It's worth mentioning that there is a modelling competition run by the tv show Control Freaks. Up for grabs is a copy of Maya 5.0 Complete, worth $4000...
"We want you to design a 3D model for a "Need For Speed Underground" "Tuner Car". Send us a copy of the model, plus 3 rendered views.We'll pick the best 6, and send them off to Electronic Arts, who will make the final decision. All entries need to be in by 10th September . The winner recieves a full version of Maya 5.0 Complete, thanks to Alias. The 5 runners up will all receive a copy of Need For Speed Underground, when it's released in November."
For the rest of the details, click on over here.