Area residents are being invited to design hats worthy of being donned during the upcoming Kentucky Derby, part of a nationwide promotion tied to the spring launch of the 2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible.

Jim Clark Motors Inc., Lawrence, announced its participation in the national “Chrysler Sebring Hats Off to the Derby” competition, billed as bringing together the car’s “the elegant design and exhilarating performance” with the derby’s “high fashion and style.”

Three national finalists will win tickets to the derby, where they will wear their designs – hats that must include material from a Sebring’s soft top. The grand prize winner will receive a Sebring convertible.

For more information about the contest, click on www.chryslersebringhatsofftothederby.com. Entrants have until March 5 to submit both a sketch of an original hat design and a 100-word essay detailing how the Sebring inspired the design.