COSI OPENS Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™ EXHIBIT

All roads lead to Columbus as COSI opens Hot WheelsTM: Race to Win™ on Saturday, September 22, 2018. This family exhibit will get you revved up with immersive activities for three generations of Hot Wheels® fans. There’s something for mom, dad, grandparents and of course today’s youngest Hot Wheels fans. The exhibition will be on display through January 6, 2019 before it continues on its tour throughout North America.

Guests will work together as part of a dynamic race team to build and test the fastest (and safest) speed machines on the planet, using Hot Wheels die-cast cars to experiment and play. This behind-the-scenes look at the thrilling world of racing investigates the scientific process for designing super-fast cars and helps those with the need for speed understand how it is achieved.

“This exhibition is a fantastic introduction into Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through a very popular and iconic toy,” said Dr. Frederic Bertley, COSI President and CEO. “The exhibition takes you through an interactive process of design, engine power, speed, and safety used in engineering real vehicles today. It is a perfect engaging example of STEAM in action.”

Race the clock in the Pit Stop Challenge to change tires and refuel the car. A six-lane downhill speed track, booster power track, adjustable angles track, and timing track are just a few of the ways visitors will be able to test their theories regarding the science of racing and cause and effect. Real race car parts, authentic artifacts, and captivating memorabilia will round out the experience.

Honda R&D Americas, Inc. is loaning COSI a turbocharged, 500-horsepower 2018 Acura TLX A-Spec race car to display in the exhibition. The TLX A-Spec set a new front-wheel drive course record at the 96th running of the Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb to the mountain’s 14,115 ft. summit. On September 22, Honda vehicle dynamics principal engineer and record setting driver Nick Robinson will be at COSI to sign autographs and meet and greet with guests. Additionally, COSI will display a 1964 Chevy Impala SS on loan from Jim ‘The Rev’ Herring from Delaware, Ohio.

50 years ago, Hot Wheels was born when Mattel co-founder Elliot challenged his design team, which included a General Motors car designer and a rocket scientist to create a toy car that was cooler and performed better than anything on the market. They answered with the first-ever trackable toy car. Today Hot Wheels is the #1 selling toy in the world with 16.5 die-cast cars produced every second and over 6 billion Hot Wheels produced since 1968.

Don’t miss the opportunity to push the limits of your imagination and learn about the world of racing in this all-new exhibit. Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™ is produced by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and Mattel. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences across the arts, sciences and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families.

The exhibition will be at COSI September 22, 2018 – January 6, 2019 and is free with COSI admission.

About COSI COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, located in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the most respected and exciting science centers in the nation. Since 1964, COSI has been providing world-class experiences and engaging programing to inspire interest and excitement around all things science, technology and engineering for people of all ages. From hands-on interactives on the museum floor, the new American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery, and state-of-the-art planetarium and movie theater spaces, to its Center for School and Community Partnerships, COSI delivers science and science educational experiences both in its building and far beyond its walls. As a center piece of Columbus’s Downtown Peninsula, COSI stands as a leading cultural institution and destination attraction for regional, national and international audiences. Visit us at cosi.org, facebook.com/cosiscience or twitter.com/cosi

About Mattel Mattel is a leading global children's entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.