The Auto Writer

Who doesn’t like to win prizes? I know that I do. Yet, I rarely bother to enter most sweepstakes, figuring that I don’t stand a chance to win. You know what? I don’t because I haven’t filled out the entry form.

As with any contest, you gotta be in it to win it. I know people who have a knack at winning sweepstakes because they take the time to see what is out there and carefully choose the contests that are right for them.

Automakers, part suppliers, and other companies who gear their products to today’s drivers often develop sweepstakes as part of their marketing programs. Sure, it may cost them a car, a year’s supply of free car washes, or some other expense, but the marketing attention they receive with these schemes pays off.

I’ve hunted down several contests currently in effect, some ending very shortly with others with months to go. I’m not endorsing any of the products or contests mentioned, nor is this article some sort of paid advertisement. Take care when entering any contest; read the contest rules and fine print — opt out of any mailings you do not want:

Contest: “See Us, You Could Be In A Prius”
Sponsor: PNC Bank
Grand Prize: A total of eight (8) new Toyota Prius’ will be given away.
Ending Date: May 31, 2008
More Info: PNC Bank

Contest: Crocs Next Step Campus Tour
Sponsor: Crocs and Ford
Grand Prize: 2008 Ford Focus SES with SYNC
Ending Date: May 31, 2008
More Info: Crocs

Contest: K&N Horsepower Challenge Sweepstakes
Sponsor: K&N and Pontiac
Grand Prize: Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe
Ending Date: May 25, 2008
More Info: K&N Sweepstakes

Contest: Custom Civic Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Panic at the Disco (PATD), Honda
Grand Prize: 2008 Civic Hybrid customized by PATD
Ending Date: August 15, 2008
More Info: PATD sweepstakes

Contest: RoadRunner High Speed – Online Race to Win Sweepstakes
Sponsor: RoadRunner
Grand Prize: Mazda3Speed Sport
Ending Date: May 31, 2008
More Info: Race To Win

Contest: Listerine Kids – Sound Byte Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc.
Grand Prize: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Ending Date: June 1, 2008
More Info: Listerine Kids

Contest: Thrive and Drive Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Scotts
Grand Prize: Ford Racing Equipped Mustang GT
Ending Date: July 5, 2008
More Info: Thrive and Drive

Contest: Pontiac KVD Contest
Sponsor: Maxim, Pontiac
Grand Prize: Kat Von D’s Tattooed Vibe
Ending Date: July 15, 2008
More Info: Von D’s Vibe

Contest: Win A Truck Built Right
Sponsor: Old Milwaukee
Grand Prize: A Customized Boyd Coddington Ford F-150
Ending Date: July 31, 2008
More Info: You Build The Ride

Contest: Rigged Up Truck Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Advance Auto Parts
Grand Prize: A Tricked Out Toyota Tundra
Ending Date: September 30, 2008
More Info: Advance Auto Parts

Contest: The Car You Can’t Ignore Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Chevrolet
Grand Prize: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Ending Date: October 31, 2008
More Info: The Car You Can’t Ignore

Contest: The Rookie Sweepstakes
Sponsor: Degree Deodorant, Fox Broadcasting
Grand Prize: 2008 Hummer H3
Ending Date: May 25, 2008
More Info: The Rookie

Please note that most contests are open to U.S. households only, with some contests that include Canadian households as well. Restrictions apply; you may have to pay taxes on your winnings.

If you win, why not hit the reply button and let the world know? Happy trails!