The Hot Wheels Legends Tour presented by Mobil 1 headed to “Space City” on September 18 and was set to feature the most awe-inspiring garage builds from across the Southwest. This live, in-person event took place at a Houston-area Walmart Supercenter in Spring, Texas, where one lucky fan car will moved on in the competition for a chance to become a Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast toy.
With only two finalist spots remaining for the U.S. and Canada, local Houston celebrities, including Trae tha Truth and DJ Mr. Rogers, joined Hot Wheels Designers Ted Wu and Bryan Benedict at the judge’s table to evaluate each entry based on authenticity, creativity and garage spirit.
“Houston is the perfect place to host the next live event stop in the tour, as its car culture is synonymous with customization,” said Ted Wu, Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel. “From candy paint to elbow rims, we look forward to seeing the biggest and baddest builds from across the Southwest.”
Fans also saw a limited-run of three (AND ONLY THREE!), fully custom, hand-painted Hot Wheels ’64 Lincoln Continental convertible “SLAB” die-casts modeled after Trae tha Truth’s personal vehicle, which were available for live auction at the event. All proceeds benefitted the Angel By Nature non-profit organization, founded by Trae tha Truth, which provides local aid to the most vulnerable individuals in Houston’s vibrant community, with an emphasis on families with underserved youth.
Hundreds of custom fan cars registered for the event, and onsite experiences and appearances by Hot Wheels Garage of Legends icons Twin Mill, Bone Shaker, Deora II and Midas Monkey guaranteed fun for the whole family.
As with other event champions, the Houston winner will advance to the Semi-Finals later this year and then possibly the Global Grand Finale for a chance to have his or her car inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and immortalized as the next 1:64 die-cast toy sold around the world. To date, North American winners include a 1968 Mercedes Benz 250S from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada; a custom aluminum racer named Lulu from Santa Fe, New Mexico; the 1969 Daytona Charger Superbird “Scraptona” from Macob, Michigan; “Loosie,” a Miami-winning 1929 Ford Model A; and the Detroit-winning 1975 Opel Manta, along with the exoskeleton 2003 Nissan 350Z from San Mateo, California.
Upcoming Tour Dates include:
- October 9: In-Person Event & Social Coverage from El Segundo, California
- October 28: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #1
- November 4: Global Virtual Livestream Semi-Finals #2
- November 13: Global Grand Finale In-Person Event & Livestream (Location TBD)
Fans may register their cars for one of the upcoming virtual and in-person events or learn more about the Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour by visiting their site here
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
About Mobil 1
Mobil 1™ motor oil is the world’s leading brand of synthetic motor oil. Our advanced technology allows Mobil 1 motor oils to meet or exceed some of the industry’s toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection under even extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to help protect critical engine parts, maximize engine performance, and extend engine life. For more information, visit us online at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
