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.  Some cars only improve slightly, but others improve significantly when dry lubes applied.  
• 5-star performers are the most elite and there are only 84 of them out of all the cars tested as of April, 2024.  4-star performers is the next best tier.
• See the home page for more details on track design, testing, etc.

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My top 5 Hot Ones.  The Corvette Sting Ray, Mirada Stocker, Flat Out 442, Thunderbird Stocker and the Frontrunnin' Fairmont.  All 5-star performers.

The rest of the top 10.  The 4-star NASCAR "Mountain Dew" Stocker and the 3-star Nissan 300 ZX, Datsun 200 SX, Mercedes 380 SEL and the Taxi.

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Hot Ones Car Rankings 
Results of all qualifiers ​
​(1 through 5-Stars)

Result summary:

• One of the better series in diecast.  There are 5 cars at the 5-star level and 2 cars at the 4-star level.
• The Corvette Sting Ray is my fastest Hot Ones and is tied as the 20th fastest overall car.
• I was expecting my fastest Fairmont to finish first or second, but with a 2.496 time, it was only 4/1000's seconds behind the Mirada Stocker in 2nd.  
• The very cool Mt. Dew Stocker finished 6th (and nearly made the 5-Star level) and the Nissan 300ZX stands 7th.  These are both strong 4-star cars.
• The Blown Camaro is a car that I might upgrade.  I've seen this car finish strong at various diecast races.