Inspiration and other attempts for 2012 Xmas comp

So I was really inspired by this years Xmas comp - Thank you guys.

I thought you guys might like to see both the inspiration and the other attempt that I made for the comp.

I originally spent about 2 weeks on the Sand Scorcher and Rough Rider entry. The inspiration came for Rory Ward's Racers Only line of artwork. I have his Old School art work on my desktop at work - just awesome. So I tried to recreate a sort of live action RC version so to speak. You can check out Rory's art here:

http://www.racers-only.com/index.html

He is also the man behind the inside box art for the Axial Exo.

In the end I wasn't totally happy as the image was a little too brown. I really wanted some sky as I always find that calming as a Wall paper.

So after 2 weeks work at the last minute I decided to change concepts.

The image I entered is based on one of my all time favorite shots from a car running Baja.

Hopefully I picked the right one? :)

Comments always appreciated.