EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hot Wheels Legends Tour presented by Mobil 1 is a global phenomenon and back for its seventh year in search of the next Garage of Legends inductee. Beginning May 11, car builders from around the world will compete for a chance to have their one-of-a-kind car immortalized as a 1:64-scale die-cast and join a legendary group of Garage of Legends life-size Hot Wheels vehicles. Celebrating car builders and enthusiasts around the world in their drive to be legendary, this year’s Tour kicks off in Miami with a live event, in partnership with Walmart, on May 11 and will travel across 13 countries.
For 2024, Hot Wheels is leaving no stone unturned in its search for the next Hot Wheels die-cast, with new event stops in Columbia and the United Arab Emirates. The United States will host 11 regional events at Walmart locations across the country, culminating with the Global Semi-Final and the Global Grand Finale in November.
“The dedication and enthusiasm we see at Hot Wheels Legends Tour events around the world keep us motivated to build on the tour every year to find more ways to celebrate custom car builders and their drive to become legendary,” said Ted Wu, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel. “This year, the tour will visit Columbia and the UAE for the first time, and we can’t wait to see these unique car communities represented at this year’s Global Semi-Final in November.”
Hot Wheels designers and celebrity judges will examine each vehicle based on three key categories: authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. The brand’s Garage of Legends vehicles push the boundaries of automotive design and purpose-built performance. When searching for the next authentically iconic Hot Wheels vehicle, the judges are looking for extreme, on-trend, relevant vehicles. Judges will also consider the builder’s overall creativity and how the project stands out from the crowd. Additionally, extra points will be awarded when it is evident that the owner put in early mornings, late nights, grit, and determination into the project.
New for this year, Hot Wheels will celebrate its ongoing partnership with Walmart by adding a U.S. virtual contest where car enthusiasts nationwide can submit their passion projects and participate in the Hot Wheels Legends Tour. Hot Wheels and Walmart Design Teams will select one vehicle to move on to the Global Semi-Final in November. Submission details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The U.S.-based regional events will return to Walmart stores and feature interactive analysis and coverage from the onsite hosts. Each stop will include activities for fans of all ages, including the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends life-size cars, play spaces where kids can interact with the latest Hot Wheels toys, and Hot Wheels die-cast displays featuring coveted premium and collector cars. Additionally, Hot Wheels enthusiasts can find special edition Hot Wheels Legends products exclusively at select Walmart stores or on Walmart.com.
Upcoming U.S. Tour dates include:
- May 11: In-Person Event at Walmart in Miami, Florida
- June 1: In-Person Event at Walmart in Atlanta, Georgia
- June 15: In-Person Event at Walmart in Charlotte, North Carolina
- June 29: In-Person Event at Walmart in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- July 13: In-Person Event at Walmart in Detroit, Michigan
- July 27: In-Person Event at Walmart in Chicago, Illinois
- August 10: In-Person Event at Walmart in Indianapolis, Indiana
- September 7: In-Person Event at Walmart in Dallas, Texas
- September 14: In-Person Event at Walmart in Houston, Texas
- September 28: In-Person Event at Walmart in Phoenix, Arizona
- October 5: In-Person Event at Hot Wheels Headquarters in El Segundo, California
- November TBD: Global Semi Final (Virtual)
- November TBD: Global Grand Finale (Virtual)
Since its launch in 2018 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Hot Wheels, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour has grown from a series of local Walmart events across the United States to the world’s largest traveling car show, bringing in builders and automotive fans through both virtual and live events.
Previous champions include the inaugural 2018-winning 2 JetZ™, 2019-winning THE NASH™, 2020-winning 1970 Pontiac® Firebird™, 2021-winning 1969 Volvo P1800 Gasser, 2022-winning “Texas Toot” 1992 Autozam Scrum micro truck, and last year’s 2023 winner, a one-of-a-kind 1990 Mazda MX-5 roadster nicknamed "Chimera.”
Fans may register or learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour by visiting www.HotWheels.com/Legends.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
About Mobil 1
For 50 years, Mobil 1 has been trusted by drivers to keep their engines running longer. Our products combine the latest technology and innovation to exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops—so consumers can get the most out of their time behind the wheel, both on the road and on the track. Turn every day into an adventure with Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. Learn more at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1Racing on Instagram and X. Join us. For the love of driving.
