Monday, September 29, 2008
Can Felipe Massa Get a Break?
Can Felipe Massa get a break? I just watched the inaugural Singapore Singtel Formula One Grand Prix and I was drained after the race. I was very impressed with the first ever night time Formula One race. The track was interesting, the crowd was very enthusiastic and the drivers seemed pumped for the race.
All this season, I have had mixed feelings on who to cheer for. I have been a die-hard Ferrari fan for many years. I have cheered for Felipe ever since he was Ferrari's second driver in the Michael Schumacher era. However, I also really like Lewis Hamilton as a driver. Both of these drivers have been battling for the F1 championship this year with each having their share of bad breaks. Each has committed personal blunders during a race, however, most of their misfortunes have been inflicted by the team. During Sunday's race, Massa suffered from an inexcusable mistake. After leading the beginning stages of a race, Massa pitted for a routine stop. Unfortunately, when the green light flashed to signal to Massa to leave the pits, the fuel hose for still attached. Massa left as he should, but left with the fuel hose attached. Thus ending his chance at winning the Singapore Grand Prix.
There are three races to go in this exciting season and only seven points separating Hamilton and Massa for the championship. Let's hope that there will be no more team mishaps and that Hamilton and Massa can be free to race for the World title.
2007 Ferrari F2007 Felipe Massa Formula 1 Race Car Hot Wheels MAT-K6630 1:18 scale diecast model car
2007 McLaren Mercedes F2007 Lewis Hamilton F1 First Victory Montreal Canada Hot Wheels MAT-M8742 1:18 scale diecast model car
All this season, I have had mixed feelings on who to cheer for. I have been a die-hard Ferrari fan for many years. I have cheered for Felipe ever since he was Ferrari's second driver in the Michael Schumacher era. However, I also really like Lewis Hamilton as a driver. Both of these drivers have been battling for the F1 championship this year with each having their share of bad breaks. Each has committed personal blunders during a race, however, most of their misfortunes have been inflicted by the team. During Sunday's race, Massa suffered from an inexcusable mistake. After leading the beginning stages of a race, Massa pitted for a routine stop. Unfortunately, when the green light flashed to signal to Massa to leave the pits, the fuel hose for still attached. Massa left as he should, but left with the fuel hose attached. Thus ending his chance at winning the Singapore Grand Prix.
There are three races to go in this exciting season and only seven points separating Hamilton and Massa for the championship. Let's hope that there will be no more team mishaps and that Hamilton and Massa can be free to race for the World title.
2007 Ferrari F2007 Felipe Massa Formula 1 Race Car Hot Wheels MAT-K6630 1:18 scale diecast model car 2007 McLaren Mercedes F2007 Lewis Hamilton F1 First Victory Montreal Canada Hot Wheels MAT-M8742 1:18 scale diecast model car
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Pixar Cars New Releases
I know, I know, the Pixar Cars movie was released over two years ago, but I just can't get enough of cars. Apparently, neither can a number of collectors because Mattel keeps cranking out more releases of Cars. The latest cars: Kathy Copter, Leroy Traffik, Petrol Pulaski, Roman Dunes and a chase version of Cruisin Lightning McQueen w/Bumper Stickers. Below are photos of the latest releases and I have heard that there are more cars to come.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
What's Hot in Model Cars for Holiday 2008?
What's hot in model cars for holiday 2008? I know that's it's only September, but buying decisions for the 2008 holiday season were made many months ago. Well, did the retailers get it right? Did I guess right?
For the movie car retailer it's been an up and down year so far. We started the year with the Speed Racer live action movie. The movie was largely a flop. However, Jada and Hot Wheels released a wide range of cars. Jada's cars were offered in a wide variety of scales from 1:55 - 1:18. A number of collectors were a little disappointed in the Hot Wheels cars since they were released as plastic models and more geared towards kids. Johnny Lightning also re-issued their Speed Racer cars in 2008. All in all, I feel that the these cars will still make great gifts for the holiday season. These cars a priced so the collector can add to his collection without breaking the bank and for the none collector, kids can have fun playing with these unique cars.
By far the biggest boost in the movie car model car arena, came from Batman. With the long awaited releases of the 1/18 scale 1966 Batmobile in both standard and elite versions and the release of the Dark Knight movie, collectors were treated to some very nice iconic replicas. Hot Wheels did a fantastic job with the 1966 Batmobiles. The elite versions of these cars are very impressive. The details, paint finish and quality are superb. These cars were well worth the wait. I was very fortunate to secure several cases for Movie Car Mania and of course one for myself. The elite cars sold out almost immediately. Hot Wheels also released 1/50 scale Batman cars. The detail and quality on these cars is very nice as well. In the coming months, Hot Wheels will be releasing new Batman cars to the 1/50 scale line. Scheduled to be released are the 1966 Batboat w/trailer and 1966 Batmobile with trailer hitch. These should be hot.
AutoArt stepped up their game in 2008 and released another great movie car, the Mad Max Interceptor. This was and should continue to be a hot car going into the holiday season. Additionally, AutoArt re-released the 1956 Jaguar XK-SS from the Steve McQueen collection. If you missed adding this car to your collection last time, don't miss out again.
I will continue to report on more great releases as we approach the holidays. If you have suggestions or opinions on hot cars, add your comments.
The cars in this article and other great cars are available from MovieCarMania.com.
