Hi there! I’m Arushi Garg, a proud boy mom from Houston, parenting and lifestyle influencer aka The Snazzy Mom, full time digital ad sales professional and now, the reigning champion of “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” that is airing on USA Network from Sept 4th and available to stream on Peacocok TV. My incredible journey on this car makeover competition show has been nothing short of a whirlwind adventure, and I can’t wait to share it all with you! I am so grateful for the opportunity and for everyone involved in this process. Thank You!
The Road to Victory
It all started when I decided to participate in “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge.” I was no stranger to the world of cars, having grown up around them, but this competition pushed me to new heights. I was named the winner during the show’s finale, making me the only woman among the three remaining contestants. The icing on the cake? I won a whopping $50,000 and had the privilege of having my winning design transformed into a die-cast Hot Wheels car.
The Hot Wheels Die Cast of my build is available to pre order here on Mattel Creations!! If you want to share something meaninful with your car loving kid, partner, friend or more you need this one.
Imagine the thrill! My first thought was to buy hundreds of them, not just for my 7-year-old son Vir, who’s a Hot Wheels fanatic, but to create a family legacy that will last for generations. It’s still hard to believe; it hasn’t completely sunk in yet. I am so grateful for the new friends I have made on the show and inspiring people I have met.
Watch the finale episode highlights on you tube here and watch the Finale Best Build episode on you tube on why the judges chose the Rally Resilience here.
The Jaipur Jewel
But this victory wasn’t my first taste of success on the show. Earlier in the season, I won $25,000 for my remarkable transformation of a 1980s Suzuki Maruti Omni van, exclusively made for the Indian market. This project, known as the “Jaipur Jewel,” was a heartfelt homage to my Indian culture and my late father. It was a profound moment for me, blending my heritage and my love for cars. Apart from winning this episode my favorite part was meeting Sung Kang!! Wow I can’t believe I got to hug him. He is a special person really.
Watch the best build you tube special here.
One winner was chosen from each of the qualifying episodes, and the top three moved on to the finale. For my final challenge, I got the iconic Nissan Skyline R33, a car made famous by the “Fast & Furious” franchise, and turned it into a rally car with a raised roof, bigger wheels, and a roll cage. My vision was questioned by the judges initially, but I was determined to send a message to kids worldwide: “Never quit.” I even included this message as an Easter egg on the car itself, a reminder that resilience can overcome any obstacle.
A Family Affair
Throughout this journey, my son Vir was my rock and my primary source of inspiration. I embarked on this adventure for him, to show him that his mom could achieve big things on national television and break boundaries. As a mother, I wanted to set an example for him and other young girls that they could outdo themselves, have faith, stick to their vision, and trust their instincts. I wanted to prove that age is no barrier to success.
In a male-dominated car culture, my win is not only a testament to my determination but also a reminder that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can excel in their chosen field. It was a reassuring moment, a reminder that I, too, can achieve greatness.
Rally Resilience: My Winning Car
For the final showdown, my transformed Nissan Skyline, aptly named “Rally Resilience,” faced tough competition. My design choices, including the controversial decision to use oversized wheels, raised eyebrows among the judges and industry experts. Despite the doubts, I stuck to my vision, believing that this car could inspire children worldwide. Rally Resilience ultimately proved the doubters wrong and was crowned the winner. Even Jay Leno praised it for being the kind of car a kid would love to play with. The idea wasnt to make another slammed Skyline that has been done millions or more times. The idea was to do an ULTIMATE custom and original job. We wanted to make room for futuristic ideas that can challenge current trends.
Creating Rally Resilience was a departure from my previous work, the Jaipur Jewel, which was deeply personal. Rally Resilience was a universal message of resilience and determination, a car for every kid around the world.
Two Babies, One Proud Mom
Looking back on this incredible journey, I can’t pick a favorite between my two winning Hot Wheels creations. The Jaipur Jewel was a tribute to my heritage and late father, while Rally Resilience symbolizes resilience and the power of never giving up. Both have played crucial roles in my journey, and I am incredibly proud of both.
In conclusion, “Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge” has been a life-changing experience that has allowed me to embrace my passion for cars, celebrate my heritage, and inspire future generations. It’s a reminder that with determination, resilience, and a little bit of risk-taking, you can achieve your wildest dreams. So, remember, never quit, and always believe in yourself. After all, as I tell myself now, “You are a badass.”
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Arushi Garg
The Snazzy Mom Blog by Arushi Garg 