Preview pictures of two new track sets--Stunt Action and Strip Action. The Stunt Action is a jump set while the Strip Action is a straight line raceway. Excellent retro packaging. If it weren't for the word 'Classics' on the box, you'd think they are original 70's sets.

Pictures courtesy of zoweecars--more info on availability and pricing as soon as I can get it. These look very promising--great for the folks who already like to race, and for the kids just getting started.

HOT!!! Wal*Mart will be getting Hot Wheels Classics!

Look for them in stores around mid-August 2005

(source: email reply from a Wal*Mart buyer to a question from Tony Vinson)

Muscle Machines News (from www.1stopdiecast.com)

There's a new set of 5th Anniversary 1:24th Scale cars. All done in "liquid" colors and presented in special Anniversary boxes--very sharp! The lineup of four cars includes:

Check 1Stop for more info, ordering, and to see the 5th Anniversary 1:18th car selection as well.

The 2005 E&F, 2005 G, 2005 H&I, and 2005 J&K lineups have been announced. More new castings, and some other neat additions:

Wal*Mart Matchbox & Hot Wheels News:

More Matchbox coming to Wal*Mart. According to the Mattel product managers, distribution of the Matchbox 1-75 mainline will increase, meaning you should see more in Wal*Mart stores. Good timing, as Matchbox is really stepping up the casting choices and paintwork in the basic line.

City of Industry, California - March 16, 2005

Jada Toys is now releasing the next evolution of their popular import die-cast vehicles: Import Racer! Option D, once again bringing you the hottest trends from the streets to the toy aisles. Reflecting heavily on the import scene's latest craze--the sport of drifting--the Option D line will first hit the shelves in 1:18 scale hobby exclusives featuring the Nissan 350Z, Mazda RX-7, and the Subaru WRX STi. These highly detailed models feature deluxe packaging and graphics, a race track display base, and a feature never before released by Jada Toys: fully adjustable negative camber suspension. Now, with the turn of a screw on the chassis of the vehicle, die-cast enthusiasts can tune and adjust their cars as if preparing for extreme drift racing action.

"Our new Option D line represents three styles of vehicles within the import scene: show, street and drift. With every product we release, we strive to be true to the streets and our Option D line is no exception. Drifting has recently taken the scene by storm, influencing the import vehicles you see on the streets and at the shows," said May Li, President of Jada Toys.

The sport of drifting was first introduced in Japan over ten years ago. With the popular drifting competitions D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift currently touring the U.S., drifting has risen from an underground sensation to a sport that is garnering mainstream attention from race fans, professional drivers and car manufacturers. Unlike conventional racing, drifting involves entering turns at close to full speed and sliding sideways throughout the course of the turn. Drivers are judged based on the speed and style of their turns.

The Option D Nissan 350Z, in Greddy and RS-R licensed versions, is scheduled to hit hobby retailers this month, with the RX-7 and WRX STi arriving in early April. In addition, a full line of 1:64 scale Option D vehicles will arrive at mass retailers later this year.

February 18, 2005 -GreenLight LLC (GreenLight), an Indianapolis-based marketer of miniature die-cast replica vehicles, will introduce a new line of die-cast replica Muscle Cars, IndyCars and Pace Cars at the American International Toy Fair being held in New York City from February 20-23.

The company has developed a “Garage” theme for this year’s product line as GreenLight will introduce three new programs that focus on die-cast cars in garage settings.  Muscle Car Garage™ will be GreenLight’s first foray into classic muscle cars, with six new 1:64 scale castings, two new 1:18 scale castings and one new 1:24 scale offering.  The 1:64 scale cars include:  a Pontiac GTO, Chevy Impala SS, Ford Mustang Boss 302, Olds 442, Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang Convertible.  The cars will be packaged in authentic garage and shop settings found throughout the United States.  All items offered under Muscle Car Garage™ will be limited editions.

The IndyCar Series Garage™ die-cast lineup will highlight the Indy Racing League’s premier series with an inside look at team shops.  GreenLight will offer 1:64 and 1:18 scale replica driver/team cars in unique packaging that brings the team “garage” element to life.  Among the drivers and teams included are:  Sam Hornish and Helio Castroneves – Penske Racing, Tony Kanaan, Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti and Bryan Herta – Andretti Green Racing, Buddy Rice, Danica Patrick and Vitor Meira – Rahal Letterman Racing, Scott Dixon and Darren Manning – Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

GreenLight also continues its strong heritage with official pace car offerings.  This years program, Pace Car Garage™, features the new 2005 Indy 500 pace car, the 2005 Daytona 500 pace car and the 1998 Corvette Convertible Indy Pace Car in 1:64 scale.  GreenLight will offer the 2005 Indy and Daytona pace cars in 1:24 scale and the 1986 Corvette Convertible Indy 500 pace car in 1:18 scale.

“A garage is essentially a vehicle’s home, and thus, we thought it would be exciting to highlight some of the unique features of garages and shops and ultimately show-off our die-cast products in these settings,” stated Kevin Davey, president of GreenLight.  “It presents our retailers with a nicely coordinated product line presentation.”

GreenLight LLC is a privately held marketer of collectible die-cast vehicles and accessories. The company is principally engaged in the design, marketing and manufacturing of themed, limited edition die-cast vehicle products sold under the GreenLight Collectibles brand name.

The entire Garage Series will be available throughout 2005 via GreenLight distributors and specialty retailers worldwide.

For more information about the program please contact Jason Foster at (317) 287-0600, info@greenlighttoys.com or visit the GreenLight website at www.greenlighttoys.com.

The next batch of McDonald's Happy Meal cars are posted on the right. A special run of Acceleracers, with light up bodies. These should be in the fast food stores for an August 2005 promotion. Thanks to OggieDoggie for the picture. I don't know what the prices are  yet, but I would expect they'll be in line with other McD's promos. Also, if anyone overseas can confirm if these will be released outside the US, please let me know and I'll update this note.