Chevy Monza

The Monza Spyder will be at Lightning Fest along with the rest of the cars in R2 of the JL2.0 line. In fact, all of the cars in R2 and R3 will be on display in our product showroom so don't miss it. Can't wait to show you guys the White Lightning and Lightning Strike that has red tires. The first preproduction Lightning Strike sample along with my original artwork will be going into our charity auction too with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Lightning Fest 2010

We are 30 days away from Lightning Fest 2010 and I am pleased to announce that Ben Jones, "Cooter", from the Dukes of Hazzard will be attending as a special guest along with Rosco. Come check out the special project that Ben and I have been working on over the last few months.
Don't forget to sign up for the FREE scheduled events to ensure you get your goody bags and exclusive cars. See you next month!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Fall Guy Pickup

You won't see this ERTL casting in the JL line but someday I would like to do a lifted 80s GMC. I was looking through some of my collection last night and came across this ERTL Fall Guy pickup. Colt was probably very proud at the time this casting was released but as I looked closely at the lack of detailing it really made me appreciate the level of detail JL cars have today and excited to be a part of it. I still think this pickup is cool as it reminds of my childhood and watching the show but how would Colt Seavers drive this with no steering wheel? For as old as the truck is the paint quality is not bad at all and has a nice brown metallic flake finish. If I get around to doing a remake of this casting I will try hard to make a working suspension so we can replicate those huge jumps.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

MPC White Lightning Firebird

I thought I would take a look in our archive for some inspiration when designing the 67 Firebird in R6 of Forever 64 and I came across the '69 White Lightning Firebird MPC kit. Thought the waving ribbon/flames would look pretty cool on the '67 too. I like the side exhaust on the bird but those t-tops have to go!
Keep an eye out for R6 as it has some great releases like the Beat the Heat Camaro owned by Dean Mirra and a 2-tone red and gray Hudson Hornet. White Lightnings have a white chassis and white rims and there is one Lightning Strike release, the American Glory '70 Superbird.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

66 GTO

Our friend Mark McConville definitely deserves some props for his tri-powered GTO restoration but his use of alternative fuel, compressed natural gas, is really opening the eyes of many.

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1966 Pontiac GTO

Look for the Johnny Lightning release later this summer and see you at Lightning Fest, Mark!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Beat the Heat

Challenge some of the Beat the Heat members today and tomorrow and win a $50 cash prize at the 3rd West Virginia Beat the Heat Challenge. For more info visit www.kanrace.com

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Gen 3

This white ’84 Trans Am is scheduled for release 7 of Forever 64. I’m a big fan of the T/A so plan to see this casting get a lot of duty in the coming months. I have plans to do the ’85 and ’86 and a few special editions. Since I’m talking about the Trans Am, check out this footage from Talladega where a guy steals the 1986 Trans Am pace car and goes for a joyride around the track. Cuff’em and stuff’em!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICi3kIzSIZg&feature=related

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning