The race is on!

Some talented graphic manufacturer will drive away from the Specialty Graphics Imaging Association (SGIA) show in Atlanta next October in a tricked-out 2009 Roush Stage 3 Mustang courtesy of the 3M Graphics Market Center, Roush/Fenway Industries and Tubelite Company.

To win this 415-horsepower high-performance vehicle, graphics manufacturers are invited to submit their best vehicle wraps for consideration. The field of entries will be narrowed to 25 finalists and the winning wrap will then be selected as by a panel of qualified judges from the Society for Environmental Graphics Design (SEGD) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The winner is also authorized to use the 2008 “Wrap to Win” winner emblem for promotional purposes.

Contest runs March 26 - September 1, 2008. The winner will be announced at SGIA in October. Entries from the 24 finalists will also be displayed in the 3M Booth.

In addition, there will be a $5,000 prize given to the brand owner of the winning vehicle. And the top 25 finalists win 3M NASCAR® jackets, hats and use of the 2008 “Wrap to Win” finalist emblem in promotions.

To be considered for the contest, a wrap must incorporate 3M products including the following 3M films with recommended overlaminates:

3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive IJ180C
3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film with Comply™ v2 Adhesive IJ180Cv2
3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film IJ380
3M™ Scotchcal™ Perforated Window Graphic Film IJ8171
3M™ Scotchcal™ Gloss Overlaminate 8518
3M™ Scotchcal™ Luster Overlaminate 8519
3M™ Scotchcal™ Gloss Overlaminate 8580
3M™ Scotchcal™ Optically Clear Overlaminate 8914

Judging criteria will include the impact of the wrap on the brand owner’s business, the aesthetic appeal of the wrap, use of space and the professionalism of the installation.

For the purposes of this contest, a wrap is defined as the vehicle body being covered with at least 75 percent graphics. Window graphics are optional but encouraged where appropriate. A vehicle is defined as any passenger car, van or truck—no straight trucks, semi-trailers, trailers or trains.

The Roush/Fenway Mustang, with an estimated value of over $50.000, comes equipped with a ROUSHCharged 4.6L powertrain, seven-piece aerobody kit, hi-end audio system, 18-inch forged chrome wheels with high-performance tires, Roush/Fenway suspension system, 14” brakes, leather seats and more. The “gas guzzler” tax is even included.

For full details on judging criteria and how to enter the “Wrap to Win” Contest, visit www.3mgraphics.com.