Chrysler Brand Announces the "Sebring Hats Off to the Derby" National Design Competition.Chance to Win an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible and weekend trip including tickets to the 133rd Kentucky Derby


  •      Hats to be inspired by the elegant design and exhilarating performance of the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible
  •      Enter contest at http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com by March 5
  •      Public helps decide favorite designs



In honor of a long-standing tradition of the Kentucky Derby, a sophisticated horse racing event often known for its fan’s fashionable hats, the Chrysler brand announces today a nationwide hat design competition inspired by the brand’s all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible launching in spring 2007.


“Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby” brings together the elegant design and exhilarating performance of the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible with the high fashion and style associated with the Kentucky Derby in a fun contest where the top three finalists win tickets to the derby to wear their winning designs. One grand prize winner will be named in Louisville, Ky., Kentucky Derby weekend and will receive an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible.


Aspiring fashion designers, horse racing enthusiasts, car aficionados and all those interested are invited to enter the contest by going to http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com. Entrants must submit a sketch by March 5 of an original hat design that captures the essence of the Chrysler Sebring Convertible and the sophistication of the Kentucky Derby. The design must utilize some material from the Sebring Convertible’s soft top and be accompanied by a 100-word essay on how the styling and features of the all-new Chrysler Sebring Convertible inspired the hat design.


”The Chrysler brand reinforces its leadership position as America’s favorite convertible company with the all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, now with a retractable hard top and the only one to offer three convertible top options,” said David Rooney, Director – Chrysler Marketing and Global Communications. “The convertible’s elegant design is a showcase for those who are expressive, athletic and passionate — traits shared by derby fans — and make it the perfect vehicle to show off great hat designs that are synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, one of America’s premiere events.”




Public Helps Pick Finalists

The public will vote on the top 15 hat design submissions to determine their favorite sketches. The 15 quarter-finalist designs will be posted on the contest Web site, http://www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com, from March 20 – 26 for public voting.


The top five vote getters will be provided seed money and convertible top fabric to produce their hat. After viewing the completed hats, judges will select the top three finalists, who will receive a trip for two to the Kentucky Derby and a chance to win an all-new 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The grand prize winner will be decided by a panel of judges and announced in Louisville, Ky., Kentucky Derby weekend.


About the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

The completely redesigned 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible offers a sleek and elegant design, exhilarating performance with excellent fuel efficiency and a spacious interior. The Sebring Convertible also offers what no other convertible has offered before — three automatically latching convertible top options: vinyl, cloth and a body-color painted steel hard top, all of which can be retracted with a push of a button on the key fob.


The Chrysler Sebring Convertible has long held the honor of America's favorite convertible, solidly leading the segment for the past decade. In fact, Sebring Convertible has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible is poised to be in the winners circle when it becomes available in U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2007 and in global volume markets in the second half of 2007.