Wacky Races

Wacky Races

1968 - United States

One of the most popular cartoon series to come from the prolific studio of Hanna-Barbera, Wacky Races was loosely based on the Jack Lemmon/Tony Cutis movie The Great Race

11 daredevil racers lined up each week to claim the title of 'World's Wackiest Racer' and each week produced a different winner. This caused quite a stir in Great Britain when one school headmaster revealed that he had discovered his 12-14 year old pupils 'running a book' on the weekly result.* Nevertheless, the drivers drew up to the starting line each week regardless, and they were: The Slag Brothers in the BoulderMobile, The Gruesome Twosome in the Creepy Coupe, Professor Pat Pending in the Convert-a-Car, Red Max in the Haybailer, Penelope Pitstop in the Compact Pussycat, Sarge and Meekly in the Army Surplus Special, The Ant Hill Mob in the Roaring Plenty, Luke and Blubber in the Arkansas Chugga-Bug, Peter Perfect in the Varoom Roadster, Rufus Ruffcut and Sawtooth in the Buzz Wagon, and lastly, the villains of the piece in their Mean Machine...Dick Dastardly and his sniggering canine sidekick, Muttley, whose sole aim it was to win every race by hook or by crook. Drat and Double drat! 

Two spin-off serials followed The Perils of Penelope Pitstop and Dastardly and Muttley In Their Flying Machines.

Published on February 11th, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus *"It was our school what did it" for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Devil in the Fog

"In the beginning this tale tells how I, George, eldest born son of Master Salathiel Treet, strolling player and man of genius, came to have greatness thrust upon me."

Also released in 1968

Thora Hird as The First Lady

A female official takes her seat on a local council. But the no-nonsense councillor has to face up to the bureaucracy of both local and central government.

Also released in 1968

Alias the Jester

Animated children's series about a time traveller who inadvertently arrives in medieval England at the court of King Arthur

Also tagged Animated Series

Arabian Knights

Animated series of stories set round the ancient city of Baghdad which is under the rule of the evil Sultan Bakaar, who has usurped the throne from the rightful inheritance of the young Prince Turham

Also released in 1968

Crime Buster

Ray Saxon has a nose for sports racketeers. Working for the Sunday Globe he investigates corruption and murder.

Also released in 1968

Count Duckula

Children's cartoon series centred around Duckula's adventures in search of riches and fame.

Also tagged Animated Series