April 2016 Issue of Driven World Magazine

D RIVENWORLD

April 2016

The Official Magazine of Supercar Sunday DRIVENWORLD.COM

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From the Editor There I was stuck in traffic in my 1956 Chevy Bel Air. It was a lovely day to drive a classic car to work. My day always starts out better driving a fun car. I was sitting in the car stuck on the 101 freeway going five to ten miles per hour at best. It was cool out so I wasn’t really worried about the temperature, something those of us with old cars always keep an eye on.

I was sitting there and I would glance around as each car drove by me or me by them. Nobody was smiling. I watched as cars tried to cut in and out of traffic. Forcing each other this way or that. Motorcycles ripping down between the lanes, everyone in a hurry. Everyone more important than the other.

Somewhere up the highway there was a very bad accident. It had forced the closure of a few lanes. I bet the people involved in the accident were having a much worse day than the rest of us were having, stuck in traffic. I wondered if there was a fatality and the CHP had to do an investigation and that is why the lanes were closed. Either way, I was sitting in my ‘56 Chevy the radio on, not moving and stuck in traffic and a feeling of gratefulness came over me. Thank goodness it wasn’t me up the road in the collision. Thank goodness.

As I was sitting in traffic, I got a lot of honks and waves, driving that old car. That is indeed one of the fun things about a cool car, how others react. A timeless classic that many feel is the embodiment of “Americana”, the Tri-Fives bring a smile to a lot of people on the road. If you are unfamiliar with the term, “Tri-Five” means a 1955, 1956 or 1957 Chevy, in particular the Bel Air, 150, 210 and Nomad models. Most of you that were around then know this and are probably chuckling...

In any event, I sat there hoping the car would not get too hot, that the car would not die on me for some unknown reason as that does happen sometimes, with old cars. I thought about what would happen if it did. I thought about my new shoes I was wearing and how they might get ruined pushing that old car to the shoulder. I wondered if anyone would stop to help me. How it might mess up my schedule and put me behind. Then I thought about the accident up ahead. I suppose it wouldn’t matter if the car broke down or if I ruined my shoes. I would still be going home to my family at some point. Life is good.

I always try to see the bigger picture.

Sometimes I do and other times I am very lucky to have friends or mentors that help me to see what I cannot. I am very lucky in that regard, having good people around me. People who have more experience than I do, people who are just plain smarter than I am and people that care. I think that your success and opportunity can come from those around you. Whether it is that they help you in the direction you are going or you get to see them in action doing what they do and learning from them. Or, they just take you under their wing a bit because they want

you to succeed.

It just so happened that I came from a meeting that day with someone I do business with. A very fine man. A man that I have learned a lot from. We spoke about business and then spoke about life, philosophy, people, ideals. He and I have such great conversations, I always look forward to meeting with him.

We spoke for a few hours and I believe the meeting made both of our days better. If nothing more than we got to share ideas that motivate us in our lives and we reminded each other how lucky we were for everything we had.

How lucky.

As people drove past me and honked and gave me the old “thumbs up,” driving the ‘56 Bel Air, I thought...it is a nice car, but it is not a show car. There is a lot I need to do to it and it is not exactly how I want it. I thought... man it would be nice if it was a convertible, a fuel injected motor, if the paint was a bit fresher, some performance parts...I was in traffic for a while.

Then I thought how lucky I was to be stuck in traffic. That I was lucky to be driving home from a great client, in a cool old car to my family. The car might not be perfect, but there ain’t nothing wrong with it. Yeah, who am I to complain. Traffic was bad, but it was not so bad.

I had an old friend fly in from Colorado with his two kids. In fact as I write this my two year old daughter is playing with his seventeen and fourteen year old daughters. We were friends since birth. He moved out of state about twenty years ago, but we have always stayed brothers. He flew in to do a half marathon that I was supposed to do but I passed on it. Whether it was an excuse of too much work, I simply did not train for it. He did and he was proceeding.

The morning of the marathon we left the house at 6am to get him to the start of the race at Paramount Ranch and Mulholland. We had to be at the race by a certain time and he and I both hate being late. It was a foggy and misty morning. The sun was yet to rise and it seemed more like three or four in the morning than six. It was dark and cold.

As we made our way on Mulholland highway, there wasn’t a soul in sight. We joked about our first tickets, how we grew up together, how I was supposed to do the run with him and wasn’t, we were having a great time. Then out of nowhere, we rounded a famous Mulholland Highway turn and there was a car with its emergency lights on.

As we got closer, we saw a young woman on the phone in a bit of distress. Richard and I knew without saying a word that we were going to stop and we were going to make sure she was ok and safe, regardless if he missed his race or not. It just was what it was.

We got out and helped calm her down. She had hit a huge rock in the road that had come down from the mountain side. She was also supposed to do the marathon. The

young woman was very upset, but Richard and I calmed her down as best as we could. We stayed with her for quite a while and then she suggested that she didn’t want him to miss the race and that we should go. We both weren’t fine with leaving a woman stranded so we agreed to drop Richard at the race and I would return. We had already called the CHP, the tow truck, but we were not gong to leave her alone until the cavalry arrived. She insisted so I raced Richard to the race location about half a mile away and was back in no time. I stayed until the CHP and the tow truck arrived. She was very kind to appreciate us helping her, but Richard and I knew we had to do it. We both laughed and told her that we both had daughters and our hope was that someone would do the same for our kids.

As I have gotten older, I have realized that you don’t do the right thing for others, but for yourself. When Richard and I came across the stranded woman, we both knew without saying a word, we were there to help. There was comfort in that for both of us. It felt good for both of us to do what was the natural thing to do. It was our duty.

Richard did a very fine job at finishing the half marathon with very little training. It was a great day. Later that afternoon we chatted about the young woman. I know that we didn’t have to say it to each other, but we were so pleased that we both had the same thought to help. That somewhere the like mindedness not only allowed us to help the young woman, but it also brought us closer together. At that moment, we acted as one. The sole purpose to help another. I believe it did something for both of us. Not that it was the biggest deal in the world or that she could not have survived without us, but that moment, it was just pure.

That simple.

I am not writing this to say hey, look at us, but I am sharing this because there was something much bigger. We explained to the girl that she was fine, she was not hurt, there will be another race. That her car could be fixed. That as traumatizing as it was for her, it was all going to be all right. I think that she got it after a while. It was just a car. It was just a race. She was healthy and fine. Her whole life ahead of her.

And for Richard and I, it was a moment that two friends who rarely see each other could share a moment that she provided for us. An opportunity for us to help. To grow closer. To not expect anything other than to do the right thing. There was a moment of freedom in that.

We were so lucky to be able to help.

At the end of the day, we all went home. And we all had jobs. And we all had food. And the band played on. And it was a sweet song. Let us remember, sometimes it is better to help for the sake of helping. Not for the person, but for yourself.

D RIVENWORLD ISSUE 76, April 2016

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Dustin Troyan

ART DIRECTOR Connected Media Group LLC

contents

COPY EDITOR Heather Troyan Alora Schott

DESIGN Connected Media Group STORIES BY Dustin Troyan Scott Martin Mark Llewellyn Brooks Smith Tommy Mansuwan Mark Llewellyn Mike Grudt Benoit Boningue Jenny Conn

PHOTOGRAPHY Greg Grudt

Dustin Troyan Tommy Huth

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Advertising / Marketing Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com (818) 516-5053 www.drivenworld.com www.connectedmediagroup.com www.supercarsunday.com Driven World Magazine is published twelve times per year by Connected Media Group LLC. It is distributed at upscale locations and events all over California. It is also available online and distributed electronically to high-net-worth individuals as well as members of the car community at large.

All rights reserved. Driven World and Supercar Sunday are registered trademarks of Connected Media Group LLC. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or any other materials or advertisements herein may be reproduced without permission of copyright owner. Driven World Magazine and Connected Media Group LLC, do not take responsibility for the claims provided herein.

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On the Cover: Ken Latka & The Mr. Norm’s Challenger Photo: Lisa Catara

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Ken Latka’s Passion

Ken Latka is a car guy. He grew up in Chicago, just a stone’s throw from Detroit during the muscle car era of the 1960’s. As he watched the first generation of muscle cars tear it up on the streets of the Windy City, it fueled an automotive passion that burns to this day.

While Ken was still in High School (before the days of self-serve gas stations) he pumped gasoline and worked as a mechanic at a Chicago area service station when his school day was done. He had the opportunity to work on the muscle car offerings from AMC, Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Ford, Dodge and Plymouth. Shortly after getting his driver’s license at age 16, he started racing his first car, a used 1968 Chevrolet Nova at drag strips in the Midwest. By age 18, he had already appeared in the “Who’s Who of Drag Racing” and he was also turning wrenches on a rear engine dragster before entering college.

After college, Ken changed his focus to a career in television and he started working at a Post Production house where he edited shows, commercials and training videos. After a few years honing his craft, he was hired as a videotape editor at NBC Television in Chicago.

Then in 1985, he was offered a job at CBS Television City in Hollywood, California. That move would not only change his life, but the lives of automotive enthusiasts who work in the

entertainment industry.

That’s because in 2009, Ken founded the Television Motion Picture Car Club, the world’s only car club for those who work in entertainment. The club started with men and women who work in television and motion pictures, but it has grown to include those who work in the music, radio, sports and motorsports industries as well.

Members include producers, directors, actors, actresses, television and radio personalities, stunt men and women, stunt and precision drivers, camera operators, lighting technicians, audio technicians, editors, make-up artists, picture car suppliers and just about every other position that makes up the various entertainment fields, including studio presidents. There are Academy Award winners, Emmy Award winners, Grammy Award winners and Taurus Stunt Award winners... As you can see, this is NOT your typical car club.

Their private events are only known to members through the club’s newsletter. This keeps their more recognized members safe from gawkers, stalkers and the paparazzi on private event days. However, when it comes to their public events, those are another animal altogether, because the general public is allowed to attend. One example is the TMPCC Annual Car Show, held in conjunction with

Story // Alan Smithee + Photos // Lisa Catara

the Fireworks Festival at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California every July 4th. This legendary studio makes the TMPCC Car Show one of the most unique automotive events in the world.

The studio was founded in 1928

by Mack Sennett, the master of silent movie comedies. His films featured such stars as Fatty Arbuckle, W.C. Fields, Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy fame), Harold Lloyd and the Keystone Kops. Sennett was also the first man to put a young Charlie Chaplin to work in silent films, and he gave Bing Crosby his break in musicals in 1929. In 1935 the studio became home to Republic Pictures, where many Western stars including Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and John Wayne all got their first breaks.

C B S Television took over in 1963, with classic TV westerns such as Gunsmoke and The Wild Wild West being shot there. So was Gilligan’s Island, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, CSI New York, Hill Street Blues, St. Elsewhere, Will & Grace, That 70’s Show, Seinfeld, Spin City, Titus, 3rd Rock From the Sun and dozens more. CBS Studio Center remains one of the busiest lots in tinsel town, with more television sitcoms taped there than at any other studio in Hollywood.

The Fireworks Festival and TMPCC Car Show at CBS Studio Center is the one day each year where the general public has the opportunity to enter the gates and walk around this legendary studio. As they explore the studio, they are always excited to see the New York Street back lot where the exteriors for Seinfeld and other popular television shows

and motion pictures have been filmed. It is also where the pictures of the Dodge Challenger that is featured in this article were taken. The festival is a family event, with food, live musical entertainment, world class magicians from the Magic Castle and Las Vegas, activities for the children, the TMPCC car show and one of the best fireworks displays in Los Angeles.

Since Ken is the President and Founder of the TMPCC, you might be wondering what vehicles he has owned over the years. A small sample includes the 1968 Nova mentioned earlier in this article, a 1968 Mustang with a NASCAR spec race engine, a Buick Grand National, 1996 Impala Super Sport, 2004 Cadillac XLR, 2009 BMW M3, and other performance oriented rides.

His latest acquisition is the 2015 Mr. Norm’s GSS Hall of Fame Edition Dodge Challenger that graces these pages. For those of you unfamiliar with the name Mr. Norm’s, they were a Chicago area Dodge dealership founded in 1962 by Norm Kraus and his brother Lenny. In 1965, the Kraus brothers turned the drag racing world on its ear by teaming up with Gary Dyer and match racing a supercharged Dodge Hemi Coronet with an altered wheelbase. That car changed the course of drag racing history by laying the groundwork for what would become the professional Funny Car Category.

Not content to win only

on the track, Norm also wanted to win on the street. He wanted a big engine in a small Mopar vehicle that could challenge the Pontiac GTO’s, Ford Mustang’s, Chevrolet Chevelle’s and other cars that were tearing up the streets in 1966. Since Chrysler wasn’t offering anything that would suit his needs, and even though Chrysler engineers said it couldn’t be done, Norm and his team stuffed a 383 cubic inch big block engine under the hood of a Dodge Dart in the fall of 1966. After its completion, Norm drove the car to Chrysler headquarters in Detroit where it was studied by their engineers.

Chrysler agreed to build the 383 Dart, as long as Norm ordered 50 units. A few months later, the first batch of 50 arrived and it became the 1967 383 H-Code Dart GSS (Grand Spaulding Special). This is how the Mr. Norm’s legend began.

One year later, in the fall of 1967, Norm upped the ante. As soon as the new 1968 Darts started arriving at his dealership, he had his team install a 440 big block drivetrain into one of the brand new cars. This became the Mr. Norm’s M Code 440 Dart GSS. Since Dodge could not immediately build the 440 version of the Dart, they asked Norm is he would build them. Norm suggested that George Hurst of Hurst Performance build the first batch of cars, which Hurst did, and all were delivered to Mr. Norm’s Grand Spaulding Dodge within a few months.

In 1971, with insurance rates climbing on the high performance big block cars, Mr. Norm’s developed the 340 6-Pack Demon, a high performance muscle car that offered a significantly lower insurance premium with no loss in performance. In 1972 Mr. Norm’s created the Supercharged 340 Demon GSS, a super high performance muscle car that offered big block power in a small package. The car was so fast the factory refused to build it, but you could purchase one through Mr. Norm’s.

So as you can see, Mr. Norm’s was not your average car dealership. A great way to describe Mr. Norm’s is in the following sentence. “What Yenko is to Chevrolet and Shelby is to Ford, Mr. Norm’s is to Mopar”.

When the muscle car era came to a close at the end of 1972, Norm got involved in fleet leasing, and many police and municipal vehicles were sourced from his dealership.

This included the Chicago Police Department.

Several Mr. Norm’s police cars were on screen in the movie “The Blues Brothers” starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Norm sold his share of the dealership and retired in 1977. It was the end of an era when Grand Spaulding Dodge closed in 1978.

Fortunately the Mr. Norm’s brand continues today, with Norm Kraus and his partners turning out some very special rides in extremely limited editions of only 50 units each. They also work with Kenne Bell to install superchargers on certain GSS models that can be tuned to more than 1000 horsepower. Just like the 1960’s and ‘70’s, these Mr. Norm’s GSS (Grand Spaulding Special) vehicles are once again outperforming the factory offerings, making the mighty 707 horsepower Dodge Hellcat seem downright anemic in comparison.

Having grown up in Chicago, Ken was well aware of the Mr. Norm’s legacy, but his acquisition of the Mr. Norm’s Dodge Challenger featured in this article happened totally by chance. Larry Weiner, a partner in Mr. Norm’s Performance and the designer of the Mr. Norm’s special edition vehicles, forwarded an article to Ken in April of 2015 that featured two very special cars. One was a 2015 Mr. Norm’s GSS Hurst Edition Dodge Challenger in the traditional Hurst colors of white and gold, and the other was a 2015 Mr. Norm’s GSS Hall of Fame Edition Dodge Challenger in red and black.

After Ken read the article and reviewed the images, he sent Larry an email complimenting him on the look of the vehicles.

Ken mentioned that he liked the design of both cars, but he was particularly drawn to the red

and black Hall of Fame Edition Challenger.

Since that particular vehicle was a Mr. Norm’s show car that was scheduled to appear at various events around the United States, Ken didn’t expect anything more than a “thank you for the compliment” in return. However, much to Ken’s surprise, Larry wrote him back and said that if he was interested in the car, he would talk with his partners at Mr. Norm’s and John Schultheis at Bosak Motors in Indiana (the dealer that owned the car and represents the Mr. Norm’s brand) to see if something could be arranged.

Twenty-four hours later, Larry contacted Ken and said that if he wanted the car it was his. Since the car was in Southern California getting the super stock hood repainted before it was to be trailered back east for another series of shows, Ken met up with Larry to see the car in person.

After being impressed with the overall look of the Challenger, Ken took it for a test drive without the hood installed (it was still in the paint booth). Ken laughed, telling Larry that driving the car without a hood was giving him flashbacks to his drag racing days in the 1970’s.

While on the road, as Ken shifted

from second to third with less than half throttle, he accidentally broke the tires loose around 45 miles per hour. While this might startle some people, Ken’s reaction was a huge smile, then, he let off the accelerator and glanced in the rear view mirror to see two perfectly straight 8 to 10 foot patches of rubber on the pavement.

He could have laid down rubber for a much longer distance, but breaking the hides loose at speed was completely accidental, and secondly, it wasn’t Ken’s car (at least not yet).

Anyway, he told Larry if the car broke the tires loose that easily at 45 miles per hour with less than half throttle, he couldn’t wait to mash the pedal once it was broken in. Larry replied “If you do that, the tires will just go up in smoke”.

With that, Ken purchased the car.

Ken’s Mr. Norm’s GSS Hall of Fame

exterior treatments on his car, including the addition of a large flow Hellcat air intake, it was only natural that I asked him if the naturally aspirated engine that resides under the hood had any additional performance work done. He was tight lipped and wouldn’t say anything, but he did give us a smile, which makes us wonder.

With Ken having so many connections in the entertainment industry, he contacted fellow member Phil Fiori at Next Pictures and Dennis McCarthy at Vehicle Effects about placing his Challenger in a future Fast and Furious film. Since Dennis is the Picture Car Coordinator for the Fast and Furious franchise,

Edition Challenger started life as a 2015 Dodge Scat Pack model, with a 392 cubic inch (6.4 liter) Hemi putting out 485 horsepower and 475 foot pounds of torque. It is backed by a Tremec six speed manual transmission, Hotchkis Performance suspension (with Hotchkis lowering springs and sway bars), Bilstein performance shocks, Brembo performance brakes, and a whole lot of Mr. Norm’s goodies.

The two tone paint treatment, along with the custom painted R/T styled side stripes, a set of 20” Vision Legend Series wheels, BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp 2 Tires, a taller than stock Mr. Norm’s rear spoiler, classic lanyard style hood pins, tinted windows, and all the other details and visual touches, really set off the look of this Challenger.

Interior appointments include embroidered Hall of Fame Edition Tuscany leather seats by Katzkin, Mr. Norm’s embroidered floor mats, a classic Mr. Norm’s chrome shift lever, special serial numbered dash plaque, GSS badging and other custom touches. The car comes with a black Mr. Norm’s signature gear shift knob, but Ken changed it out for a more traditional white Hurst shift ball with the six speed manual shift pattern on top.

The Mr. Norm’s custom modifications were performed by Brett Rounsville and his team at Rounsville’s Auto Body in San Bernardino, California. Louie Church of Lil’ Louie’s Pinstriping laid out the traditional R/T style stripe pattern, with the show quality

paint finish applied by Brett. The Hotchkis Performance suspension was installed by John Hotchkis at his shop in Santa Fe Springs,

California.

Ken worked with Larry, Brett and Louie to change the stripes on the sides of the car from a narrow spear type pattern (typically seen on the Hall of Fame Edition vehicles) to a bolder R/T stripe reminiscent of the Challengers from the 1970’s. Ken also had the Super Stock hood changed out, in favor of the more traditional dual nostril R/T hood. Both of these changes give Ken’s car a more traditional look and it also makes his Challenger a true one of one custom Hall of Fame edition vehicle.

Since Ken worked with the Mr. Norm’s team to change up some of the interior and

we can only hope to see this very special one of a kind ride on the big screen.

So as you can tell, Ken Latka is a car guy, and his love of the automobile has carried over into his founding of one of the most unique car clubs in the world. So if you’re a car guy or gal that works or has worked in the entertainment industry and you would like to join, or you would simply like to learn more about the Television Motion Picture Car Club, go to www.tmpcc.org. You can also find them on Facebook under TMPCC: The Television Motion Picture Car Club.

Ken’s Challenger, in addition to many other members’ rides will be on display at their Annual Car Show at CBS Studio Center on July 4th. So come on out and take a look at some very special vehicles that will be on display, while you enjoy great food, drink, listen to live musical entertainment and watch one of the best fireworks displays in Southern California all held inside a historic television and motion picture studio. It really is a fantastic way for automotive enthusiasts to spend Independence Day.

To learn more about Mr. Norms and their line of limited edition vehicles got to www.MrNorms.com

Cars For Sale

Ford Mustang Fastback Projects for sale: All are projects, clean titles.

Perfect for a total restoration, a protouring build or a hot rod.

- 1970 Fastback 428 Cobra Jet, Q-code. Numbers matching, automatic. Would not take a lot to get the car running.

-1969 Mach 1 351C, 4 speed. Engine was rebuilt and then the car sat.

Would not take a lot get it running.

- 1965 Mustang Fastback Roller, No engine, no trans, no interior.

Over 30 years of award winning experience 22836 Ventura Blvd.

Woodland Hills, CA 91364

(818) 222-8881

www.coastlinemotorsport.com

- 1969 Mustang Fastback Roller, No engine, no trans, no interior.

For more information: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

Car Culture

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ by Mark Llewellyn ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fashion Freeway:

White Stripes Are In This Year Like Clothing, if we look at pictures of automobiles throughout time, we can trace automotive fashion trends. The Art Deco looks of the thirties, the fins of the fifties. But white wall tires have seemed to transcend the constraints of time and have been in use over the last eighty years!

At the turn of the 1900’s all automotive, motorcycle, and bicycle tires were made with white rubber. Rubber in its natural state is white but white rubber is very slippery. To improve traction, carbon black compound was introduced in the tread section to improve traction.

Eventually, all black tires were considered the “Premium Tire”! Some consider it a sleeker look. But for many, the wide bright white wall was still the way to go!

Their popularity started in the 1930’s and reached its prominence in the 1960’s and 70’s. Even though the white wall has survived all these years, it has changed style over time. It was a wide white strip of several inches in the beginning, but by the late 1950’s we saw the white wall shrink to a one inch strip. Some tire manufacturers like “Vogue”, incorporate a design insignia into their white wall.

We can still see white walls today on high end cars like Cadillac and Lincoln. Harley Davidson still sports them on select models as well. It goes to show that a truly classic design never goes out of style. www.LeonsTransmission.com

Coupon good for discounted entry cost of just $5.00.

Beautiful vintage automobiles and Americana.

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murphyautomuseum.org (805) 487-4333

Marque Schedule

Supercar Sunday

March 6th: Shelby, Ford Gt, Cobra April 3rd: Pre-1973 Muscle Cars May 1st: Ferrari June 5th: McLaren July 3rd: Lamborghini Aug. 7th: Alfa, Fiat, Maserati Sept. 4th: All Exotics Oct. 2nd: Porsche Oct. 16th: Corvette Nov. 6th: Pre-1970 European Cars Dec. 4th: MOTOR4TOYS

Supercar Sunday is presented by: THE AUTO GALLERY The 2nd Sunday is Nissan Marque Day with Universal Nissan Supporting Sponsors include: Coastline Motorsport SuperchargersOnline.com Century Specialized Towing & Transport

Cystic Fibrosis Can’t Slow ‘Dat Kona’ Down Photos and Story by James Stanley

cys·tic fi·bro·sis ,sistik fi’broses/ noun noun: cystic fibrosis a hereditary disorder affecting the exocrine glands. It causes the production of abnormally thick mucus, leading to the blockage of the pancreatic ducts, intestines, and bronchi and often resulting in respiratory infection.

At an early age, her parents knew there

was something wrong. Without much physical activity, she would wheeze and become lightheaded, often coughing up a good amount of phlegm. She was taken to their family doctor to have a full checkup done to see if there was something they could do. The doctors at Stanford originally thought it was just allergies, but her parents knew it was something worse.

Farrar shortly after had caught pneumonia and collapsed a lung. Buildup in her lungs called for an emergency bronchoscopy where doctors cleaned her lungs from the inside out. To make matters worse, Farrar has been left permanently scared due to the anesthesia wearing off and she began to regain consciousness half way through the procedure. Denise Farrar was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at the young age of three.

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe which makes simple

tasks that require physical exertion almost impossible. The average lifespan of someone with this genetic disorder is 42.

2015 marked the first time where more than half of CF patients were over the age of 18.

Throughout Farrar’s childhood, she didn’t let the disease slow her down. No matter the situation, she pushed forward through the pain and shortness of breath and persisted to prove the doctors wrong.

Where many others with CF understandably take life easy and allow the disease to slow them down, Farrar, now 22, persisted.

Today she enjoys modeling, despite her struggles with being underweight, and working on her car despite the physical demands. Her passion for anything automotive has brought Farrar to almost star status within the CF and Ford Focus community. She recently completed a very labor intensive build of her 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 Kona Edition.

Many CF sufferers would never even think about working on their own

vehicle because of the extensive amount of physical labor required to do just about anything, but Farrar had other plans. It wasn’t just a simple body kit, and not a few simple ‘bolt-ons’, this needed to be big. She wanted to prove to the CF community that many things are possible, and at the same time prove to the automotive community that a young woman like herself could build a proper tuner car with all the right

parts. Farrar decided to do a complete performance engine build and swap.

Her 2000 Ford Focus ZX3 was already modified with new wheels, suspension, and window tint, but she was not happy with the 2.0L dual overhead cam zetec engine with its stock 130 horsepower.

After researching different engine options that came from the Ford factory on various social media and focus community forums, Farrar decided to build an all new engine based off the 2.3L DOHC 4 Cylinder found in the rare MK1 Focus 2005-2007 Focus ST. A simple swap wasn’t enough. Farrar researched and selected every part for the new engine including new pistons, new rods, and everything in-between. After more than a month of collecting parts, she proceeded with the engine build and swap.

About two weeks into her swap, the original engine was out of the car, the new engine was assembled, and Farrar was in the hospital. Severely oxygen deprived and delirious, the diagnosis wasn’t good.

After three long weeks of recovery, the only thing on Farrar’s mind was her car.

With the support of her friends in the car community, she had the drive and determination to continue her build shortly after returning home from the hospital. More determined than ever, Farrar completed her engine swap, and started the car on the first try. Tears of happiness rolled down her face as she heard her car’s new transplanted engine roar. After a bit of tuning, she drove the car from San Francisco, Calif., to Anaheim, Calif., without incident and had it tuned by the professionals at FSWerks.

She took the Focus and CF Community by storm with her accomplishment.

The CF Community was proud and inspired that someone with this disease could accomplish such a large task, and the car community was impressed and inspired with the more than 250 horsepower that was produced by the naturally aspirated engine which at that time was unheard of, double the original numbers.

Farrar has since completed her degree and continues to drive the car daily with pride and smiles every time she presses the gas pedal. The car is great reflection of Farrar. It’s small, loud, powerful, and easy to underestimate with just a little bit of roughness around the edges. Farrar’s accomplishment will stand for years to come as a testament of mind over matter and has rightfully earned its place among the ‘Ford Focus elite’.

2000 Ford Focus ZX3 Kona Edition Build Details -

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Stage 2 Crane Cams Crower Springs w/steel retainers 11.04:1 compression Wiseco Pistons Eagle Rods Ford Ranger Crank Shaft Balance Shaft Delete Gasket matched port and polish ARP hardware FSWerks race header Cosworth Intake manifold K&N Intake AEM Water Methanol injection kit Magnaflow Exhaust MFactory LSD Stage one Exedy Clutch MRacing Coilovers 25mm Eibach Swaybar SBC Camber Arms Massive Speed front endlinks Poly motor mounts.

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Leading by Example...

Lavaggio’s Gabriel Gutierrez

Story + Photos // Dustin Troyan

An organization is only as good at its team. A very true statement. I have been a part of the Lavaggio team for almost five years. Within that five year period, I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Gabriel Gutierrez, the Director of Service at Lavaggio. Gabriel is very modest but I have always been so impressed with him that I explained that I wanted to highlight him in Driven World. He deserves it!

Gabriel has been in the car wash/detail industry for over seventeen years. Working his way up, Gabe, has done just about every job in the industry. He has been trained by Meguiars Professional Training twice, ECP training and years of on the job training. When it comes to maintaining automobiles, he is truly an expert.

Another quality that makes Gabriel such an asset to the Lavaggio organization is that his understanding of customer service is unparalleled. He always exceeds customer expectations both with the quality of work at Lavaggio as well as the overall

customer experience. For those of you who have been to Lavaggio, you know it is very similar to a country club. Gabriel’s efforts and leadership guarantee each guest at Lavaggio will have an incredible

experience.

Gabriel, who is a car enthusiast, has incorporated his passion into his work. His love of automobiles and people allow him to be filled with love for what he does. And it shows! It is not uncommon for guests to comment on his professionalism and positivity.

Gabriel also has a history in the photography industry and has been a contributor to Driven World Magazine. He is looking forward to more “shoots” and submissions to the magazine. His high energy and passion keep his batteries charged.

Gabriel also keeps current on all paint and detailing trends and technology. It is not uncommon to see him in the Lavaggio bay checking paint density and clear coats. He has shared his wealth of knowledge with the Lavaggio crew, training the team with new products and techniques.

Leadership is a rare quality and Gabriel’s got it. Leading the team at Lavaggio toward a never ending goal of excellence is an ideal that Gabriel embraces. Always looking for new and creative ways to enhance the Lavaggio experience, he is always trying something new. It is evident that Gabriel loves what he does and that makes all the difference.

If you are heading to Lavaggio, be sure to ask for Gabriel and let him know you read this. I am sure it will put a smile on his face. Gabe, it is a true pleasure to work with you!

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Enzo Ferrari’s Birthday Celebration

Story // Mike Grudt + Photos // Greg Grudt

C’mon, admit it, every red blooded car guy (or car girl) would love to own a Ferrari at some point in their life. There is a certain allure associated with the Ferrari automobiles. Enzo Ferrari was born February 18, 1898 and this year is the 118th anniversary of his birth. Each year on a Sunday close to this date in February the Petersen Automotive Museum holds a Ferrari drive-in to celebrate his birthday. My son Greg and I have attended the past few years, but this year was special since the Petersen recently reopened following an extensive remodeling project. There was an amazing assortment of the prancing horse vehicles.

We arrived early to enjoy the arrival of the numerous examples of Enzo’s legacy. We were amazed at the variety and quality of the Ferrari’s that attended this year. There were examples of most Ferrari models including an F40 and a 250 SWB. There weren’t any Enzos, F50s or LaFerraris, but there were many other cars so it really didn’t matter. There were some Scuderias, a couple of 16Ms and a beautiful black over tan 512M. We saw some 458 Speciales and a few Speciale Apertas.

I overheard one owner say he purchased his Speciale Aperta for $250K over msrp. Wow, that was crazy! We saw 348s, 355s. 360s, 430s, 458s, 575s, F12s and many more Ferrari cars. It was a great gathering of beautiful vehicles. I spoke to a number of owners and as always, they were very passionate about their

Ferraris.

After the event we went into the Petersen Museum. The first car on the left was an amazing limited edition one off Bugatti Veyron (aren’t they all limited editions?) that was white with blue stripes and a tan interior. We saw the car in Monterey last year and it is really cool. Next there was a 1925 Rolls Royce round

door Phantom that was a beautiful example of the cars of yesteryear. A little further on the left was the crazy Tomahawk motorcycle (I believe it is actually a quad) powered by a V-10 viper motor (I would love to throw a leg over that bad boy). As we proceeded into the foyer we spotted a McLaren P1 with exposed carbon fiber.

Apparently a very limited number of the lim-

ited number of owners of the P1 were offered an additional option of exposed carbon fiber body panels to swap out with their standard colored panels as they wished. I don’t know what the cost was, but that car was absolutely beautiful in the exposed carbon fiber. On the left across from the P1 was a display of a number of old Harley Davidson’s as old as a 1914 model.

All in all it was just another great car day in beautiful sunny So. Cal. I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but we are truly blessed to have all of these cars in our area to enjoy. Others around the globe can only dream.

The Street Machine Nationals Story // Dustin Troyan+ Photos // David Rosenthal

The 2016 Street Machine Nationals was incredible! Thousands of enthusiasts showed up for the horsepower inspired weekend. Boasting over one thousand show cars and over twenty -six thousand visitors over the weekend, it was the largest Street Machine and Muscle Car Nationals to date!

What sets this car show apart is that the enthusiasts can enter their car in the “car show” but also participate in many different driving events which included: Autocross, Tire Burnout contests, Dyno contests, an all new Stop Box which tests a vehicle’s acceleration and braking capabilities on a 150-ft course. At the end of the event, one car will be chosen as the overall winner of the event.

“We’re thrilled to see such tremendous growth year over year with this event,”

said Mike Moore, president of the Street Machine & Muscle Car Nationals event production company, Family Events. “There are many car shows on the West Coast, but none like the Street Machine & Muscle Car Nationals, which really fills the void for muscle car and street machine owners who want to put their cars to the test in driving events like the Autocross and Stop Box while testing their rear-wheel torque and horsepower on the Dyno.”

It was an incredible event and is almost guaranteed to grow! For more information on the next year’s event: www.streetmachinenationals.net

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XPEL

Story // Jenny Conn

As an exotic car owner, your vehicle is an important part of your life and one in which you’ve invested a lot of cash, something you highly value and want to keep as perfect as possible. It’s also likely true that as an automobile enthusiast, you would do whatever you could to protect your vehicle’s natural beauty and maintain its value, in ways that make good sense.

One growing trend that makes sense to plenty of performance car aficionados is automotive protection film.

In fact, it’s a good bet that the next SoCal Supercar Sunday or classic car event you attend will be rife with vehicles wrapped up tightly in today’s high tech protection films.

In support of that claim, a new study by Grand View Research Inc. reports that the global paint protection film market, valued at $863.8 million in 2014, is expected to reach $1.49 billion by 2022.

There are a number of common-sense reasons protection films are on the rise.

First off, consumer awareness is

growing as these films become more technologically advanced. While older generations of films would lose gloss, discolor and sometimes develop cracks, today’s films are designed to remain crystal clear while shedding environmental contaminates rather than absorb them. In addition, today’s advanced films are much more flexible, protecting against chips, scratches and stains from rocks, gravel, salt, oils, magnesium chloride, insects and also bird droppings.

And protection films are either manufactured in precut patterns, or custom cut by highly skilled technicians, to protect any vehicle’s bumper, hood, roof, rocker panel, trunk, mirror back, door handle cavity, door edge and headlights — if it’s painted or exposed, it can probably be protected with

film.

Second, more new car dealerships are offering protective films as an option before cars ever roll off the dealer lot. That’s because with todays’ economic volatility, people are increasingly interested in protecting their investments, whether vehicles are purchased or leased.

Additionally, today’s paint protection films take protection far beyond just durability and clarity. XPEL Technologies, based in San Antonio, Texas, developed its flagship paint protection film, XPEL ULTIMATE™ to “selfheal” from minor scratches while maintaining a high-gloss finish, closely mirroring factory paint. What’s more, XPEL backs its ULTIMATE with a 10-year warranty, which ensures peace of mind for your treasured vehicle.

“It’s an extremely strong and virtually invisible, clear-coated urethane film,” explains XPEL President and CEO Ryan Pape. “Onlookers checking out your gorgeous ride at car shows and events will rarely, if ever, notice the protective film. All they’ll see is a flawless finish.”

Jesse Kline, owner of Coastline Motorsport based in Woodland Hills, Ca. has been using XPEL paint protection films since the company’s initial product launch. Coastline offers a complete palette of automotive services and customizations, from graphics, tints and

racing stripes to superchargers, turbo kits and cat back systems.

“XPEL films are one of the best products available on the market today,” Kline said. “Coastline Motorsport clients appreciate the ability to showcase their individuality and passion for automobiles through their vehicles. Our clients have been extremely pleased with the protection XPEL films offer their impressive automobiles.”

Of course, exotics and collectible automobiles are in a class of their own when it comes to retaining value. Especially true for collectors is the notion that original paint should be protected at all costs simply because it is valued much higher by car collectors.

Repainting can be beautiful, but the “survivor car” trend places increased value for all original paint. Original paint usually entails layers upon layers of primers, base coats, color coats and clear coats applied on sheet metal at high temperatures, creating a super hard finish that’s extremely smooth and even. oped TRACWRAP, a temporary paint protection film initially designed to protect vehicles at race tracks, TRACWRAP answers a need for short-term paint protection that’s perfect for rare and classic vehicles being transported or put on display. An 8 mil-thick urethane film, TRACWRAP provides robust protection for automotive paint and can be easily self-installed for temporary use.

Once an exotic or collectible automobile has arrived at a show and is placed on display, the potential for damage can escalate greatly. Consider car show environments in which throngs of people check out cars, leaning over them and brushing against them as they admire the vehicle’s beauty — inside and out. This exposes valuable vehicles to numerous opportunities to get scratched, chipped or dinged by exposed belt buckles, sharp zippers, metallic purse components as well as jewelry.

Even parked in a driveway or parking lot, cool vehicles are a magnet for admirers, who can inadvertently do damage without even

Applying protective film over an original paint job on a classic vehicle just makes good business sense.

Vehicles that have been repainted, by undergoing either a frame-up or rotisserie restoration, have undergone a costly investment. Vehicle owners who make this type of commitment in a vehicle’s restoration can realize the biggest return by taking the final step in vehicle protection: applying paint protection film, not only to protect the finish, but also to prevent rusting.

What’s more, exotic and classic vehicles alike are not immune to basic wear and tear while being driven to and from car shows or being shown at other events. Flying gravel, bug acids and tree sap all treat the paint the same as on any jalopy on the road.

To address this issue, XPEL devel-

realizing it. For extra protection, TRACWRAP can be installed in addition to XPEL’s traditional paint protection films, such as ULTIMATE.

XPEL also offers quality window film options that are developed to not interfere with GPS, radio, cellular and Bluetooth signals. To help protect vehicles against interior damage while parked in the hot sun, XPEL’s PRIME CS window film provides SPF 1,000 protection that effectively blocks up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays and dissipates 45 percent of solar energy. XPEL’s PRIME XR features a nano-ceramic particle technology that also offers 99 percent UV protection along with 84 percent infrared rejection.

To find out more about paint protection film for exotic and collectible vehicles, contact XPEL at 800-447-9928 or visit http://www.xpel.com.

XPEL-certified installation can be arranged through Coastline Motorsport by calling: 818-222-8881 or via coastlinemotorsport.net.

The Gearhead Diaries

Brooks Smith

As I write this, my Alfa Spider is now, and most of the anger has subsided. A sitting downstairs in the garage with a crushed classic car is a responsibility beyond that of nose. It happened a few nights ago, the car something more contemporary, and at this was parked on the street at my girlfriend’s point I’m left wondering if I should keep the house. We even heard it happen. there was a car once repairs have been made, or sell it on small crunching sound, and when we looked to someone who need never actually use it for out the front window, a white SUV was sitting transport. It’s a delicate little thing, and it will in front of the car. The SUV drove off. The while it’s insured, I can’t help but feel that it driver did not leave a note. belongs locked up somewhere.

That’s a relatively new sentiment.

One tends to go through a lot DrivenWorld Qtr Pg v1•2015-10-02.qxp_Layout 1 10/5/15 2:36 PM Page 1 of different, not terribly pleasant emotions For the time I’ve owned the car it’s been used when one’s car is hit. It’s been a few days regularly, and has been parked on the street

when it isn’t at home. I’m fairly careful about where I leave it, but the practice finally caught up with me, and now I’m not sure I could stand to see it happen again. Of course, every time I think about selling it…

And again, I wonder what I’d replace it with. There are so few cars any newer or more practical, which retain the Alfa’s level of appeal, at least for me. Maybe a Toyota MR2… maybe? There are times I really wish I could lose this obsession with sports car, especially old, tiny, delicate, impractical sports car. Life would indeed be much easier, it seems, ensconced behind the wheel of a Camry that started every morning, held actual people, and was equipped with actual ventilation, and a stereo that could be heard over the whine of the differential. Trouble is, every time I think about such a thing, I get sad. Truth be told, I don’t care much about those things for my own self, even the trouble starting doesn’t bother me much, except that it occasionally inconveniences those who are with me.

But now, it seems the tables have turned, and my lifestyle (if you can call it that) is a threat to the car, and I find myself having to take the whole thing more seriously, which is the opposite of why I 91307 wanted the car to begin with.

I really don’t want to be the reason one more enjoyable classic car goes downhill.

So, for the moment, the car sits. It’s still drivable, and I have driven it, but the joy is diluted somewhat by knowing what the poor thing’s nose looks like. I feel embarrassed; like I somehow failed to care for it properly. Overall, I’m just gutted by the situation. I know I shouldn’t be. I know it’s just a car; just a thing. I know it doesn’t have feelings, and it can’t really be hurt. But it’s possibly the nicest single thing I’ve ever owned, and now I feel like I haven’t taken care of it, and don’t deserve it.

Maybe it’s finally time to find someone who does.

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Supercar Sunday Story // Dustin Troyan Photos // David Rosenthal

So much for El Nino! As Spring has arrived and Summer approaches, the cars are coming out of hibernation and it has been an epic few months at Supercar Sunday. David Rosenthal,one of our regular contributors at Driven World has been documenting many of the different hot rods and muscle cars that have been turning up at Supercar Sunday. He also shoots an exotic or two, but his passion lies with the classics, hot rods and muscle cars.

David’s latest submissions show the diversity of the cars that turn up to Supercar Sunday. Whether it is the Cannonball Run Ferrari F12 or classic mustangs or rat rods, you never know what is going to turn up! As the warm summer months arrive, the show continues to grow and the toys come out to play!

Supercar Sunday which is somewhere between it’s fourteenth or fifteenth year is going strong and the community is closer than ever. Hosted at the Westfield Promenade in Woodland

Hills from 7am to 10am, enthusiasts from all over the world show up to share their passions!

When we say all over the world, it is true! It is not uncommon for foreign car enthusiasts to schedule a visit to Supercar Sunday and some have even said they scheduled their entire holiday around visiting the car show! Now that is

some passion!

As we head into our busy season, we are looking forward to seeing what you bring out and share with the car community! If you need any further information on the car show,

feel free to visit: www.supercarsunday.com.

Looking forward to a wonderful Spring and Summer car show season...See you there!

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ValleyCon2016 The ValleyCon scale-model show has been held in some pretty inspiring surroundings for the last two consecutive years. After 24 years in the Pasa-

Story + Photos // Scott Martin dena Civic Center, the model-building exhibition and competition moved to The Reagan Library in 2015 for their 25th Anniversary show. Situated in Air Force One Pavilion with Petersen Automotive Museum’s loaned cars scattered throughout, the surroundings allowed for some great modelviewing and photo opportunities. Newly sponsored by the Petersen as part of their community outreach program, the Museum also committed to host ValleyCon upon opening of the revamped Museum Row institution.

Presented in the ground-floor Mullin Gallery, ValleyCon 2016 was a success measured by anyone’s standards. As always, the show featured amazingly detailed model cars, intricate

rockets and spaceships, World War II dioramas, aircraft from every age plus Navy Vessels and terror scenes such as “Creature from the Black Lagoon”. Long display tables were placed in the center of the Gallery between the beautiful cars of the “Rolling Sculpture” exhibit.

Entrants were also allowed access to the whole Museum which was a first for most participants. The same had been true at Reagan Library the previous year where everyone was able to view all the exhibits including Amazing Automobiles: The Ultimate Car Exhibition featuring cars from the Petersen’s collection.

It’s easy to see why ValleyCon is considered to be the largest independent model building contest and exhibition in the Southwest with over 600 entries in 33 categories and well over 100 awards given out. Even their local shows in Pasadena had drawn an average of 300 to 400 entrants per year.

The first ValleyCon took place in 1990, organized

by Pasadena Modeler’s Society member George Creed. When Petersen approached him to consider an association and related move to the Reagan Library and ultimately the newly reimagined Museum, he said he saw it as a chance to elevate the hobby by increasing awareness with the public. After witnessing the increase in attendance, George said he’s glad that the hobby is getting this type of “shot in the arm.”

He was elated that the Petersen committed to host the contest in 2016 and display winning entries including winner of the Best of Automobiles division for the next year. Mr. Creed couldn’t ask for anything more for his fellow modelers.

Cars For Sale

1961 Ford F100 Unibody Rare CA black plate truck, only built from 1961-63. 460 Motor with 80,000 miles, c6 trans. Lowered with

Offering this 1932 Chevrolet all steel Hi-Boy roadster built by Gene Vredenbergh, retired executive from General Motors. Featured in the Aug. 2002 Street Rodder Magazine. This is a full custom frame and chassis. Steel EMI body with rumble seat converted to trunk by Dick “Magoo” Megugorac.

Custom hood by Magoo.

The engine is a Chevy 4.3L V6 fitted with a B&M Blower, Holley 600CFM Carb, GM Splayed-Valve Covers (for Indianapolis competition), Crane Cam and Isky roller Rockers. Transmission is a ‘88 Chevy Camaro 5-speed. Custom interior

adjustable air shocks in rear. New battery, radiator, tubbed in rear.

Asking: $18,500. Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup

and lift off top by Mike Harper Interiors. Custom Dash, VDO gauges, Ron Francis wiring. Budnik Wheels and Goodyear Tires. The undercarriage is as detailed as the rest of the Hi-boy.

All records.

Asking $50,000.00 Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

1957 Ford T-Bird. Full Custom.

No expense spared. Pro-Touring inspired, the very best parts, the best paint and bodywork. This supercharged T-Brid is a ready for

weekend trip or a visit to your favorite car show. Asking $75,000.

1968 Camaro SS

matched to intake. Carb Shop 960 Carb with Nitrus plate. Trans is a B&M Turbo 350 with 3500 Stall and a TCI Convertor. Rearend is a 12 bolt posi with 4.11 Richmond Gears.

Car is running and registered.

1968 Camaro SS big block. Not the original motor or trans. This Camaro is a barn find! A true throwback to the Van Nuys Blvd. Racing Days. It has a 468 Big Block with 12.5 to 1 Compression. Forged crank, Chromoly rings, studs on the bottom end, solid cam. Ported and polished heads

For more info: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

For more information, please contact: dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

Cars For Sale

1964 Corvette Fuelie Beautiful Fulie Corvette. Great condition, clean title, running, registered, ready for you!

Offering this 1964 1/2 Mustang Convertible A very original Mustang Convertible restored about 15 years ago. Owned by a “little lady� who only drove it on special occasions, this Mustang is in incredible shape.

Many of the original suspension components still on the car with Ford factory stickers and wire wrap. Running, registered, ready for summer.

Asking $30,000.00 Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

4 Speed, Power steering and brakes.

327/375hp.

Asking: $70,000. Contact: Dustin@connectedmediagroup

1972 Corvette LT-1 A very nice, numbers matching LT-1. Clean title, rebuilt motor, new tires, original saddle interior, Lojack, registered and running like

a top. Original color was Ontario Orange, repainted to C6 Atomic Orange. Asking: $41,000.00 For more info:

1986 Ford Mustang SV0

This is a rare chance to own a very special, limited edition Mustang SVO with very low miles.

This rare SVO Mustang, last year of the 4cyl-turbo SVO has got to be the lowest mileage SVO on the planet with 5,700 original miles.

Always kept inside, this is a brand new car! The interior is perfect, the exterior, the drivetrain.

Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

This collector car will go up in value!

For more information, please contact: dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

Vista Ford Racing AUTOCROSS EVENTS

Story // Dustin Troyan Photos // James Stanley

Vista Ford Racing is on fire!

Passion always shines through and the team at Vista Ford Racing are some of the most passionate enthusiasts you might ever meet. Upon meeting Tony Fiori years ago, I knew that we would be fast friends. Tony who is the Vice President and General Manager of Vista Ford Lincoln in Oxnard, is as much of a car guy as anyone can be. The guy lives and breathes performance. Tony had told me about a vision he had for expanding his passions into his work and in no short time, Vista Ford Racing was born and is taking the California Ford performance scene over!

As Vista Ford Racing has continued to grow, the team decided to put on Auto Cross days for their clients. Rewarding those that chose to purchase vehicles and service at Vista Ford, they are invited to a complimentary track day. This past February, Vista Ford held their third autocross.

The Vista Ford Racing Team and patrons headed out to the Camarillo Airport for one

heck of a day! What the VFR Team has created in a short period of time is a community.

They are getting enthusiasts on the tarmac, promoting safety, driving ability, camaraderie and our mutual passion. Sure there were no shortage of VFR set up Mustangs, but there were also Ford Trucks and SUVs. One gentleman brought his 4x4 diesel crew cab truck and he ran it!

As VFR has grown, so has the participating sponsors. At the event, the sponsors included: Lavaggio-The Art of Auto De-

tailing, Wilwood Brakes, Borla Exhaust, Horsepower For an Hour, Vortech & Paxton Superchargers, Quicklane, Bojix Design, Bluejacket Creative, and Ghost Shield. The sponsors and the participants continue to grow!

It has been so exciting to watch Vista Ford Racing grow and embrace their clients, in my opinion it adds so much value to the ownership experience. Tony and his Team have hit a grand slam and there are now waiting lists for each track event that Vista Ford Racing organizes.

Many people have seen and heard about the VFR events and wondered how to get invited...it is simple; If you purchase, service or customize your vehicle with Vista Ford Racing, you are on the list. It is a way for VFR to give back to their clients as they truly do appreciate them and their passions.

My suggestion is if you are looking for a Ford or Lincoln, head over to Vista Ford Oxnard and ask for Tony ant the Team... you will thank me! Tell them Dustin sent you!

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