I have to admit that I was a little surprised to find this regular #Treasure Hunt sitting in a sidekick at Target the other day. While regular Treasure Hunts (TH) seem to either be produced in higher quantities as of late and/or collectors are just leaving them behind, it still is pretty cool to find one — especially out of one of the latest case codes as this was the TH for the “A” case assortment.

Released as #9 of 10 in the #2017 Hot Wheels mainline, #Legends of Speed series, the Winning Formula fits right in with the race-inspired theme of the inaugural run of this series. Designed by little-known Hot Wheels designer, Julian Payne, this #Indy Car first appeared in 2015 as a new model. This is its third-consecutive year in the Hot Wheels mainline.

If the graphics on this one look familiar to you, that is because you have seen them before. This alternative #Hot Wheels Race Team design has been part of three previous mainline releases for the last three years. It first appeared on the Nitro Doorslammer in 2014 as part of the HW Race / Thrill Racers Series. After that, in 2015 it appeared on the Bully Goat as part of the HW Race / World Race Series AND in 2016 on the Chevy Camaro Concept as part of the HW Digital Circuit Series.

RELEASE DETAILS: Matte Black Body (metal). Light Blue Interior. Gold-Chrome-Rim, Black PR5 Wheels. Red Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DVC99. Released in 2017 as #1 of 10 in the Legends of Speed Series.

UPDATE 04/07/2017 — It seems as though the regular #Treasure Hunts will be seeing non-TH colorways, as evidenced by exhibit A, here — this is new for 2017. Notice that the #Flame Logo (TH) has been removed from the deco. Also, the blister card now has a number at the top (something THs don’t have in 2017) and the Flame Logo has been omitted behind where the car is (on the card). Several of the other regular THs have seen recolors this year so this clearly is the new process going forward.

RELEASE DETAILS: Gold Body (metal). Red Interior. White PR5 Wheels. Black Base (plastic). Made in Malaysia. Toy# DVB32. Released in 2017 as #1 of 10 in the Legends of Speed Series.