The Piston Cup Racers … 36 gem jewels of the CARS diecast line … all bundled together in the Motor Speedway of the South set … yes, many people were unable to get it when it was available but technically, all the Piston Cup racers have been released.

So, the next question is whether they will be re-released.

Well, if you’ve been collecting outside of the Motor Speedway of the South, all of these were available BEFORE the MSOS set was released:

Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks
Dale Jr.
The King
Leak Less
Nitrorade
No Stall
RPM
Octane Gain
Vinyl Toupee

And now, including the scheduled launchers, your list should look like this without the MSOS set by the end of 2008 (maybe one of two might slip to early 2009).

Lightning McQueen
Chick Hicks
Dale Jr.
Easy Idle
Faux Wheel Drive (EU)
Fiber Fuel
Gasprin
The King
Leak Less
Mood Springs
Nitrorade
N20 Cola
No Stall
RPM
Octane Gain
Retread
Re-Volting
Shifty Drug
Shiny Wax
Sidewall Shine
Spearmint
Sputter Stop
Tank Coat
Tow Cap
Transberry Juice
Trunk Fresh
View Zeen
Vitoline
Vinyl Toupee

LEAVING Only 7-8 Piston Cup racers not yet scheduled.

(Apple, Bumper Save, Clutch Aid, Gask-its, Little Torquey Pistons, Rev-n-Go, Tach-o-Mint & technically Faux Wheel Drive for US residents).

So, when you ask when will the Piston Cup racers be released, well they have all been released – but even if you did not buy the MSOS set, you should have 27-28 of them if you’ve been following along.

And before anyone panics, the Apple car is NOT on some mythical NON-RELEASE list. It will be re-released so do NOT panic.

The next most popular question is whether they will all be out as singles – not likely but anything is possible. There are still at least 18 months before we get a first look at any possible CARS 2 preview CARS so they will need to fill the pipeline from now until late 2010 or even to early 2011. Though obviously there are other Cars CARS that can be released (or re-released).

During this period, it is Mattel’s intention to release them ALL as launchers … but NOTE, intent and actually doing so is another story. Just look at Sarge – he will be back but when? Unclear.

We do not have a 3-pack beyond what I have told you so I do not know if there will be many more Piston Cup only 3-packs … but as you can see, the next batch of 3-pack releases are not Piston Cup racers after Spearmint.

In a perfect world, of course, we would also get a three-pack like Shiny Wax or Sparemint and we could get three new CARS in one pack but of course, some people don’t want the Crew Chief’s or even the Pitty’s … and yes, Mattel does of course want to try and get you to buy them in different configurations … that will never change whether it’s diecast cars or real cars (I want the air conditioning but not the scented floor mats).

So, some racers at regular retail will cost you $1.80 (presuming you can find 2 at a buy 1 get 1 free sale) and some will cost $25 (Sidewall Shine if you paid full price for all 5 CARS + $5) … so it’s your call.

So, yes, the Piston Cup racers will ALL be re-released in some format or another … and possibly re-re-released whether its’ a single card, a Movie Moment, a 3-pack, a box or some other exclusive PACKAGING … you will see 28 by the end of 2008 and all 36 should be re-released in some format in the next 12 months if not sooner.

It all depends on what you’re willing to pay and how soon you want it.

This release schedule is slightly out of date but a good starting point.

Check out the RECAP PAGE (right side column) for links.