(GV Wire/Dean Kirkland)
- Lamborghini's journey to the racetrack is as fascinating as the vehicles it produces.
- Dissatisfied with his Ferraris, Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to create his own car.
- Kevin Mosesian of Fresno owns a Lamborghini Super Trofeo EVO.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Lamborghini, a name synonymous with automotive elegance and raw power, has made an indelible mark on the racing world with its evolution into high-performance race cars. However, the brand’s journey to the racetrack is as fascinating as the vehicles it produces.
Dean Kirkland
Central Octane
The story begins with Ferruccio Lamborghini, originally a manufacturer of tractors, who owned several Ferraris. The tale goes that after experiencing a clutch failure in one of his Ferraris, Lamborghini approached Enzo Ferrari with a complaint about the quality of his vehicles. Ferrari’s dismissive response spurred Lamborghini to create his own car, marking the birth of an automotive giant renowned for style, design, and the iconic 12-cylinder engine.
Despite its prowess in creating luxurious and powerful street cars, Lamborghini stayed out of racing—a field where Ferrari had been deeply involved from early on. This changed in the late 2000s when Lamborghini ventured into developing race-specific models, starting with the Gallardo-based Super Trofeo race car in 2009.
Local Owner of a Super Trofeo EVO
Kevin Mosesian, owner of OXOTIC and racer of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo EVO, provides insight into this pivotal shift. “Lamborghini wasn’t really into racing like Ferrari was. It’s a huge expense. But everything changed with the Huracan in 2015 when they launched the specific race version for the Super Trofeo series.”
The Super Trofeo series, featuring identical cars, allowed drivers in the U.S. and Europe to compete on a level playing field. This evolution continued with the introduction of the Super Trofeo EVO in 2019 and then the EVO 2 in 2023. The EVO 2 featured significant upgrades in aerodynamics, downforce, brakes, and suspension — changes so extensive that upgrading from the previous EVO was not feasible.
Mosesian recently acquired an EVO model after a year-long search, highlighting the global demand and prestige of these race cars.
“I was looking in Europe where they were less expensive, but with customs and everything, it wasn’t worth it. I found this one close to home, in Button Willow (Kern County), just an hour and a half from Fresno,” he said.
The car, one of only 10 with its specific color scheme, is wrapped in a custom livery designed by Mosesian himself. Despite its racing pedigree, he has added a second seat and a cool shirt system to enhance the passenger experience on the track.
As Lamborghini continues to push the boundaries of automotive engineering and performance, its journey from tractors to track exemplifies the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines the brand.
For enthusiasts like Mosesian, the Super Trofeo EVO is not just a race car. It’s a testament to Lamborghini’s legacy and a personal milestone, celebrated with a roar on the racetrack.