SALINA, Kan. — Salina’s own Calvin Calp has earned top honors at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in Las Vegas, a competition that drew more than 140 vehicles and 8,750 fans. Calp’s fully custom 1949 Chevrolet hot rod, known as the Tubester, captured the judges’ attention and secured him a spot in the U.S. semi-final round later this year.
Calp explained that the Tubester was originally built in 2011–2012 as a volunteer-driven project. “It was about a year and a half build with volunteers and lots of donated parts,” he said. The truck has evolved since then, undergoing two major changes: an upgrade to its front suspension and big brakes, followed by a new paint scheme with full-body airbrush work by renowned artist Micky Harris.
While the Harris paint job was impressive, Calp noted that it wasn’t quite the right fit for Hot Wheels. “That paint scheme turned out to not really [be] kid-friendly enough for a child’s toy,” he said. Ahead of the Vegas competition, the team made the decision to wrap the Tubester back in its original paint scheme. “Good choice!!!!” Calp added.
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour judges select winners based on three criteria: authenticity, creativity, and garage spirit. They look for builds that embody iconic Hot Wheels style, bring something unique to the table, and show evidence of late nights, grit, and passion poured into the project.
Calp’s victory at the Las Vegas stop puts him in contention for the national semi-final, with the chance to represent the U.S. in the global finale. “Vegas was show 7 with 2 more coming up in California,” Calp told Salina311. “One winner from every show will go to the United States semi-final. The one vehicle chosen there will compete against the out-of-country winner in the final.”
The Hot Wheels Legends Tour, billed as the world’s largest traveling car show, spans 16 countries. Ultimately, one fan-built custom vehicle will be chosen to be immortalized as a Hot Wheels die-cast car sold worldwide.
Calvin Calp’s fully custom 1949 Chevrolet hot rod, the winning build at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop in Las Vegas.
