2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Coupe

The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo racing series was introduced for 2009 and began a partnership between sports-car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini and Swiss luxury watchmaker Blancpain. In similar fashion to the Ferrari Challenge racing series, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo series continued the concept of a one-make racing series. Eighteen rounds were contested on many of Europe's racing circuits as a supporting series to German DTM, FIA GT, and FIA WTCC events.

The Super Trofeo was the only single-make racing series to utilize all-wheel-drive cars. Production was strictly limited and continued with updates as Lamborghini developed new versions of the Gallardo and its racing variants. Both professional and 'gentleman' drivers in possession of an International Competition License (Class A, B, or C) are allowed to contest the Super Trofeo. The Lamborghini factory also enters cars of its own, with celebrity drivers making guest appearances at the wheel of the Gallardo Super Trofeo racing cars.

At the series final race of the 2012 season, a new Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo car was announced. It featured more power and extensive aerodynamic improvements applied to the bodywork, a new rear diffuser, and 10-position rear wing. The car had 120% improvement in overall aerodynamic efficiency over the prior model. Brake cooling was also significantly improved with revised ducting, and balance and handling significantly improved with extra downforce ranging from 128 kilograms (281 lbs.) to 160 kg (352 lbs.) depending on the specific setup. The V-10 engine was now rated at 620 horsepower over its 2009-2012 570 horsepower predecessors with carbon induction systems and other special features. The 2013 Gallardo Super Trofeo weighed just 2,900 pounds (dry) and the base price first indicated in Lamborghini's literature for the 2013 series was $338,000 but soon ended nearer the $400,000 mark.

This particular example was sponsored by Lamborghini Houston, race-numbered 9, and raced in the 2014 Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo supporting the IMSA North American Racing Series. it wore a blue wrap with sponsorship graphics over the factory Bianco Monocerus (Bright White) paint finish. Fewer than 2,400 kilometers have been covered from new.

This Super Trofeo race car was campaigned by Rick Ware Racing and driven by Cody Ware, during which it competed in eight races. Its first victory came at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, with Ware winning the Amateur Class and finishing a fifth overall. Ware went on to earn a third-place podium in Round 10 of the series at Watkins Glen International in New York.

This Gallardo Super Trofeo is one just 110 examples produced for the world market, produced in all from 2009-2014. The 5.2-liter V-10 it is fitted with direct fuel injection and electronic engine management. The 620 horsepower is sent to all four-wheels through a six-speed -Gear sequential paddle-shift transmission.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017