Record Breakers: World of Speed
Record Breakers: World of Speed were a line of battery operated Mini 4WD manufactured by Hasbro in the late 1980s to 1990s, originally in Japan and then brought to the US. To promote the toys Hasbro created the "National Association of Record Breakers" [1] and hosted races in shopping malls across the country.[clarification needed] A syndicated live-action series entitled simply "Record Breakers" plugging the toyline aired some of these events.
The toys
Record Breakers were known for their speed, and on smooth surfaces were capable of 20 miles per hour, translating to 500-640 scale miles per hour.[2][3] The cars lacked the pins or blades which characterized most Mini 4WD cars, and instead were fitted with guide wheels allowing them to run on a track. They could be run independently, but a car outside of a track would inevitably crash into an obstacle if not otherwise stopped.
Depending on the version, the cars contained one or two electric motors running off two AA batteries. The single motor cars could be manually switched between 2WD and 4WD, and some allowed the addition of a third battery for more power. Customization and upgrade kits with accessories such as different kinds of wheels and guide wheels were sold, as well as different kinds of tracks.
TV series
A live-action TV series[4] produced by DIC Enterprises[5][6] was co-hosted by Jesse Ventura[7] and Gary Apple,[8] aired in syndication for four episodes in 1989. Episodes were shot in shopping malls and featured a large, extravagant race track. Jesse Ventura's car, in particular was outfitted with a small camera and the show would frequently air video from his car's perspective as it raced through the track. Segments included kids interviewed for racing tips, "Jesse's Crash Bash", and the show would also feature stop-motion shorts of Ventura's car with his voiceover (in effect making the car a cartoon character.)
See also
References
- ^ Wheeling `N` Dealing, Chicago Tribune, November 21, 1989, by Wes Smith
- ^ On Madison Avenue: Star Vehicles by Bernice Kanner, New York Magazine, December 11, 1989, pages 20 & 22
- ^ Fuzz Busters Not Included
- ^ Record Breakers Toy Cars TV Show at YouTube
- ^ [1]DiC Shows, Internet Archive
- ^ Every cartoon ever made by DiC Entertainment
- ^ The WrestleCrap Book of Lists! By R. D. Reynolds, Blade Braxton, page 310
- ^ NBA TV Talent: Gary Apple