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The Washington Auto Show Hands On Contest, a hands down favorite last year, will be back for the 1999 show. More cars and more contestants will be featured this year as the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association (WANADA) gives away three vehicles that enduring consumers won't be able to keep their hands off.
The Hands On Contest reflects the "Celebrating the Centuries" theme of the Washington Auto Show, held from December 26, 1998 through January 3, 1999 at the Washington Convention Center. In the spirit of bigger and better, this year WANADA will give away three different Toyota models - the Solara coupe, the Toyota 4Runner and the Toyota RAV4 - to three patient car lovers who can maintain physical contact with the vehicles for the longest time.
Contestants for the Hands On Contest will be pre-selected through contests on three area radio stations: 98.7 WMZQ, DC 101 and Oldies 100 FM WBIG. Each radio station will select contestants for one specific car. The contest - and the excitement - will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 28th, when the contestants will take their place around the vehicles in the lobby of the Washington Convention Center. The last man (or woman) left standing or sitting, but definitely touching his or her assigned vehicle will drive home with a free car. Should there be more than one contestant per vehicle still in contention at the close of the Auto Show on January 3rd, the winner(s) will be decided by a coin toss for each vehicle. Prizes for the non-winners include DC Lottery tickets and U.S. Savings Bonds.
"Last year's Hands On Contest generated phenomenal excitement. This year, we expanded the contest and will be giving away three automobiles to 'Celebrate the Centuries' in grand style," explained Auto Show Chairman Tamara C. Darvish, Vice President DARCARS and General Manager of DARCARS Toyota.
"The hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Washington Auto Show will have the chance to check on the Hands On contestants as they enter the show," added Darvish. "Last year's contest grew more and more suspenseful every day, drawing standing room only and national and live local media coverage for the final coin toss."
Two gentleman stayed in touch for the entire six days last year, with a coin toss deciding the winner of a Mazda Millenia.
At stake this year are the Toyota Solara, an all new coupe for 1999 from the Camry platform; the Toyota 4Runner, a sport utility wagon; and the Toyota RAV4, a compact SUV.
The contest rules cover all the do's and don'ts to get and stay "in touch." For instance, a fifteen minute break will be scheduled every three hours. Any contestant not returning to the vehicles at the specified time will be disqualified. Contestants aren't permitted to have electronic devices, reading, writing or drawing materials, but are allowed a blanket. Visitors are allowed during auto show hours, but not within the confines of the prize vehicles space. No smoking, no alcoholic beverages, no offensive language and no physical contact between participants. Round the clock security is provided as well as any necessary medical attention. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, contest officials reserve the right to require a shower break!
The Washington Auto Show Hands On Contest is sponsored by WANADA, The Washington Area Toyota Dealers and the Chancellor Radio Group.
Copyright @ 1998 John H. Davis Comm.
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