2011 Lightning Fest

Start making your plans for the 2011 Lightning Fest which will be held July 15-16, 2011 in Dyersville, IA. We got a few new events planned this year and I just finished designing this years exclusive event car. Or Delivery I should say! We'll post the full Fest itinerary on our website in about 2 weeks. Don't forget to sign up for the Forums in advance by emailing us at jllightning@gmail.com.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Dodge Aspen

Received the first shot samples in late last week of the new Dodge Aspen. Can't wait to do the R/T! Let me know what you guys think.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Jim Reed Impala stocker R14

In 1959, Jim Reed's '59 Impala stocker pulled out an upset victory over many better known Grand National drivers to win the Southern 500. His bat-winged '59 was powered by a 348 V8 and was one of the first stock cars to race with Goodyear tires. His average speed was over 111mph! It was a pleasure to work with the Reed family on this upcoming F64 release 14 Impala.
Release 14 has some other great additions like the next Fireball Tim release- Lethal Bad Mood GTX, Jake Neal's dirt modified, Spoilers GTO and a special Boss Mustang collaboration with automotive artist, Danny Whitfield. I am really excited for the Boss 429 release because Danny Whitfield will be offering exclusive JL automotive prints of the artwork that appears on the blister card. More details will be released in the next few weeks.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

JL Boogie Vans

Been thinking its about time to bring back Boogie Vans. Our last van release was Vantastic and designed by our buddy Dirty Donny. Its been a huge hit and am thinking about asking him to help me design a new Boogie Van series. I'm still tossing around the idea of doing back to back releases in the JL2.0 line or maybe doing 2-3 a month in Forever 64. Let me know what you guys think.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

JL '77 Dodge Monaco

Release 13 is just hitting stores now. It seems like a few retailers are catching up on ordering some older assortments so good luck with the hunt. Release 13 includes a Highway Patrol Monaco with rubber tires and dog dish hub caps, Diecastspace sprint car and a Beat the Heat Chevy Malibu. See you in Vegas next week!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Dirt Modified

I showed you some test shot pics awhile back of our new dirt modified that we'll be rolling out in the Forever 64 line. Our first release will be in F64 R14 and will be Jake Neal's race car. This modified will have rubber tires and we have the option to do plastic tires and even a diecast chassis. It's been a pleasure to work with Jake and his team on this upcoming release. We'll keep you posted on Jake's new car design too, which will have a JL sponsor logo. If you're interested in having JL do your dirt modified or sprint car send us an email @ jllightning@gmail.com.

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning

Johnny Lightning 1968 IH 1200

Started on a new 1:64 casting today, the '68 International 1200 Pickup. This pickup will see duty in our Forever 64 line, JL2.0 line and our ERTL Ag line, where we will package with a tractor and offer some dealer exclusives. This casting with strengthen out truck line up and give our International Scout some company. I might just have shot samples in time for Lightning Fest!

Tom Zahorsky
Senior Design Manager
Johnny Lightning