The world-famous Hot Wheels Legends Tour is officially returning to the UK for 2026, giving passionate car builders the chance to see their custom creation transformed into an iconic 1:64 Hot Wheels die-cast model sold around the globe.
This year’s UK final will take place at CarFest at Silverstone on Saturday, August 29th, marking a brand-new location for the popular competition. One standout build will be crowned the UK winner and rewarded with a trip for two to California — the home of Hot Wheels.
Hot Wheels Legends Tour Heads to Silverstone for 2026
The 2026 UK stop of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour is set against the backdrop of CarFest’s new home at Silverstone, one of the most iconic motorsport venues in the world.
The massive family-friendly fundraising festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend and features more than 1,000 vehicles both on display and on track. Visitors can also expect live music performances, celebrity appearances, wellbeing activities, and food demonstrations.
This year’s Main Stage lineup includes Sir Tom Jones, Sugarbabes, Jessie J and Nile Rodgers & CHIC, while celebrity guests range from Rob Brydon and Lee Mack to Jimmy Carr, Tom Kerridge, Dame Prue Leith and Ben Miller.
Hot Wheels will also bring its biggest-ever UK stand to the event, located beside the famous Silverstone Wing. Fans can expect a Smyths pop-up shop, legendary Garage of Legends vehicles, and a life-size Hot Wheels Formula 1 2026 car complete with a custom Hot Wheels livery.
Ted Wu, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Design for Vehicles at Mattel, said:
“The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is all about celebrating builders who dream big and aren’t afraid to break the mould. This will be our seventh stop in the UK and it never disappoints.”
The Biggest Hot Wheels Legends Tour Yet
Now entering its ninth year, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the biggest Hot Wheels Legends Tour ever.
A record 19 countries will host events this year, turning the competition into a truly global celebration of automotive creativity and car culture. The UK has developed a strong reputation within the competition, with British finalists consistently impressing judges on the international stage.
In fact, UK entries have reached the Global Grand Finale multiple times, including an overall world title win in 2024.
The judging panel for the UK final will include presenter Nicola Hume, a Hot Wheels designer, and a mystery celebrity guest judge. Entries will be judged on creativity, authenticity, passion, and that unmistakable garage-built spirit that defines Hot Wheels culture.
UK Winner Could Become an Official Hot Wheels Car
Following the Silverstone final, the UK winner will progress to the European virtual final before potentially reaching the Global Grand Finale.
One overall winner from the worldwide competition will earn the ultimate honour: having their custom vehicle transformed into an official Hot Wheels die-cast car available to collectors and fans worldwide.
Alongside that opportunity, the UK winner will also receive a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to Los Angeles, California — the birthplace of Hot Wheels die-cast design.
New Partners Join the 2026 Tour
The 2026 UK edition welcomes new partners including premium car detailing brand Meguiar’s and automotive culture brand Players, alongside returning partner Smyths Toys.
All three UK finalists will receive exclusive prize bundles from Hot Wheels and its event partners during CarFest.
How to Enter the Hot Wheels Legends Tour UK 2026
Entering the competition is simple. Builders need to submit three photos and a short description of their vehicle explaining why it deserves legendary status.
Whether it’s a slammed classic, a custom race car, or a heavily modified modern icon, Hot Wheels is looking for originality, creativity, and passion.
Applications are now open via the official website: www.hotwheelsuklegendstour.co.uk
Entries close on Friday, July 3rd.
Follow the tour online using #HotWheelsLegendsTour.
