Hot Wheels Legends Tour Returns to ANZ

Hot Wheels has announced Australia and New Zealand are back on the roster for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour after debuting in 2021.

The tour hosts thousands of Hot Wheels fans who compete to have their custom car reimagined as a 1:64th scale Hot Wheels die-cast toy and sold around the world.

Last year, the Southern Hemisphere’s custom car culture was thrust onto the global stage via a two-part virtual Hot Wheels Legends Tour ‘pit-stop’.

This year’s tour will also be virtual, with one Australian and one New Zealander chosen by a series of auto-specialists to compete in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour global semi-finals.

Marketing director, ANZ, Mattel, Jacinta Whitehead, said the company is delighted to encourage Australian and New Zealander car enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles to the world, particularly after an “overwhelmingly successful” first year.

“We thank our local partners Big W in Australia and The Warehouse in New Zealand who’ll again be helping us to lift the hood on some of Australia and New Zealand’s most diecast worthy wheels.”

Since launching in 2018 to celebrate Hot Wheels 50th Anniversary, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has grown from an American-based series of local Walmart events across the United States to the world’s largest travelling car show. The event brings together builders and automotive fans through virtual and live events spanning 14 countries and five continents.

It has also become known for the high-profile car designers, race car drivers and personalities who participate in their region’s judging panel. Judges will continue to evaluate all vehicle entrants and finalists on the criteria of creativity, authenticity, and garage spirit. ‘Built, not bought’, remains the spirit of the tour, and custom creations of all makes and models, shapes and sizes are encouraged to enter.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND JUDGES

Host: Jarod DeAnda

AUSTRALIA                                                   

Molly Taylor                                                

Greg Rust                                                     

Scott Taylor                                                               

Phil Riehlman (Hot Wheels designer)     

Sonny Fisher (Hot Wheels designer)       

NEW ZEALAND

Molly Taylor

Mad Mike and Lincoln Whiddett

Scott Taylor       

Dwayne Vance (Hot Wheels designer)

Brendon Vetuskey (Hot Wheels designer)

Australian Rally Driver, Molly Taylor, said it’s an honour to be involved in Hot Wheels Legends Tour for the second year running, this year as a judge for Australia and New Zealand.

“Last year was truly epic as Aussies young and old got to show off their colourful, custom rides.

“Creating and maintaining custom cars is more than just a hobby. It’s a true passion project for most. Hot Wheels Legends Tour helps celebrate that, so encourage anyone who thinks their ride has what it takes to make an iconic diecast packet, to enter now.”

Submissions for the Australian and New Zealand legs of Hot Wheels Legends Tour are now officially open.

To enter, head to www.hotwheels.com/legends. Entrants must submit a video of their car. Successful entrants will be contacted for more images/video. Videos must be submitted by April 11 for New Zealand and April 18 for Australia.

New Zealand event – April 14, 6PM NZST time

● Live event to stream on the www.facebook.com/hotwheels

Australian event – Thursday April 21, 6PM AEST time

● Live event to stream on the www.facebook.com/hotwheels