Criteria for Judging

To win the 2018 Best Appearing Contest your wrap design will be graded in the categories listed below. Submitted designs will be graded by each judge on a scale from 1-10 in each category. The design with the most points is declared the winner of the Grand Prize.

Contrast

Max Points 10

The numbers and sponsors must be visible, aesthetically pleasing and contrast the surrounding wrap design.

What judges will look for:
Clear and concise lines that flow with the overall design, color combinations that complement each other and the design from one end to the other.

What to avoid:
Unnecessary outlines (strokes) that draw more attention to the outline rather than the sponsor text and numbers, color combinations or graphics that do not make sense to the overall design.

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Repetition

Max Points 10

Good design is about consistency in spacing, themes, colors, and graphic shapes.

What judges will look for:
Consistency in the flow of graphic, shapes, sponsor and number colors and graphic styles. Some primary sponsors demand that their colors be used in their sponsors. If this is the case we recommend using the colors from the primary sponsor and carry those colors through the theme of the wrap. We understand contingency decals contain many colors, you do not need to match every contingency this is normal design practice in race wraps. We also do not recommend turning each contingency black and white. This is a poor practice that does not honor the branding of each company involved in sponsorship.

What to avoid:

A mish mash of graphical elements that do not make sense or work together. Too many colors or colors that clash rather then compliment.

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Alignment

Max Points 10

How the design elements are aligned on car is as important as the design itself.

What we are looking for:

The shape of a race car provides good lines and reference points for aligning graphic elements, sponsors, and numbers. Using consistent alignment for each element is one of the hidden keys to great wrap design. For instance, the top of the door and rear quarter panel provide and very clean line for alignment of sponsors and numbers. We will not discourage angled graphics or graphics that break out of the regular mold of wrap design, however, you should be consistent with your alignment when necessary.

What to avoid

Mis-aligned numbers and sponsors that look broken or out of place. The graphic elements should flow from front to back with consistency in how everything is aligned. Sponsors going off the edge of the car unnecessarily.

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Proximity

Max Points 10

Consistent spacing between the important elements on a race wrap design is one of the keys to creating a consistent flow in design

What we are looking for:
Each element (numbers and sponsors) should stand well on its own and have breathing space between itself and the next element on the wrap design. Consistent space makes each sponsor and number simple to differentiate from each other.

What to avoid:
Hastily placed sponsors and numbers that are difficult to tell apart or are crowded/overlap each other. Cramming multiple sponsors into tight spaces draws negative attention and breaks the flow of the overall design.

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Creative/Unique

Max Points 15

Of course, there are many rules to great design. Sometimes rules are made to be broken and breaking them can lead to greatness. Its risky, but when it works, it can look really amazing.

What we are looking for:
Something we have not seen before, new or old ideas with a twist that can be surprising. However, you can also play it safe, follow the body lines and place the numbers and sponsors in all the standard places and still have an excellent and exciting design. It’s up to you, have fun!

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Hot Wheels Inspired Graphics

Max Points 40

What we are looking for:
Wrap designs or painted cars that clearly resemble a Hot Wheels diecast car and/or the Hot Wheels brand. The designs can be a throwback to old die-cast cars or newer models and designs. Use the entire Hot Wheels Library as your inspiration. Please be prepared to provide an example die cast car or an item that resembles the Hot Wheels Branding with your design for reference.

Search the Hot Wheels library at the Fandom Wiki »

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Car condition and presentation

Max Points 5

Nothing sets off a wrap design more than matching tires and wheels. Designers, correspond with team owners and drivers.

What we are looking for:
Cars that look crisp and clean, tire covers, wheels and plastic that flow with the wrap design. Even filling in the Tire labels with white or yellow paint marker. Anything to throw the racing world back into its childhood. Remember when racers used to vaseline their tires? Not sure that’s legal anymore, but clean tires is definitely a plus. Have fun with it.

What to avoid:
Dirty, broken and beat up body panels and plastic. Mismatching wheels. Haphazard, strange or out of place body panels.

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100 possible total points from each judge

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