These Mario Kart characters have never even seen a DMV line.

But not everyone got an invitation back to the racetrack.

And if they didn’t make it into World, they’re never coming back.

The promo image for Shadow Labyrinth showing the Swordsman and Puck is shown, with a variety of colorful Namco characters visible at the sides of the screen.

RIP, you racing icons.

Different Mario Kart games feature third-party cameos.

Pac-Man and friends only ever appeared in the arcade versions of Mario Kart.

Collage showing a backdrop of Super Mario Bros Wonder and Birdo from Captain Toad.

Mametchi is the frontman for the popular pocket pet toy brand.

Can you guess what company owns that brand?

As such, Mametchi was a playable character in the second Mario Kart arcade game.

Promo art from Mario Kart 64 with Banjo, Red, Travis Touchdown, Madeline, and Samus superimposed over the racers' heads.

Though we’re far more interested in a Nintendo-branded Tamagotchi than having a tama in Mario Kart.

Can you imagine a Mario-themed Tamagotchi toy?

We would LOVE to see this, but odds are we won’t.

The Narcos waiting meme but edited to have Donkey Kong JR, Paratroopa, and ROB as the ones waiting.

These adorable 8-bit adventures need a dark and gritty reboot.

Why were they added to a Mario Kart game?

We don’t really know.

A split image of baby Mario crying in Yoshi’s Island and Pink Gold Peach driving in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with Donkey Kong and Didy Kong riding a mine cart over top.

Maybe because Taiko no Tatsujin is also popular in arcades?

Either way, we don’t really miss them.

First, we have Honey Queen, the giant fuzzy bee from Super Mario Galaxy.

Pac Man in the character select screen of the Mario Kart arcade game.

She only ever appears in Mario Kart 7 as an unlockable character.

And unlike other side character drivers, she had her own battle stage.

3Donkey Kong Jr

Dad, Can I Borrow The Car?

Mametchi the tamagotchi on the character select screen of Mario Kart GP 2.

Because why not at this point?

The only other time he appears is in Mario Kart Tour, the mobile game.

Rather Obscure Bot

R.O.B.

Don Chan in the character select screen of Mario Kart Arcade GP DX.

’s history is a funny one.

Originally, it was a physical accessory to the NES in the ’80s.

It was an integral player in keeping video games within the public consciousness at the time.

Honey Queen on the character select screen for Mario Kart 7.

’s success, he’s appeared in various Nintendo games over time.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t shown up since.

It’s a niche that remains unfilled even today.

The character select screen on Super Mario Kart.

This winged, red-shelled koopa first appeared on the track in Mario Kart: Double Dash (2003).

He served as the main pairing to Koopa, leaning into the two-person gimmick of the game.

With over two decades and 12 games, Paratroopa remains the most forgotten about racer in Mario Kart History.

ROB in the character select screen from Mario Kart DS.

This is an outright tragedy!

Paratroopa is, in all regards, a better, cooler, koopa.

And with the flying/gliding mechanics of the more recent games, he would be a perfect fit.

Koopa and Paratroopa in the Mario Kart Double Dash select screen.

And yet, he remains neglected.

Even the Piantas are getting more love.

Don’t worry, Paratroopa, you’ll always be number one in my heart.

Triple-A Games

Paratroopa’s was the Triple Red Shell, making him a particularly dangerous combatant on the track.

We already have Animal Crossing and Zelda crossovers, after all.

Mario Kart