Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-thru brings life-sized replicas, monster trucks to the Toyota Arena
High Desert Hot Wheels fans are excited after discovering that lifesize versions of their favorite cars, along with monster trucks, have invaded the Toyota Arena in Ontario for the month-long Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-thru experience.
“I can't wait to see the expression on my kids' faces when they see these giant Hot Wheels,” said Jonathan Molo of Victorville, who plans on taking his family to the event this month. “My sons, Asher and Lennon, are going to freak out when we get there.”
Concerning the state-mandated stay-at-home order in place in San Bernardino County due to rising COVID-19 cases, Molo told the Daily Press, “It's great knowing that there's a safe and fun place to take the family.”
On Monday night, the Daily Press joined hundreds of cars filled with toy and auto enthusiasts of all ages, who weaved through the nearly mile-long route at the arena's parking lot to view the largest life-size collection of Hot Wheels vehicles ever assembled.
The contactless experience that is scheduled to run from Dec. 3 to Jan. 2 is designed to be enjoyed from inside the safety of vehicles. The event is also operated under COVID-19 safety protocols, said Hot Wheels organizers in a statement.
Upon entering the drive-thru event, drivers are given an “I Spy Challenge” card with nine objects to check off as they are spotted along the route. The card also includes a QR code to access an online Hot Wheels-themed soundtrack, which can be played during the event.
Strings of orange and blue Christmas lights flanked the route Monday as large spotlights lit up
50 legendary Hot Wheels vehicles, including Hall of Fame classics such as the original Bone Shaker convertible hot rod, which came replete with a large metal skull on the front of the vehicle.
Based on the excited screams of visiting children inside their vehicles, one of the most popular attractions was the four-story Megasaurus transformer, which stood motionless as it appeared to eat a smaller vehicle.
Over the years, the fire-breathing Megasaurus has appeared at Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live events across the country, where the “car-nivore” of terror has used its 18,000 pounds of biting force to chomp down on cars, boats, planes and houses.
Another fan favorite included the orange and black-striped Tiger Shark, a monster truck complete with fins and sharp teeth. It is best known for its ability to leap over and crush vehicles.
Also starring in the lineup was the original monster truck, Bigfoot,
a 1974 Ford F-250 pickup that was modified in 1975.
The monster truck fleet also featured the popular Bigfoot No. 5, the world's tallest and heaviest monster truck.
Built in 1986, Bigfoot No. 5 sports 10-foot-tall Firestone tires previously used on an Army vehicle in Alaska in the 1950s. The tires alone weigh no less than one ton, with the total weight of the truck at 38,000 pounds, according to Auto Evolution.
Most of the displays could be viewed from both the driver and passenger sides of vehicles because of the serpentine pattern of the route that also included several colorful tunnels made with strings of flashing lights.
Along the route, a large projection screen displayed several Hot Wheels-themed videos, including stunt drivers Tanner Foust and Greg Tracy in separate vehicles simultaneously speeding toward, and successfully navigating, a pair of 66-foot-tall Hot Wheels tracks at the Hot Wheels Double Dare Loop at X Games Los Angeles in 2012.
Event staff took photos of visitors in their vehicles when they stopped in front of large Hot Wheels murals. Once processed and accessed online, each photo will feature vehicles as packaged Hot Wheels toys.
At the end of the route, one excited little boy could be heard shouting, “Can we do this Hot Wheels again?”
The Hot Wheels Ultimate DriveThru experience is scheduled through Jan. 2. Times are:
• 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday
• 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays • Noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
The event is closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31.
The Toyota Arena is located at 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario. Vehicles accessing the Hot Wheels event should enter through Gate B, located off of Concours Street.
No passengers are permitted in the back of pickup trucks and everyone is required to remain in their vehicles.
Only standard vehicles with three rows of seating or fewer are permitted within the course. No limos, party buses or other types of buses are allowed.
The experience takes approximately 30 minutes from the ticket booth to the exit of the drive-thru. There are no concessions or bathroom facilities on site.
Tickets start at $45 per vehicle. A free Hot Wheels 3-Car Pack and photo comes with every ticket purchase.
Ticket purchasers can also prepurchase exclusive Hot Wheels and Bigfoot merchandise bundles to be redeemed at the event.
For more ticket prices, event information and to purchase tickets, visit www.hotwheelsultimatedrivethru.com.