While we patiently wait for the arrival of the new Honda Civic Type R, fans of the current model have been enamored by the Limited Edition model, which has proven itself exceptionally capable as both a safety car and a serious racer. The latter was proved by the spicy hatch smashing the front-wheel-drive lap record at Suzuka. It's got some pretty special wheels too, and the way these are made is fascinating to watch. As a limited-run model, not everyone could get their hands on it, but an opportunity was made available for the car's biggest fans. Honda held a sweepstakes draw for charity, and its winner has now been announced.

The raffle was held in partnership with Omaze and generated over $500,000 in grants for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Historically Black Colleges and Universities students. This money will be used to support students in areas like mental health, food security, housing, and technology.

More than 41,000 people entered, which is no surprise considering that this is the most special of special Civic Type Rs. This is serial number 001, which now has the happy owner of Zander L. from Utah. He also got a racetrack experience with Honda IndyCar driver Colton Herta, making the occasion even more memorable.

Zander was naturally over the moon: "As a diehard Honda fan and past Civic owner, winning the very first Civic Type R Limited Edition in the US is beyond my wildest dreams, and having Colton Herta personally guide me around the track was one of the greatest experiences of my life."

Finished in the model's signature Phoenix Yellow, it's one of just 600 models to be sold here. Power remains unchanged from the regular Civic Type R with 306 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbo-four, but you get less sound deadening, lightweight wheels, recalibrated steering, and the ability to do 180 mph.