The Hot Wheels IZOD IndyCar Series was another line that was spottily released. Target carried the line for a short-while in addition to some smaller retailers domestically and internationally. Its unfortunate as this line featured this Honda IndyCar casting with Authentic Racing Decos and Firestone Firehawk Real Rider Tires. Its unclear how many releases there were in the line’s 3-year run (2009-2011), however, some of IndyCar racing’s best drivers were featured. See the nearly-complete list at the bottom if you’re interested in finding your favorite driver.

While I admit to not being a huge IndyCar fan, I couldn’t resist picking up this gem that went straight into my #Hot Wheels Race Team collection. If this car’s deco looks familiar, you may be thinking of the first release of the Haul of Flame which was released in 2009. Since this is not an authentic “real life” IndyCar, the packaging did not feature a driver like the other releases in the series did.

In all, the Hot Wheels Honda IndyCar is more of a premium casting that looks to have been exclusive to this line. The Hot Wheels mainline has produced some quality mainline IndyCars as of late so if you or a youngster are looking for IndyCars to add to you collection or to race with, a very comparable Hot Wheels casting would be the 2011 IndyCar Oval Course Race Car which has been released in several authentic and unlicensed paint schemes. If its authenticity that you crave, look no further than this IZOD IndyCar Series which can be picked up on the secondary market for right around retail price, shipped!

RELEASE DETAILS: Metalflake Blue and White Enamel Body (metal). Black Base (plastic). Chrome Real Riders Wire-Spoke Wheels w/ Redlines and Firestone Firehawk insignia. Made in China. Toy# R2137. Released in 2010 as part of the IZOD Indy Car Series.

2009 Hot Wheels IZOD IndyCar Series

• #02 Graham Rahal (McDonalds)
• #4 Dan Wheldon (National Guard)
• #7 Danica Patrick (Motorola)
• #9 Scott Dixon (Target)
• #09 No Driver (Indy 500 Commemorative Car)
• #10 Dario Franchitti (Target)
• #11 Tony Kanaan (7-Eleven)
• #20 Ed Carpenter (Menards)
• #26 Marco Andretti (Meijer)

2010 Hot Wheels IZOD IndyCar Series

• #02 Graham Rahal (McDonalds)
• #4 Dan Wheldon (National Guard)
• #7 Danica Patrick (Boost Mobile)
• #9 Scott Dixon (Target)
• #10 Dario Franchitti (Target)
• #’10 No Driver (Indy 500 Centennial Design)
• #11 Tony Kanaan (7-Eleven)
• #12 Will Power (Penske Truck Rental)
• #14 Vitor Meira (ABC Supply)
• #15 Paul Tracy (GEICO)
• #20 Ed Carpenter (Menards)
• #24 Mike Conway (Dad’s Root Beer)
• #43 John Andretti (Window World)
• #67 Sarah Fisher (Dollar General)
• #68 No Driver (Hot Wheels Generic Design) (shown above)

2011 Hot Wheels IZOD IndyCar Series

• #3 Helio Castroneves (Shell)
• #4 JR Hildebrand (National Guard)
• #6 Ryan Briscoe (IZOD)
• #7 Danica Patrick (Go Daddy)
• #9 Scott Dixon (Target)
• #10 Dario Franchitti (Target)
• #12 Will Power (Verizon)
• #77 Alex Tagliani (B&W/Hot Wheels)
• #100 No Driver (Indy 500 100th Anniversary)