Get ready to dig into some fun facts about the Speed Racer cartoon. Only this time, it’s about the 2008 major motion picture that was based upon the popular 1960s series of animated shows. While the movie was only so well received at the box office, there are some interesting factoids that can be shared and learned.

Top Facts About the Speed Racer Movie

• The film was based on the hit Speed Racer cartoon series form the 1960s.
• Esteemed magna writer and animator, Tatsuo Yoshida, who created the series.
• It was originally a comic book called, “Mach Go Go Go!”
• The original Speed Racer cartoon had 52 episodes, all that were remade because they were thought to be too violent for children in the US.
• Speed Racer was designed in the image of James Bond and Elvis Presley, whom Yoshida fancied.
• Speed’s voice in the film is played by two people: Emile Hirsch (Speed) and Nicholas Elia (Young Speed).
• To get ready for the role, Emile Hirsch watched every single episode of the original Speed Racer cartoon.
• The film was shot on a green screen over 60 days.
• Danica Patrick was offered a cameo but declined.
• Peter Fernandez and Corinne Orr, who voiced Speed in the original American episodes, played racing announcers in the movie.
• Some movies received copies labeled as: “Race Chasers.”
• It was the first movie to use the Sony F23 digital film camera.
• A real Mach 5 was created for the film.
• Emile Hirsch got advice from Jimmie Johnson before playing the role.

WATCH: Speed Racer Trailer in HD

If you never had a chance to see how Speed Mifune, Trixie, Moms, Pops and Racer X transcend over to the big screen, now is your chance to get a taste. While the movie was very anticipated by viewers around the world and diehard fans, it did not fare nearly as well as the box office as the makers had thought that it would. Nevertheless, the movie was an excellent production with a first rate cast and the tie-ins that made it a worthy offering to add to the Speed Racer platter. See for yourself in this high definition trailer we found online.

The Speed Racer cartoon has much evolved since it first arrived on American shores back in the late 60s. Since that time, it has seen four TV adaptations, one animated movie and a major motion picture that was released in 2008. Today, it has a new cartoon found on Nick Toons in the form of: Speed Racer: The Next Generation. Join us as we talk about one of the stars that played the role of Racer X in the major motion pictures, Mathew Fox.

Towards the middle of 2007, Mathew Fox was best known by TV audiences for his leading role as Jack in the hit primetime drama/thriller/suspense series: Lost. But before he graced the silver screen, he did many interesting things. Here are some cool facts.

• He’s well educated and graduated from Columbia University.
• He was a football star wide receiver while attending Columbia; he snapped a historical losing streak for the team.
• He later would attend and graduate from the School for Film and Television in New York City.
• He originally wanted to specialize in High Finance, and not acting.
• His first break would come with a doomed series called, “Wings” at the age of 25.
• His big break came in 1994, when he won the starring role as Charlie Salinger in “Party of Five.”
• He was supposed to play Sawyer, not Jack in Lost. He got the role for demonstrating his leadership skills to directors.
• Check out more Mathew Fox Facts.

WATCH: Racer X Fights a Ninja

Check out this classic scene from the Speed Racer movie where Mathew Fox, AKA, Racer X, is sleeping at his house after a night on the track and then is awoken to an intruder. But it is not just any intruder; it’s an evil ninja assassin that was sent to take him out while he slept. Unlucky for the ninja is that Racer X sleeps rather light. Also unlucky for the ninja is that Racer X delivers a can of kick-butt to him as they trash the house in their melee. It’s a classic scene that shows Fox delivering the on-screen blows, only this time he is not … “LOST.”

We are back with more goodies on the Speed Racer cartoon. We have only barely begun our coverage of Speed Racer cartoon toys and Speed Racer collectibles, and there is so many that diehard fans want to get their hands on. Today, we searched the web far and wide to find the following three collectibles of Speed Mifune and friends. While these collectibles are available as of our last check, you may want to grab them up sooner as opposed to later, as they are hot commodities on the Speed Racer cartoon collector’s market, and many won’t be around that much longer.

Speed Racer Cockpit Coffee Mug: What better way to wake up in the morning than by sipping down some hot java with your buddy Speed Racer? This 12 oz, lead-free, ceramic mug is dishwasher safe and will keep your morning brew hot. The picture of Speed in his beefy Mach 5 will help you get your engine running in the morning.

Go Speed Racer Go Keychain: As of our last check, this keychain only had two left in stock, so hurry up if you really want it. It depicts a classic picture of Speed Racer wearing his helmet. It features the words: “Go Speed Racer Go!”

Speed Racer Collectible Box Set: We are having trouble finding this hot collector item, so you may have to look around to find a place that has it in stock (it’s that awesome). It includes three 5.5” collectible figurines, including: Speed Racer, Trixie and Racer X. The set also includes a signature Mach 5 keychain.

WATCH: SPEED RACER Johnny Lightning Diecast Cars Haul!!

An avid young collector shares their perspective on their impressive collection of Speed Racer cartoon toys. The collection includes several very rare Johnny Lightning Diecast Cars of Speed Racer and friends. Some of the items are more than ten years old and are no longer in production, making them even more valuable. Learn about what collector’s items others are infatuated by the masses, so you can know what key trinkets to get your hands on to make your collection truly one-of-a-kind.

We all know – at least for the most part – that the Mach 5 is the main staple of Speed Mifune’s existence. He uses this supercar to help defeat other drivers on the Formula One circuit and to fight evil. But there are a lot of interesting facts that one can entertain regarding this car. This got our mind’s a swooping today. Curious to find an answer, we tasked ourselves with digging up some key facts about the beefy, capable Mach 5. What follows are the top seven facts were able to find for you (and us).

Seven Awesome Facts About the Mach 5 from the Speed Racer Cartoon

1. This car is actually called the “Mahha-go” in Japanese ((マッハ号, Mahha-gō).
2. The Mach 5 was built and designed by Speeds’ dad, “Pops Racer” (Daisuke Mifune).
3. The original 1967 Speed Racer cartoon features a white Mach 5 with the “M” emblem for Mifune on it, and the signature racing stripe. In the 1993 cartoon movie remake, it was redesigned.
4. The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (1958-61 models) is where the inspiration for the Mach 5 design came from.
5. The Mach 5 is an open formula racing car.
6. It features 8 buttons for power-ups that were modeled after the James Bond car from the 60s.
7. There is a real life version of this car – you can check that out Here.

WATCH: Speed Racer – Mach 5′s Advanced Features

There are a ton of questions that we have seen regarding the advanced features of the Mach 5 from the Speed Racer cartoon. In fact, there are even elements regarding these advanced features that we have had some question regarding; and we are Speed Racer cartoon protagonists over here. Curious to find the answers, we stumbled across this awesome online video. In the video, they carefully explain – in intricate details with real clips from the original cartoon – how any and all of these advanced features work on the Mach 5. Finally, your Mach 5 questions, answered!

Over the years gone by, there have been several versions of the Speed Racer cartoon. What began as a magna (comic book) in Japan in the late 50s, and that ultimately crossed over as the original Speed Racer cartoon, has gone on to see four TV adaptations over the past 50 years. During that time, numerous Speed Racer toys have been released, and some of them are very sought after collectibles. Today, we offer some details on four of these rather rare Speed Racer toys.

Speed Racer Slot Car Race Track Set: This 1:43 scale model Speed Racer slot car race track allows you to race the Mach 5 with your best friends. It includes three F1 cars, the track and controllers. It retails for about $68 online.

Mattel Hot Wheels Speed Racer Mach 6 and Battle Rig: An absolute must-have for any keen minded collector, this battle rig houses the Mach 6 car and a complete garage that opens up from the semi trailer. It retails online for about $25.

Speed Racer Hot Wheels Trick Tracks Speed Tower Raceway Track Set: Now you can slot race with your friends using three cars: Mach 5, Mach 6 and Racer X. This fabulous collector item retails online for about $66.

Barbie, Speed Racer Gift Set: This ultra rare Barbie set features Speed Mifune and his long time love interest, Trixie. It retails online for about $21.

WATCH: Make Your Own Speed Racer Barbie Online

You did not read that title wrong. Now, for girls who love the Speed Racer cartoon, they can make their own Barbie-styled Speed Racer gamers online. The site is located Here. The description offered on the YouTube listing is fitting, and while this gal is not associated with the Speed Racer copyrights, or Barbie, she looks like she fits the bill quite nicely.

They describe this online dress-up game on YouTube as:

Meet speedy Lily, a beautiful racer that today wants to break her personal record. It is true, this girl is powerful and agile, but she is also keen on fashion. Find a nice race outfit for her and a new fancy haircut. Do it now and do it fast! The game’s dressing up options are as fast as the speed of light. Good luck!

Until next week, Viola!

This is LONG overdue news, fellow pundits of the Speed Racer cartoon. What kind of news would denote capitalizing letters for enhanced contextual punch? Well that of only the best kind. For years, fans of the Speed Racer cartoon have had to wait for a new game; and trust us, because we’ve just about covered every variant of the Speed Racer cartoon games that currently exist. And now, there is a NEW one on the horizon. Unlike the Wii game – which was based on the 2008 movie – and unlike “The Great Plan” – which is based upon the Nickelodeon remake – this game was entirely inspired by the classic episodes of the Speed Racer cartoon.

Speed Racer: The Beginning entails an epic journey as you take control of the original Mach 5 supercar and pursue your dreams of grandeur on the international Formula One circuit. The side scrolling game will be available on all iSO powered devices as of this month, according to a recent press release. Gamers will be able to add power-ups to the car (like extra lives, increased durability, better tires and so forth) before and after each race. The game will stick true to the original Speed Racer cartoon by including real clips from episodes that aired in the 60s in between races. Get in a jam? Call Trixie (Speed’s girlfriend) for a helicopter ride!

Be sure to spread the word about the new Speed Racer Game on Facebook.

WATCH: Speed Racer: Around the World

“Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer; he’s a demon on wheels!” Who can forget the infamous calling sign – and song – of the world’s most famous Formula One driver? (Move over Mario Andretti!) In this episode, watch as the young 18-year-old driver has to take his smooth driving skills and cool composure under pressure to the international Formula One circuit, where evils of the oddest and most menacing kind lurk as denizens beneath the cushy looking exterior. It’s classic episodes like these that helped paved the way for the new Speed Racer cartoon video game that we just can’t stop yapping about.

Okay … we have a couple interesting tidbits of Speed Racer Cartoon to get underway here today. We are covering some collectibles of this cult classic cartoon as well this week, so if you are collector, stay tuned to our coverage of the Mifunes because we are about to reveal some sought after goods that you want to get your hands on. But first, why not deliver another fabulous Speed Racer online game for you wrap your eager hands around in the meanwhile … and next week we have a BRAND NEW GAME for MOBILE DEVICES to deliver, so make certain to check back!

PLAY: HotWheels Speed Racer Online Game

Before you collect them all, play them in a Speed Racer online game. Check out the link provided above that allows you to race your favorite Hotwheels cars as Speed. The controls are really simple, and they provide instructional guidance as well in a tutorial. Choose your car, select your track, and then practice or play to see if you can set the new Speed Racer Record and carve your way into online glory and greatness, not to mention owning the sweet bragging rights.

WATCH: Footage from Speed Racer Cartoon Game for Wii

If you are wondering a Speed Racer Online game looks like, you can check out a glimpse of the online game play by watching this video. We have a fellow fan of the Speed Racer cartoon to thank for uploading this online video – and creating it, too. You can get a really good idea of what this game looks like by watching this video and seeing it in action for yourself. This video features the Speed Racer game for Nintendo Wii that was based off the 2008 movie, and not of the game in question we are talking about above. Still, it’s another Speed Racer online game you’ve got to play.

Love the Speed Racer cartoon and you just can’t seemingly get enough of it in to calm the urge to go Mach 5 (or 6) crazy? Then you will certainly not want to miss out on the awesome array of Speed Racer RC collectibles that we have in store for you today. They are made by a few different manufacturers—and they are easily must-have collector’s items for all fans who celebrate the Mifune family.

 Mattel Speed Racer RC Mach 6: Mattel – the same people who make Barbie – happens to make several of these toys in all sizes. The one that you will really want is the 1:16 scale 49MHz RC, which features Speed behind the wheel.

 Mattel Speed Racer RC Racer X: The Mattel version of this car comes in two sizes, but the super small 1:38 Scale infrared toy is the one that you may want to consider collecting. A teeny Racer X is show in the cockpit.

Jada Toys Speed Racer RC Mach 5: Jada Toys makes about five or six different version of Speed’s zippy Mach 5. The one that you want to look out for is the 1:6 Scale version; the most popular one.

WATCH: Speed Racer RC Video

A father and son duo is the masterminds behind this ingenious video. He – the father – says in the description of this video that when he and his eight-year-old son were bored, they decided to be innovative and create their own Speed Racer cartoon video using the RC car collectible they had purchased. Enjoy watching our top pick for fan contributions videos for this week.

If you love the Speed Racer cartoon series – and you are as obsessed with celebrating it as we are – then you will be very upset with yourself if you do not take the time to read this article in its entirety, as we have some Speedy-goodness to deliver to you today, and some much awaited news that will make you get all giddy and worked up inside once again for your favorite cartoon Formula One driver and his infamous entourage. In a nutshell: Speed Racer cartoon returns in the long awaited new Speed Racer book that is brought to you by Allegory Media and Graphicly. We have the scoop.

An excerpt from the opening passages of an early November press releases puts as many good words to describing what fans can expect with this new Speed Racer cartoon comic book as we could muster. In the press release, they announce the arrival of the comic book, including the first collector’s edition, Speed Racer: Circle of Vengeance #1, as well as announce their partnership with digital content delivery leader, Graphicly.

One of the most recognizable pop culture icons is coming to Digital Comics, as Allegory and its publishing imprint, Allegory Media releases Speed Racer: Circle of Vengeance #1, the new comic book series, exclusively on Graphicly. Bursting from the screen from the original Japanese manga and television cartoon, Speed Racer: Circle of Vengeance #1 is a new chapter in the ongoing legacy of the acclaimed character.

David Fawley, the chief operations officer at Allegory Media, stated of them partnering with Graphicly to bring back the return of the Speed Race cartoon, as them being at a 21^st century crossroads.

“We find ourselves at a very important crossroad in publishing. While traditional print
remains the foundation, rapid advances in technology afford readers the opportunity to
explore storytelling in an entirely new way,” Fawley, said. “Allegory believes in this change and sought out the best to help make our goals a reality.. one word… Graphicly.”

The new comic book is already on store shelves and features stories by Robby Musso, Len Wein, James Rochell, Lee Kohse and Tommy Yune. It presents a vivid and artistic portrayal of Speed and friends as they are brought back to life in what is perhaps the longest awaited return of any comic book in recent history.

Back, of course, by popular demand.

One place where collectors probably have not thought to look very often when trying to get their hands on Speed Racer cartoon collectibles is the oddest of locations: a fast food restaurant. Not just any fast food joint, but the enormous conglomerate, McDonald’s. It is not uncommon for McDonald’s to partner with major motion pictures that are family-friendly when they arrive at the box office; McDonald’s generally races to grab up the merchandising rights. This way, they can offer signature toys and collectibles inside of every Happy Meal to eager children who can’t wait to play with them. But eager children aside, it is we collectors who also seek out Happy Meals when they grace the boxes with nifty Speed Racer toys like the following, which were released in 2008 by the burger franchise as part of their marketing campaign that centered on the 2008 major motion picture, Speed Racer: The Movie.

McDonald’s originally featured 16 different toys that were branded after the Speed Racer cartoon. Amongst toys that were included in the Happy Meal promotion were the Mach 5 and the Mach 6, the rare red Mach 4, Racer X (in yellow and in black) and a few other cars that were in the film. For the girls, there was the Christina Ricci and Emile Hirsch classic Speed Racer bracelet, a pink mirror vanity, and a Mach 5 backpack.

WATCH: Speed Racer 2008 McDonald’s Happy Meal Toy Mach 6 Review

A child who is infatuated with these toys offers a detailed review about the Mach 6 collector’s toy that he got from a Happy Meal back in 2008. The car never existed in the magna, and Speed generally drove the Mach 5. But the Mach 6 came around later and is still a highly sought after collector toy with some nifty gimmicks to boot.