap two. After a restart from full-course caution, Deegan moved his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford into the lead and didn’t look back, taking his second Pro Lite Unlimited first-place finish of the weekend.

In the final race of the weekend, the Pro 2 Unlimited, at Miller Motorsports Park, Deegan started out fifth in the pack in his #38 Rockstar/Makita Ford until there was a spin-out on the course moving him to fourth, which held true for many laps. After getting into second, Deegan was on the move to get the lead to make it a clean sweep of the weekend when he was slowed by a few cooling issues. Deegan played it safe and got across the line in second place.

Brown, Dover and Johnson Win on Dirt
Three Roush Yates dirt drivers found Victory Lane this weekend with their Roush Yates Ford and Chevy engines. Chris Brown captured his second win of the 2012 season with his Roush Yates 410 Chevy engine at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Missouri, last Saturday night. Brown earned the pole position and survived heavy lapped traffic to lead all 50 laps and capture the USTMS National Championship Series victory by the length of his bumper (0.095-second margin of victory).

Jack Dover won another ASCS Midwest sprint series race last Friday night with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Dover started eighth in the main feature at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Nebraska, and quickly moved up to second behind Don Droud Jr. With one lap to go, Dover passed Droud and captured his fourth win of the season.

Jason Johnson, driver for Stenhouse Jr. Racing, earned his fifth Lucas Oil ASCS victory of the season last weekend at Salina Highbanks in Salina, Oklahoma, with his Roush Yates Sprint 360 Ford engine. Johnson drew the pole starting position and battled fellow contender Johnny Herrera most of the race before Herrera's engine expired with one lap to go. Johnson's victory brought him to second in the Lucas Oil ASCS Championship Standings.

Roush Yates' FR9 engines captured poles in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and ARCA Racing Series last weekend. Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 9 for Richard Petty Motorsports, earned the pole at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, while Chris Buescher qualified fastest at Winchester Speedway in Winchester, Indiana.

	Michael Cooper en route to pole positions at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Photo: Mark Weber/PWC.

Cooper, Rapone Repeat Touring Car Poles in Canada
Michael Cooper of Syosset, New York, and Andre Rapone of Thornhill, Ontario, repeated their pole-winning efforts from last Saturday in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car and Touring Car B classes, respectively, at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Driving the No. 03 MAZDASPEED Motorsports MAZDASPEED3, Cooper was again the only car to eclipse the 1:33 mark, running a 1:32.559 (95.640 mph) to secure his third pole of the season. Cooper went on to finish second and first in the twin sprint races last Saturday to take the Championship point lead.

Ryan Winchester (No. 72 Ligon Industries/HPD Honda Civic Si) and Todd Lamb (No. 71 National Karting News/HPD Honda Civic Si), clocked in the next two fastest times at 1:33.206 (94.976 mph) and 1:33.219 (94.963 mph), respectively.

Tristan Herbert was the first Volkswagen in qualifying, turning a 1:33.568 (94.609 mph) in the No. 33 HPA/RennGruppe/Brimtek/SG Racing Jetta GLI to complete the top five.

In Touring Car B, Rapone kept his perfect weekend going after taking the pole and both twin sprint race wins in his No. 73 Durabond Racing Honda Fit. Rapone waited until the remainder of the field had a couple of laps in the books before taking to the track.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway.

Fun Ford Weekend at Bandimere Speedway
Ford owners from all over the Rocky Mountain and Plains states made the journey to Bandimere Speedway for the June 22–23 Phil Long Ford Fun Ford Weekend presented by Roush Yates, JE Pistons and Joe Gibbs Driven.

The staging lanes were filled with Ford power, the car show field packed with all manner of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and manufactures and vendors lined the midway.

The third and final event of a back-to-back-to-back run of 2012 Fun Ford Weekend events takes place at Bristol's Thunder Valley Dragway, June 29–30.

 Action begins Friday with a test and tune session open to all manufacturers. The day also includes Ford vs. The World—an event that pits the Fords against all-comers.

	Brochures were mailed to more than 100,000 qualified SEMA Show buyer attendee prospects last week.

With less than five months to go, plans for the 2012 SEMA Show are well underway and all indications are that we’re on track for another memorable event.  More than 60,000 buyers are expected to attend the event, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The following is a quick update on SEMA’s attendee marketing efforts to draw qualified traffic to exhibitors booths.

A comprehensive marketing campaign began this past April that utilizes many innovative elements designed to educate industry professionals about the benefits of attending the SEMA Show. Here are a few examples:

• The self-mailers in the adjacent photo were sent to more than 100,000 qualified buyer attendee prospects last week. Like the brochure mailed to exhibitors in March, they provide a unique personal URL (PURL) bearing the prospect's name. The PURL will link to one of five landing pages, customized by product category interest and based on the prospect's name, giving the potential buyer an immediate opportunity to make plans to attend. There were five versions of the mailer, one each for powersports dealers/buyers, collision repair shop owners/buyers, tire dealers/buyers, mobile electronics installers/buyers and buyers who were interested in more than one product category.

• Online advertising: Display ads on more than 30 trade websites, a Google AdWords campaign and an aggressive re-targeting campaign combining to make more than 1 million impressions.

• Print advertising in more than 120 leading industry publications with a combined circulation of more than 500,000.

• Bi-weekly e-mails to more than 150,000 qualified prospects.

SEMA took gold twice last week at EXPO Magazine’s E.X.C.I.T.E Awards for “Best Marketing Collateral,” shared with SEMA’s attendee marketing partner, the Marketing Design Group, and for “Best Innovative Sponsorship Idea” for the SEMA Cruise.

According to Dan Hobgood, SEMA’s senior director of marketing, “Awards are great and recognition is nice, but more important is making sure we get the best exhibitors and highest-quantity decision-making buyers to the 2012 SEMA Show to do business.”

Attendees: If you haven’t signed up to see more than 2,000 of the latest innovative products from new and veteran SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAshow.com/register.

Exhibitors: If you’re a specialty-equipment manufacturer, good space is still available. To buy a booth, visit www.SEMAshow.com/buy-a-booth.

	Brochures were mailed to more than 100,000 qualified SEMA Show buyer attendee prospects last week.

With less than five months to go, plans for the 2012 SEMA Show are well underway and all indications are that we’re on track for another memorable event.  More than 60,000 buyers are expected to attend the event, October 30–November 2, in Las Vegas. The following is a quick update on SEMA’s attendee marketing efforts to draw qualified traffic to exhibitors booths.

A comprehensive marketing campaign began this past April that utilizes many innovative elements designed to educate industry professionals about the benefits of attending the SEMA Show. Here are a few examples:

• The self-mailers in the adjacent photo were sent to more than 100,000 qualified buyer attendee prospects last week. Like the brochure mailed to exhibitors in March, they provide a unique personal URL (PURL) bearing the prospect's name. The PURL will link to one of five landing pages, customized by product category interest and based on the prospect's name, giving the potential buyer an immediate opportunity to make plans to attend. There were five versions of the mailer, one each for powersports dealers/buyers, collision repair shop owners/buyers, tire dealers/buyers, mobile electronics installers/buyers and buyers who were interested in more than one product category.

• Online advertising: Display ads on more than 30 trade websites, a Google AdWords campaign and an aggressive re-targeting campaign combining to make more than 1 million impressions.

• Print advertising in more than 120 leading industry publications with a combined circulation of more than 500,000.

• Bi-weekly e-mails to more than 150,000 qualified prospects.

SEMA took gold twice last week at EXPO Magazine’s E.X.C.I.T.E Awards for “Best Marketing Collateral,” shared with SEMA’s attendee marketing partner, the Marketing Design Group, and for “Best Innovative Sponsorship Idea” for the SEMA Cruise.

According to Dan Hobgood, SEMA’s senior director of marketing, “Awards are great and recognition is nice, but more important is making sure we get the best exhibitors and highest-quantity decision-making buyers to the 2012 SEMA Show to do business.”

Attendees: If you haven’t signed up to see more than 2,000 of the latest innovative products from new and veteran SEMA Show exhibitors, visit www.SEMAshow.com/register.

Exhibitors: If you’re a specialty-equipment manufacturer, good space is still available. To buy a booth, visit www.SEMAshow.com/buy-a-booth.

From our photographers at the ’Ring:

At its launch in late 2009, Lexus confirmed that its over-the-top supercar—the two-seat, V10-powered LFA—would be limited to just 500 units in total and that the cars would be painstakingly assembled at the rate of just 20 per month. At that rate, production of the LFA is slated to end in December of this year.

While Lexus has never mentioned that it was planning any more versions of the LFA beyond the regular model and track-focused Nürburgring edition, it being one of the automaker’s greatest achievements means it deserves a proper send out. That farewell may just come in the form of an extreme "Final Edition" model.

A mysterious Lexus prototype sporting manufacturer plates has been spotted racing around the Nürburgring. On initial glance, it looks just like the previous Nürburgring Edition, but a closer inspection reveals some new elements that suggest this is an even wilder version.

Apart from the bright new color, the prototype has an additional air intake on its hood, subtle bootlid spoilers and quad exhaust tips instead of the regular three-pipe, triangular design. In fact, the exhausts have even been moved up to just below the taillamps to make way for an aggressive diffuser integrated into the rear bumper.

There’s also the letters “AD-A” plastered on the prototype’s flanks and both its hood and roof has been left unpainted, exposing the car’s pretty carbon-fiber weave.

Given the modifications to the exhaust system, we suspect there is a revised engine under the hood, one that’s almost certain to be pumping out significantly more than the 552 hp, 4.8L V10 found in the regular LFA. The LFA's six-speed sequential transmission is likely to have been reprogrammed for faster shifts, and more weight-saving measures are probably employed as well. Throw in a revised suspension setup and we could be looking at a LFA capable of lapping the Nürburgring-Nordschleife even quicker than the 7:14.64 set by the Nürburgring edition.

Late last year reports emerged claiming Lexus was planning a new special edition of the LFA that would feature an unpainted roof. The car was dubbed the "Tokyo Edition" due to its expected reveal at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but there was no such model. Could this be the car? A possible "Final Edition" perhaps?

It’s also been reported that Toyota’s motorsports partner—Toyota Motorsports GmbH (TMG) based in Cologne, Germany—will be called on to develop a range of new performance models for both the Toyota and Lexus brands. However, a spokesman for TMG has confirmed that this wild LFA prototype is not one of his company’s projects. We should have more details closer to the car’s expected launch early next year, so stay tuned for an update.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Company

From our photographers at the ’Ring:

At its launch in late 2009, Lexus confirmed that its over-the-top supercar—the two-seat, V10-powered LFA—would be limited to just 500 units in total and that the cars would be painstakingly assembled at the rate of just 20 per month. At that rate, production of the LFA is slated to end in December of this year.

While Lexus has never mentioned that it was planning any more versions of the LFA beyond the regular model and track-focused Nürburgring edition, it being one of the automaker’s greatest achievements means it deserves a proper send out. That farewell may just come in the form of an extreme "Final Edition" model.

A mysterious Lexus prototype sporting manufacturer plates has been spotted racing around the Nürburgring. On initial glance, it looks just like the previous Nürburgring Edition, but a closer inspection reveals some new elements that suggest this is an even wilder version.

Apart from the bright new color, the prototype has an additional air intake on its hood, subtle bootlid spoilers and quad exhaust tips instead of the regular three-pipe, triangular design. In fact, the exhausts have even been moved up to just below the taillamps to make way for an aggressive diffuser integrated into the rear bumper.

There’s also the letters “AD-A” plastered on the prototype’s flanks and both its hood and roof has been left unpainted, exposing the car’s pretty carbon-fiber weave.

Given the modifications to the exhaust system, we suspect there is a revised engine under the hood, one that’s almost certain to be pumping out significantly more than the 552 hp, 4.8L V10 found in the regular LFA. The LFA's six-speed sequential transmission is likely to have been reprogrammed for faster shifts, and more weight-saving measures are probably employed as well. Throw in a revised suspension setup and we could be looking at a LFA capable of lapping the Nürburgring-Nordschleife even quicker than the 7:14.64 set by the Nürburgring edition.

Late last year reports emerged claiming Lexus was planning a new special edition of the LFA that would feature an unpainted roof. The car was dubbed the "Tokyo Edition" due to its expected reveal at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but there was no such model. Could this be the car? A possible "Final Edition" perhaps?

It’s also been reported that Toyota’s motorsports partner—Toyota Motorsports GmbH (TMG) based in Cologne, Germany—will be called on to develop a range of new performance models for both the Toyota and Lexus brands. However, a spokesman for TMG has confirmed that this wild LFA prototype is not one of his company’s projects. We should have more details closer to the car’s expected launch early next year, so stay tuned for an update.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Company

From our photographers at the ’Ring:

At its launch in late 2009, Lexus confirmed that its over-the-top supercar—the two-seat, V10-powered LFA—would be limited to just 500 units in total and that the cars would be painstakingly assembled at the rate of just 20 per month. At that rate, production of the LFA is slated to end in December of this year.

While Lexus has never mentioned that it was planning any more versions of the LFA beyond the regular model and track-focused Nürburgring edition, it being one of the automaker’s greatest achievements means it deserves a proper send out. That farewell may just come in the form of an extreme "Final Edition" model.

A mysterious Lexus prototype sporting manufacturer plates has been spotted racing around the Nürburgring. On initial glance, it looks just like the previous Nürburgring Edition, but a closer inspection reveals some new elements that suggest this is an even wilder version.

Apart from the bright new color, the prototype has an additional air intake on its hood, subtle bootlid spoilers and quad exhaust tips instead of the regular three-pipe, triangular design. In fact, the exhausts have even been moved up to just below the taillamps to make way for an aggressive diffuser integrated into the rear bumper.

There’s also the letters “AD-A” plastered on the prototype’s flanks and both its hood and roof has been left unpainted, exposing the car’s pretty carbon-fiber weave.

Given the modifications to the exhaust system, we suspect there is a revised engine under the hood, one that’s almost certain to be pumping out significantly more than the 552 hp, 4.8L V10 found in the regular LFA. The LFA's six-speed sequential transmission is likely to have been reprogrammed for faster shifts, and more weight-saving measures are probably employed as well. Throw in a revised suspension setup and we could be looking at a LFA capable of lapping the Nürburgring-Nordschleife even quicker than the 7:14.64 set by the Nürburgring edition.

Late last year reports emerged claiming Lexus was planning a new special edition of the LFA that would feature an unpainted roof. The car was dubbed the "Tokyo Edition" due to its expected reveal at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, but there was no such model. Could this be the car? A possible "Final Edition" perhaps?

It’s also been reported that Toyota’s motorsports partner—Toyota Motorsports GmbH (TMG) based in Cologne, Germany—will be called on to develop a range of new performance models for both the Toyota and Lexus brands. However, a spokesman for TMG has confirmed that this wild LFA prototype is not one of his company’s projects. We should have more details closer to the car’s expected launch early next year, so stay tuned for an update.

Photo: Brenda Priddy & Company

The all-new ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV SEMA Measuring Session will take place July 10, 2012, at Hyundai Motor America – Service Center in Fountain Valley, California, from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

The all-new ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV SEMA Measuring Session will take place July 10, 2012, at Hyundai Motor America – Service Center in Fountain Valley, California, from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

	Join SEMA in celebrating Bob Larivee Sr.'s formal induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California.

A car show can be as simple as placing a few eye-catching vehicles on display and then selling tickets to local enthusiasts. In fact, when Bob Larivee Sr.’s car club, the Motor Modified Auto Club (MMAC), participated in the Michigan Hot Rod Association’s (MHRA) first Detroit Autorama in 1953, it featured only 45–50 vehicles parked at the University of Detroit Field House. While the event was modest in size, it was a hit with attendees and the first of many successful car shows for Larivee Sr.

By 1959, Larivee Sr. had formed a partnership with his brother, Marvin Jr., calling the company Promotions Inc. He produced his first two shows in conjunction with Canadian car clubs, such as the Piston Pushers in Hamilton, Ontario, and the Tecumseh Hot Rod Association in Windsor, Ontario. Though he didn’t quite break even, the events were well received, and his reputation was building.

In 1960, Promotions Inc. hosted its third show, this time in Toronto. Taking advantage of local radio and print media as well as a sponsorship with the Corsairs Car Club, the third time was the charm. With a profit of $10,000 to split with his brother, there was no longer any doubt about Larivee’s future or the success of Promotions Inc.

Fast-forward 20 years, and Promotions Inc. was producing 100 shows annually, publishing books and souvenir programs and maintaining sponsorships with many of the most dominant specialty-equipment manufacturers in the world. As a promoter, Larivee Sr. continued to innovate, incorporating the biggest names in hot-rod building, music, TV and film under one roof. Detroit’s Big Three were also involved, opting to use Larivee Sr.’s stage to debut vehicles, such as the Mustang, and high-performance buildups, such as Chrysler Corp.’s Rapid Transit System line.

As an entrepreneur and a publisher, Bob Larivee Sr. has literally written the book on car shows, titled simply Show Car Dreams. As readers turn through each page, it’s apparent that Larivee Sr. was passionate about creating an opportunity for enthusiasts to come face to face with the greatest hot rods ever built.

SEMA is eternally grateful for Bob Larivee Sr.’s willingness to redefine car shows and for making them something that families, generation after generation, continue to enjoy. It may be hard to define a car guy, but you can start by studying SEMA Hall of Fame member Bob Larivee Sr.  

Larivee Sr. will be honored and formerly inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame during the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, Friday, July 27, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, California. In addition to Larivee, the inductees into the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame are Nick Arias Jr., the late Bill France Sr. and Mark Heffington.

SEMA's Hall of Fame designation is the most prestigious honor that the association can bestow on an individual. In addition to the induction of the 2012 SEMA Hall of Fame class, the Gala celebration will also feature the introduction of the newest SEMA Board of Directors, and the outgoing Board members will be officially recognized and thanked for their volunteerism and service. 
 The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is part of the association's Leadership Days—a three-day gathering of industry leaders, volunteers and SEMA staff working together to identify and address industry and business challenges, while celebrating the specialty-equipment industry and the spirit of volunteerism. Leadership Days also includes the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races, where mini pinewood drag racers built by SEMA members, staff and children from the Victory Junction and Childhelp children's charities race against the clock for bragging rights. A worthwhile cause, proceeds from the SEMA Pinewood Drag Races benefit both Victory Junction and Childhelp.

All industry professionals are invited to attend the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., where attendees are able to mix and mingle with industry icons and celebrities. Proceeds from ticket sales will also benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sema.org/galatix or contact Michelle Harris at michelleh@sema.org or 909-978-6684.