Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up. -Rocky Balboa.
As reigning champions the past two years, HMG Creative is proud to have secured a third victory at this year’s Pixelwood Derby. A charity event for networking, healthy competition and a groovy time, Workhorse Marketing’s fifth annual Pixelwood Derby saw a record turnout with over 300 attendees.
In a retro-themed evening, over 28 teams lit up with fierce competition as they raced hand-crafted pinewood derby cars for the grand prize. With a panel of judges, awards were given in design, speed and spirit, plus additional honors for victories in one-on-one challenges.
Not afraid to outdo itself, Workhorse Marketing went next level with this year’s event. Attendees transported back to the 80s for a night complete with games by Pinballz Arcade, Storm Troopers for stellar photo ops, and perhaps the most epic touch of all, a DeLorean replica that took attendees on an authentic jaunt back to the future.
In true Austin fashion, participants enjoyed a boozy time with food truck options and free beverages by favorite local vendors Deep Eddy Vodka, Independence Brewery, Austin Eastciders and Big Swig Water. Ready for the races, this year’s derby competitors included some of Austin’s finest businesses: YETI, Indeed, Grande Communications, R/GA, Ship Station and more. Taking home the first place prizes were HMG Creative for Top Speed and The Star Garrison of the 501st Legion for Top Design.
All fun and games brought more good than a few laughs. Proceeds from the event benefited The Settlement Home for Children, a local nonprofit dedicated to caring for children who come from abusive and neglectful backgrounds by providing a continuum of care, support and resources.
With a punny history of success, HMG’s previous Cartha Stewart and Brittany Steers themes paved the way for this year’s achievements. Team Steer-vester Stallone, decked out in Rocky and Rambo fighting garb, came ready for a match and did not disappoint. The sleek tungsten-based vehicle, tailor-made by HMG’s Pixelwood master craftsman, brought the team to victory with a top speed of 3 seconds flat.
Facing tougher competition each year, HMG is relying on the power of its design secrets and ready to aim for a fourth consecutive trophy in 2019. If you think we’re ready to quit while we’re ahead, all we gotta say is, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”