FIAT Brand North America and Hoonigan, a motorsport lifestyle brand, announced Micah Diaz of Corona, California, as the winner of the Hoonigans Wanted challenge. For his accomplishment, Diaz takes home a track-ready Fiat 124 Spider Abarth that was heavily modified by the Hoonigan team. The vehicle's build was aired and can be re-watched in its entirety on Hoonigan's YouTube channel on their Daily Transmission show.
"Congratulations to Micah Diaz for winning the Hoonigan's Wanted search," said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. "And special thanks to all of the passionate enthusiasts who took the time to showcase their abilities in our Italian-designed, fun-to-drive Fiat 500 Abarth and Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. Abarth models are designed, engineered and tested to deliver high-performance, track-tuned capabilities that are perfectly situated for a Hoonigan Racer and driving enthusiasts everywhere."
Among the hundreds of entries received via Hooniganswanted.com, only 10 were chosen to compete for the chance to become the next Hoonigan. The top 10 contenders included: Jiyuan (Jackie) Ding(Ann Arbor, Michigan); Kadell Johnson (San Diego, California); Nick Baumgartner (Iron River, Michigan); Ashton Harrison (Villa Rica, Georgia); Brian Smith (Camillus, New York); Micah Diaz (Corona, California); Jorge Salazar (San Bernardino, California); Jamie Moreno (Monument, Colorado); Christian Faloppa (Rochester Hills, Michigan); Jessica Tracy (Warwick, New York).
The challenge kicked off when finalists arrived at the Grange Motor Circuit in Apple Valley, California, to begin their quest to join the Hoonigan team. Additional stops were made at Ridgecrest Speedway (Ridgecrest, California), Hawthorne Mall (Hawthorne, California) and Willow Springs International Raceway (Rosamond, California).
Judging this year's finalists were select Hoonigan hosts, as well as celebrity drivers and team captains Rhys Millen and Tavo Vildolsola.
Over five thrilling episodes, Diaz rose above the competition and took the top spot showcasing his skills driving the Fiat 500 Abarth, Fiat 124 Spider Abarth and the 300-horsepower Fiat 124 Abarth Rally Car. Additional challenges in the competition included pit-duty teamwork, stunt driving and time-attack trials. According to the judges, Diaz was also recognized for his charming, down-to-earth personality that complemented his driving skill set.
"The challenge was intense, but competing in the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth was an awesome experience and really pushed me as a driver. Also, the other competitors brought their A-game, which made this event even more rewarding," said Diaz. "The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is the most nimble car I have ever driven and has amazing steering feedback, corner braking and overall handling ability. I can't wait to get a hold of the next Hoonigan track-ready Fiat Abarth and see what I can do at the track."
Viewers can follow Diaz and the entire Hoonigan team on Hoonigan and FIAT social and digital channels as new antics continue to unfold.
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