YES FREE! As stated in the May Issue (#2) of the Diecast Alley newsletter:

Order $75 or more of IN-STOCK GreenLight product and receive a FREE GREEN MACHINE!. Your FREE GREEN MACHINE is randomly selected from various GreenLight releases. Your order screen will not show the FREE GREEN MACHINE when checking out, but you WILL receive a FREE GREEN MACHINE if you order $75 or more of IN-STOCK GreenLight product! This offer is only good until May 16th, 2008.

[via diecastalley.com]

About 3 weeks ago Mattel Canada launched a new interactive contest called “License 2 Play.” Players will be challenged to solve mysteries around “The Hot Wheels 6″, a ring of fictional car thieves for the chance to win fabulous weekly and monthly prizes featuring Hot Wheels cars and licensed products and most importantly, earning their License 2 Play.

Dads are also encouraged to play online with their kids for the chance to win a brand new car of their choice (to a maximum value of $45,000) and a trunk full of Hot Wheels toys valued at $2,000.

Hot Wheels fans can keep up-to-date on the latest Licence 2 Play contest challenges, news and events by downloading the Hot Wheels widget.

This event is part of Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary and began on April 15th. Collectors can take advantage of this fun contest for the next 6 months.

As stated previously, there will be quite a few sneak peeks of all the great diecast to be had at the Summer Smash later this year - but, who knew they would be coming out at such a rapid pace! Check out these shots of some cool customs that will be available to collectors who attend.

In addition to these hot customs, Rhode Island Hot Wheels Club President has announced that Dave Chang of Kustom City will be in attendance at the Smash! Dave will be one of the judges at the custom contest and will bring a few surprises as well. Don’t miss your chance to meet Dave in person - register today!

[via hotwheelscollectors.com]

If you weren’t able to attend the Hot Wheels Nationals in Chicago last weekend, you can still get your hands on some of the great diecast made for the event by Liberty Promotions. Liberty created two Chicago-themed buses called “Chicago Fire” and Chicago Ganster.”

Collectors attending the Nationals as well as Liberty Legion members at the Titanus and Prominus levels have been able to get both of the special Drag Buses since the April 23rd. Collectors at the Commendus level have been able to purchase the buses since Wednesday April 30th, and those at the Discoverus level can begin purchasing on Friday, May 2nd.

Here are the details on each from the official Liberty Promotions site:

Chicago Fire:

The city is burning! Introducing the Chicago Fire VW Drag Bus commemorating 40 years of Hot Wheels® and the Hot Wheels® Collectors Nationals in Chicago! This bus features graphics of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The city is silhouetted with different buildings and Lake Michigan on each side with the inferno blazing in the background. With glossy black paint and vivid orange flames, this bus is sure to be hot!

The Rebel Run features Mrs. O’Leary’s cow hiding on the rear of the bus. Rumor has it that this cow started the fire when she kicked over an oil lantern. (Rebel Runs are by random chance only.)

- Regular Run: Only 1,300 produced!
- Rebel Run: “Mrs. O’Leary’s Cow” Edition - only 400 produced!

Chicago Gangster:

Gangsters are out in force! Introducing the Chicago Ganster VW Drag Bus commemorating 40 years of Hot Wheels® and the Hot Wheels® Collectors Nationals in Chicago! With a “hit” about to go down in the darkened city, this “Asphalt Black” bus will be an intimidating addition to your collection!

The Rebel Run features Al Capone taking aim at you!

- Regular Run: Only 1,300 produced!
- Rebel Run: “Al Capone” Edtion - only 400 produced! (Rebel Runs are by random chance only.)

If you’re not already a member of The Liberty Legion, then you’ll need to join prior to ordering. Be sure to take advantage of purchasing these buses as soon as your Legion level permits as these small quantities won’t last forever!

[via libertypromotions.com]