Now, keep in mind, Mattel could change their mind but since it’s most likely been packed and on its way from overseas, it’s likely to be correct.

The other good news is Mattel seems to have actually taken a look at the inventory on the shelves and realized, hey, maybe if we pack more new ones in cases, the stores are happier when consumers strip the shelves bare AND of course, they sell more sealed cases – saving them a lot of time.

So, here is it, P Case – the first time some new CARS will come THREE to a case:

Bug Mouth McQueen
Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Fillmore
Kathy Copter (3)
Mario Andretti
Petrol Pulaski (RPM #64 Pitty) (3)
Race Official Tom
Radiator Springs McQueen
Ramone-Yellow
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Tar Lighting McQueen (3)
Van

No official photo of Tar Lightning McQueen.

And while not a perfect scenario, better than before and certainly better than the shipments of most of 2008.

For those keeping score at home, this was the original announced CASE P:

And back tracking – here is what is reported to be in the next shipment CASE K:

Bug Face McQueen (2)
Chuki
Crusin’ Lightning McQueen
Darrell Cartrip
Dinoco Helicopter
Dudley Spare
Ferrari F430
Lightning Ramone
Luke Pettlework (Dinoco Pitty) (2)
Pit Crew Member Fabulous Hudson Hornet
Pit Crew Member Guido
Race Official Tom
Ramone
Tongue Lightning McQueen
Van (2)

CASE L is listed as NOT AVAILABLE – going to Wal-Mart? Or simply an administrative change as Mattel shifts CASE M & CASE N also to the new “three” of each NEW in each case? Especially since the original CASE L was really a catch up box of CARS that would have been released in CASES E-K but since many didn’t get released, it was really just repeats from 2006 & 2007.

There is no case O normally as it might be confusing with O, the letter and 0 the number.

Some places already have reported receiving case M

Al Oft the Lightyear Blimp (2)
Bling Bling Lightning McQueen
Bug Mouth Lightning McQueen
Charlie Checker
Chick Hicks
Cruisin’ Ramone
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Doc Hudson
Hydraulic Ramone
Lightning McQueen
Pit Crew Member Guido
Radiator Springs McQueen
Sheriff
Stacy (Leakless Pitty) (2)
Wingo
Yeti

So, that leaves us these MISSING CARS from the original announcement after K and between P (Original, L, M, N & P) …

Barney’ Stormin’
Jay Limo
Kori Turbowitz
Mini
Richard Kensington (SUV)
Ron Hover

Pit Crew Member Sarge*
Sarge*

Chick Hicks Crew Chief**
Octane Gain Crew Chief**

Not included above is Lightning Storm McQueen officially scheduled to be released as a “special” exclusive at SD Comic Con (July 23, 2008) so he is definitely out of the running to be released in the next three shipments or in the next 5-8 weeks. A “normal” carded version will probably be in a CASE by autumn or the holidays 2008.

*Sarge(s) … let me tell you about a time, boys and girls when there was a CAR named Sarge … he was green and while slightly too large in scale, but he was actually on the store shelves … we could also buy gas for around $2 a gallon … I know you don’t believe me but if I’m lying, may I only buy CARS from the Disney Stores.

Will Sarge return in a blaze of glory as a WM exclusive? Along with Richard Kensington, Pit Crew Member Sarge & Jay Limo?

** The Crew Chiefs been shown in a Gift Pack (3-pack) and while we are waiting final confirmation on the Gift 3-Packs, they do seem to be going the direction we speculated on in March.

So even without a WM exclusive pallet, hopefully we will see the the missing Barney Stormin’, Jay Limo, Kori Turbowitz, Mini, Richard Kensington (SUV & Ron Hover) in the next shipments and be caught up with what we were promised … and of course, wave buh-bye to Speed Racer in the rear view mirror … hey buddy, when you get some eyes***, then we’ll talk 🙂

*** all plastic with crappy plastic wheels? You’re not even good enough to hang with TJ. The Jada ones, you’re alright as you’re metal but still, no eyes, I drink your motor oil shakes at Flo’s …