Lowriders, customs compete in Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop in North Las Vegas

The Chavez family, owners of a 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood customized with gold trim, engraved rims and bespoke paintwork, received a personal invitation to showcase their yellow lowrider, nicknamed “Dream Reaper,” at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop in North Las Vegas. Veronica Chavez said they felt they had “made it.” “My boys, who are adults now, grew up loving Hot Wheels,” Chavez said, portion sitting successful a tract seat beside the vehicle, which was parked among competitors’ entries astatine a Walmart adjacent North Decatur Boulevard and the 215 Beltway. “My 3 kids enactment their ideas into this car, and we cruise astir successful it,” Chavez added, getting choked up. “It would mean a batch if we won, but truly, it’s an grant to conscionable beryllium here.” Hosted by Mattel in partnership with Walmart, Mobil 1 and AriZona Beverages, the contest drew hundreds of attendees Saturday morning. The Hot Wheels Legends Tour travels the country in search of a customized vehicle to recreate as a Hot Wheels die‑cast model. Las Vegas was the tour’s final city stop before it concludes at Mattel headquarters in El Segundo, California. Each stop produces a finalist, and one overall winner will join the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends, where designers will turn the customized vehicle into a Hot Wheels model. The event drew families, car enthusiasts and shoppers leaving the supermarket. Some posed with “Fast & Furious” displays, featured at only a handful of tour stops, including Las Vegas. Admission was free, and those who purchased Hot Wheels toys in the store could bring their receipts to the merchandise booths outside for event‑exclusive souvenirs. While the Chavezes’ “Dream Reaper” drew attention among dozens of rival cars, classics and customized trucks on display, judges selected a different vehicle to represent Las Vegas in the next stage of the competition. A royal blue 1995 Honda Civic owned by Richard Delcid took the Las Vegas title late Saturday morning after judges deliberated for hours. David Delcid, the winner’s brother, accepted the award, noting that his brother was at work. David Delcid said the car has been a project of more than 10 years and an $80,000 investment. It was not an easy choice, according to Hot Wheels designer and judge Brendon Vetuskey. “Las Vegas does not disappoint. There are a batch of beauteous cars present today,” Vetuskey said. He said judges evaluated each introduction connected creativity, authenticity, and store spirit. “It is not your emblematic car show,” Vetuskey said. “We’re looking for thing that looks overtly Hot Wheels.” David Delcid cheered as he took a victory lap to the back of the lot, where the car was photographed against a giant blue backdrop designed to match the cardboard backing of a packaged Hot Wheels toy. Black smoke billowed from the car’s exposed engine compartment, where the hood had been removed. “It makes america beauteous happy, winning,” Delcid said.