Car customization competition open to military members Published June 3, 2010 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Have you ever wanted to get creative and customize your car? Here's your chance. June 11 is the online submission deadline for design entries for the "Battle of the Builds," a car customization challenge sponsored by Scion to see who can create the most creative and unique vehicle in just 12 weeks. The competition is only open to active-duty military personnel, and is intended to tap into the creativity, teamwork and can-do attitude of today's service members. Teams describe their vision of how they would customize a Scion xB urban utility vehicle based on a $15,000 budget. Three finalists are announced July 5 and receive a Scion xB and $15,000 to make their vision a reality. Teams have about 12 weeks to complete their build project. One car is selected as the grand prize winner, and the team will be invited to the 2010 Specialty Equipment Market Association Show in Las Vegas to showcase their modified xB in the Scion booth. Keesler's auto hobby shop receives funds to participate in the event, according to Bob McFall, arts and crafts director for the 81st Force Support Squadron. Scion is working with the commercial sponsorship units and base auto skills centers to get the word out about the competition. Contest details can be found at www.BattleoftheBuilds.com. Car enthusiasts and team supporters can register at the same site to cast a vote for their three favorite designs June 16-30. During the voting and build phases, the program can be followed on Scion's Facebook properties (www.facebook.com/scion/scionreleaseseries/scionracing) and at www.battleofthebuilds.com. "Scion knows and appreciates the job our military does every day," says Jack Hollis, vice president of Scion. "Members of our military work as a team and have unmatched technical and mechanical skills. This contest is designed to let our service members showcase these talents in a fun and exciting way. Creating a design competition especially for the military is one of the ways Scion thanks and salutes our country's finest." For more information, call Mr. McFall, 377-2821.