Veteran Motorist MTG Card


Provides card selection through scry upon entering, enhancing draw quality for upcoming turns. Boosts vehicle power and toughness, crucial for aggressive strategies in the game. Limited to Boros decks due to specific mana cost, but excels within this framework.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Dwarf Pilot
Abilities Scry
Power 3
Toughness 1

Text of card

When Veteran Motorist enters the battlefield, scry 2. Whenever Veteran Motorist crews a Vehicle, that Vehicle gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

He's set to compete in every race at the Fair, and he plans to win them all.


Cards like Veteran Motorist

Veteran Motorist is a unique creature card known for its impact in vehicle-themed decks within Magic: The Gathering. It’s often compared to cards like Speedway Fanatic, which also offers benefits to vehicles but through haste rather than scrying. Veteran Motorist stands out as it improves a vehicle’s power and toughness while providing card selection upon entering the battlefield.

Another card that comes into mind is Toolcraft Exemplar, a card which increases its power during the combat phase when an artifact is present. Although this card can become quite powerful, it lacks the vehicle synergy offered by Veteran Motorist. Moreover, while Toolcraft Exemplar can create a stronger individual presence on the board, Veteran Motorist’s scry ability ensures a strategic advantage by setting up the next draws.

Ultimately, Veteran Motorist offers a powerful synergy with vehicles, enabling them to hit harder and faster. Its combination of immediate board impact and deck manipulation underscores its place as an essential piece in specific MTG decks specializing in vehicular acceleration and control.

Speedway Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Toolcraft Exemplar - MTG Card versions
Speedway Fanatic - MTG Card versions
Toolcraft Exemplar - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Veteran Motorist by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Boros Challenger - MTG Card versions
Koll, the Forgemaster - MTG Card versions
Plargg, Dean of Chaos // Augusta, Dean of Order - MTG Card versions
Reyav, Master Smith - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Line-Slinger - MTG Card versions
Boros Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Boros Swiftblade - MTG Card versions
Battlegate Mimic - MTG Card versions
Cerodon Yearling - MTG Card versions
Stun Sniper - MTG Card versions
Sunhome Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Truefire Paladin - MTG Card versions
Akroan Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Flamewright - MTG Card versions
Weapons Trainer - MTG Card versions
Thundersong Trumpeter - MTG Card versions
Honored Crop-Captain - MTG Card versions
Relentless Raptor - MTG Card versions
Fresh-Faced Recruit - MTG Card versions
Goblin Legionnaire - MTG Card versions
Boros Challenger - MTG Card versions
Koll, the Forgemaster - MTG Card versions
Plargg, Dean of Chaos // Augusta, Dean of Order - MTG Card versions
Reyav, Master Smith - MTG Card versions
Akiri, Line-Slinger - MTG Card versions
Boros Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Boros Swiftblade - MTG Card versions
Battlegate Mimic - MTG Card versions
Cerodon Yearling - MTG Card versions
Stun Sniper - MTG Card versions
Sunhome Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Truefire Paladin - MTG Card versions
Akroan Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Flamewright - MTG Card versions
Weapons Trainer - MTG Card versions
Thundersong Trumpeter - MTG Card versions
Honored Crop-Captain - MTG Card versions
Relentless Raptor - MTG Card versions
Fresh-Faced Recruit - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Veteran Motorist. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
4c Midrange4c Midrange Pioneer4c MidrangePioneer Challenge 32 2024-03-31
Boros RallyBoros Rally PioneerNaya DwarvesUOL MKM Pioneer League
Boros DwarvesBoros Dwarves PioneerBoros DwarvesPioneer Preliminary 2023-12-19 (1)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Veteran Motorist, while not directly offering card draw, provides a scry 2 ability upon entering the battlefield. This selective process presents a strategic edge, enabling you to sift through the top cards of your library and enhance the quality of your draws, ensuring you get closer to the cards you need when you need them.

Resource Acceleration: This skilled driver doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense of producing mana but it does help your vehicles hit the battlefield running by granting an additional boost. When Veteran Motorist crews a vehicle, that vehicle gets a power and toughness bonus, enabling it to deal more damage and potentially overwhelming your opponent with greater force.

Instant Speed: While Veteran Motorist itself is a creature card played at sorcery speed, its scry ability can set up your next instant speed plays. By arranging your upcoming cards, you can better prepare for instant speed interactions on your opponent’s turn, thus seamlessly integrating into a strategy that values the timing of plays and maintaining momentum.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some other vehicles or creatures, Veteran Motorist does not ask you to discard cards, which can actually be a positive aspect in resource management.

Specific Mana Cost: Demanding both red and white mana makes Veteran Motorist a card that fits primarily in Boros decks or those that can reliably produce both colors, possibly limiting its inclusion in multi-colored or colorless decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing only two mana, it may seem economical; however, in an aggressive deck, you may have other two-drop creatures that provide immediate impact whereas Veteran Motorist requires a vehicle to maximize its utility.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Veteran Motorist shines as a flexible option within red and white decks, particularly those focused on vehicle synergies. Its ability to scry upon entering the battlefield helps tailor upcoming draws while boosting your vehicles’ performance.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to give vehicles an extra push with its power-boosting skill opens up possibilities for combos, especially in aggressive strategies where every point of damage counts.

Meta-Relevance: With its solid body for two mana and utility in both smoothing draws and enhancing vehicle aggressiveness, Veteran Motorist remains a relevant choice in various metagames where vehicles are prevalent.


How to beat

Veteran Motorist shines as a role player in vehicle-focused strategies within Magic: The Gathering. Upon entry, it not only sculpts your next draws through scrying but also powers up vehicles as it crews them. Its efficient cost-to-power ratio can pressure opponents early in the game. However, as strong as it is in such decks, the Motorist has its vulnerabilities.

Spot removal spells are a practical solution to this roadblock. Cards such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile dispatch it swiftly before vehicles get moving. Counteracting the Motorist’s deck manipulation is another approach. Hand disruption tools, like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek, can prevent it from reaching the battlefield altogether, or strip away the key vehicles it aims to pilot. Board control spells like Wrath of God also clear the Motorist alongside any crewed vehicles, reseting the state of play.

In essence, while Veteran Motorist can provide a solid tempo and advantage in the right setup, there are numerous ways to mitigate its impact. Efficient removal, strategic hand disruption, and board wipes are effective strategies to ensure that the Motorist’s journey is cut short and your path to victory remains clear.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the intricacies of Magic the Gathering with Veteran Motorist at the wheel. Combining sharp turns in strategy with the acceleration of your vehicular might, this card offers a multi-faceted approach to the game that caters to both the strategist and the speedster. Are you ready to take control of the game’s pace and cruise towards victory? Let us guide you through advanced tactics and deck refinements that maximize the potential of your plays. Gain a competitive edge and drive your MTG experience forward. Learn more about optimizing your deck and strategic play with our insights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Veteran Motorist MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and The List, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Veteran Motorist and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Veteran Motorist Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-09-30KaladeshKLD 1882015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22020-09-26The ListPLST KLD-1882015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
32020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 2122015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Veteran Motorist has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Veteran Motorist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-09-20 Veteran Motorist's last ability resolves before the crew ability that it was tapped to activate. The +1/+1 bonus will be in effect as the Vehicle becomes an artifact creature.
2016-09-20 Veteran Motorist's last ability triggers when it becomes tapped to activate a crew ability. Even if Veteran Motorist leaves the battlefield before its triggered ability resolves, that Vehicle still gets +1/+1 until end of turn.