In 1980/1981 Hot Wheels introduced a new wheel known as "Hot Ones" or "Gold Hot Ones" or GHO.  The new wheel had a thinner axle which created less friction and is easily recognized with the gold color.  The new wheel and axle created more speed.  The blister pack proclaimed them as the "Fastest Non-Powered Metal Cars".  There were also some 1980's releases that featured the GHO wheels, not packaged as Hot Ones, but they are included here as well.  I have copies and in many cases multiple copies of all the vintage cars featuring the GHO wheels.  

This is a very special series of cars within the diecast hobby with many cars competing and winning racing competitions.  The Frontrunnin' Fairmont and Mirada Stocker, especially, are recognized for having elite speed.

Note that in 2011 there was a reproduction line called The Hot Ones released, which recreated some of the initial castings.  I'll evaluate those cars in its own section.

​​Some racing details and organization:

• I race on a two-lane, 27 foot Magic Derby track (equivalent to about one-third of a mile).  The Derby track is 22% wider than a typical Hot Wheels orange track, allowing me to race more car sizes/scales.  
• I've applied graphite to the cars, which really brings out the speed potential for diecast.  I'll go into more detail on that in the future.  Some cars only improve slightly, but others improve significantly when dry lubes applied.  
• The times listed are the average of the best two times out of six races.
• 5-star performers are the most elite and there are only 76 of them out of all the cars tested as of January, 2023.  4-star performers is the next best tier and there are less than 165 of them.  
• See the home page for more details on track design, testing, etc.

Gold Hot Ones Cars
Results of all qualifiers
​(1 through 5-Stars)

Result summary:

• There are 5 cars at the 5-star level with the Corvette Sting Ray at the top.  I was expecting my fastest Fairmont to finish first or second, but with the 2.496 time, it was only 4/1000's seconds behind the Mirada Stocker in 2nd.  Please see the Top 100+ lists for more details on how these cars finished finished relative to all cars.
• The very cool Mt. Dew Stocker finished 6th and nearly made the 5-Star level and stands as the only 4-Star.
• There are 4 cars at the 3-Star level.  The Datsun 200 SX finished with a 2.536, which was somewhat underwhelming.  I may look to upgrade that car.
• The 2-Star and 1-Star cars are certainly good results, but nothing elite.  I think the Blown Camaro could do better as well.