The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is coming to Malaysia and will be judged live for the first time.
The highly anticipated Hot Wheels Legends Tour is back for its fourth instalment, and this time, it’s making waves in your very own backyard. Exciting news awaits all custom car enthusiasts, as the Malaysian leg of the tour will be held live at the prestigious Art of Speed 2023 event. This marks the first occasion where Malaysian entries will be evaluated by the esteemed Global Hot Wheels Lead Packaging Designer, Matt Gabe. Read on to discover the incredible opportunity that awaits passionate Malaysian motorheads.
A Gateway to Global Recognition
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is a renowned global search for exceptional custom vehicles that have the potential to be transformed into 1:64 scale Hot Wheels die-cast models. This year, Malaysia joins the ranks of various countries participating in this exciting quest for the next legendary custom build. The winning Malaysian entry will be showcased at the Global Semi-Finals, where it will compete against other winners from the Asia Pacific region. The ultimate prize? The chance to be voted Regional Fan Favourite and witness the transformation of their design into a unique die-cast vehicle, available for sale in over 150 countries worldwide.
Live Judging at Art of Speed 2023
Breaking away from the virtual format of previous years, the 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour in Malaysia will take place live at the 12th Art of Speed, hosted at MAEPS Serdang. Registration for the event is now open and completely free, giving Malaysian hopefuls the opportunity to showcase their custom creations in person.
On Sunday, July 30, 2023, participants can drive their cars to the Art of Speed venue, ready to impress the panel of esteemed judges. The live judging session will occur from 11 am to 1 pm, heightening the excitement and creating an electric atmosphere for both participants and spectators.
The Thrill of Competition
On the same day, the judges will carefully select the Top 10 custom builds from the Malaysian entries. From these exceptional creations, one will be crowned the Malaysian winner, representing the country in the Global Semi-Finals held virtually in November 2023.
Malaysian entrants will have the opportunity to impress the judges with their authentic designs, showcasing how well their builds embody the Hot Wheels spirit. Creativity will be a key factor, as the judges search for designs that stand out from the rest. Lastly, the garage spirit will be evaluated, considering how well the designs exemplify the attitude of “built not bought.”
Distinguished Panel of Judges
The competition will be judged by a panel of experts who have made significant contributions to the custom automotive industry.
Matt Gabe, the Global Hot Wheels Lead Packaging Designer, brings his expertise and discerning eye to evaluate the entries.
Joining him are esteemed guest judges Alec Pender and Dino Dalle Carbonare, renowned Speedhunters contributors with decades of experience covering all things custom in the automotive world.
Aulia Rahman, founder of Malaysia’s own Galeri Kereta, and Tengku Djan, the homegrown Prince of Drift, also lend their expertise to the judging panel, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of each submission.
Hot Wheels Extravaganza at Art of Speed 2023
The 2023 Hot Wheels Legends Tour promises to be the biggest showing yet, with three unique spaces dedicated to Hot Wheels within the Art of Speed event. Hall A will feature the Hot Wheels x Proton collaboration showcase, where enthusiasts can witness the exciting partnership. Hall B will be the venue for the first-ever Hot Wheels Collectors Convention in Southeast Asia, offering fans a chance to explore Hot Wheels through the decades, participate in live auctions, enjoy meet and greets with Hot Wheels designers, and engage in various activities conducted by the Hot Wheels Skate School. Additionally, the outdoor VIP parking area will be transformed into a hub of admiration, displaying the stunning entries of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour.
A Global Phenomenon
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour originated in 2018 as a series of car shows across Walmart locations in the United States, commemorating the brand’s 50th anniversary. The overwhelming response and demand from enthusiasts worldwide led to its expansion across continents. In 2023, the Legends Tour will make stops in multiple countries, including Malaysia, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and many more. Malaysian custom car enthusiasts now have the opportunity to compete alongside their peers from around the globe, vying for the prestigious title of the next Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner.
Limited-Edition Collectibles and Exclusive Merchandise
To celebrate the passion for car culture, the event offers limited edition Hot Wheels Legends Tour products. Fans can personalize their style with custom apparel, tote bags, bottles, and mugs. Additionally, a collection of limited edition Legends Tour collector cars will be available for avid collectors and enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the chance to own these exclusive memorabilia, showcasing your love for Hot Wheels and the Legends Tour.
