Mgears Remote Control Racers
(Learning Resources $29.95 Score:) Our testers liked the speed they got with this 213 piece Grand Prix Racer. The base comes with the wheels already on (last year we had trouble getting the wheels on!). "The directions sometimes have too many steps in them—they should be more like Lego's." "It really works, the gears move when you make the car go." "Much better than last year’s tethered remote control; it goes much faster too." 7 & up. (888) 800-7893.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2005.

Shell Shocker Radio Control
(Mattel $69.99 Score:) By remote control you can have the shell shocker roll up into a ball or open it up into what the company calls a "cyberbeast". The vehicle is also designed to stand up to play action in the dirt. As the toy opens up a cyber extention flaps down hard and helps propel the shell shocker. While it is relatively easy to get the shell shocker to turn, our testers found it difficult to have it move forward. Our testers also felt this was the most unfriendly remote they had ever tried. You certainly "wouldn't want to get to close to it!" reported one tester. It does have an alien/predator feel to it that might appeal to older boys. You also should buy the Tyco Pro Fexpak Battery and Charger for an additional $29.99.

Age: Later School Years. Award Year: 2006.

Air Hogs Havoc Heli
(Spinmaster $39.99 Score:)

The Air Hogs Havoc Heli is our favorite novelty toy of the season. Amazingly lightweight and small, these less-than-6 1⁄2" helicopters hover, flit, and speed about a room operated by a hand held transmitter that "pilots" can operate with ease indoors. Infrared remote control maneuvers the copters up and down, and right or left (and look really really cool with the lights off). They fly for about 5-7 minutes before needing a recharge (takes 15 minutes). OK, they are not for a room with serious art treasures, but they are fun! Buy them singly or, better yet, as a pair for racing and piloting games. Comes with spare tail propellers (smart). 8 & up.

Age: Later School Years. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

DRV Rescue SUV and Plane
(Kid Galaxy $45 Score:) Here's one of the coolest combinations. Two remote control vehicles to play with at the same time. The remote control works both the sturdy truck and the plane that sits on top of the truck. Charges just like their stand alone planes—you hold the charger down for 10 seconds.

Age: Later School Years. Award Year: 2009.

Kart Maniax Stunt Pit
(Mattel $19.99 Score:) Of all the new track sets from Hot Wheels our testers gave the highest marks to the Kart Maniax Stunt Pit. However, they all thought the set should come with two karts ($9.99 for each additional kart). We agree! Our testers also liked the Octoblast ($39.99 ) - the marquee racing set of the year. The cars travel quickly and it is more stable than most of its predecessors. Like most of these closed sets it will likely have short-term appeal.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2003.

Air Hogs Hydro Launcher
(Spinmaster $99.99 Score:) Promises to take flight from the water! Marked appropriately 14 & up (the propellers have a potential to really hurt). Equally neat looking, Air Hogs Helix Helicopter ($69.99)—a small-scale copter designed for indoor use. If this works, it will be great. No assembly required. 8 & up. Neither ready for testing. (800) 622-8339.

Age: Later School Years. Award Year: 2007.

Bump n Chuck R/C Bumper Cars
(Kid Galaxy $35 Score:) Despite the dubious name, we all stopped and played with these fun vehicles. Your set comes with two radio controllers and two bumper cars with figures. Drive your vehicle defensively or go for it. If you bump your opponent his play figure pops out! The vehicles are easy to manipulate and drive forward, reverse, left and right. 5 & up. Also good fun, Scoop 'n' Shoot R/C Basketball ($40), two basketball shoe vehicles that scoop up small basketballs in the front end of the shoes and shoot a ball into the two backboards with nets. A bit harder to manipulate successfully than the Bumper cars. 7 & up.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2008.

Kid Galaxy Elite Fleet Vertigo
(Kid Galaxy $40 Score:) Clear away any breakable treasures before your kids power up this small helicopter with double whirling blades. A handheld controller allows you to steer up/down/ forward/sideways action. It will need charging (20 mins.) from time to time, but this is sure to be a hit. Using infra-red technology, this zippy little helicopter takes 6 AA batteries. 8 & up. The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Later School Years. Award Year: 2009.