GLEN ELLYN, Ill., Oct. 31 -- One of the most highly regarded drivers in NHRA hot-rod racing history -- the colorful, celebrated John Force -- has entered into a licensing agreement with Racing Champions (Nasdaq: RACN), the company's president, Peter Henseler, announced today.
Under terms of the agreement, two lines of collectible die-cast replicas are being introduced immediately: the Racing Champions John Force Force Field Collection in 1:64 scale, and the American Muscle(TM) John Force Signature Series in 1:18 scale.
"With his larger-than-life personality and unprecedented ten NHRA Funny Car championships, John Force is literally a legend in his own time," Henseler said, "and this licensing agreement provides a great opportunity for us pay tribute to his achievements. You just can't overemphasize the impact this man has had on racing. He's a true sportsman, and we're really excited to be working with him. He's at the top of his game, and everything we do with him is going to be the best of the best."
The Force Field Collection features a twelve-car, all-star line-up of John Force's favorite race cars and hot rods in 1:64 scale, personally selected by John Force. Vehicles include the '69 GTO, '69 Plymouth, '63 Corvette, '69 Boss 302, '57 Fury, '69 Camaro, '58 Edsel, '64 Mustang, '69 Olds 442, '71 Cuda, '68 Firebird, and '53 Corvette. Suggested retail price is $4.99, and packaging includes a collector card that explains what makes this vehicle one of Force's all-time favorites.
Cars in each of the 1:18-scale John Force Signature Series sport a tampo- printed replica of his signature on the roof. Additional highlights include opening hoods and doors, detailed engines and interiors, and functional steering, as well as decoration that is brand new to the American Muscle line.
Each replica comes in series-exclusive packaging.
Signature Series I replicas are serialized and issued in editions of only 2,500. Vehicles include the '69 Camaro SS, '69 Hurst Olds 442, '70 Chevelle SS, '69 Mustang CJ428, '63 Corvette Stingray Coupe, '69 Dodge SuperBee, as well as extremely rare buffed-metal chase car replicas. Suggested retail price is $39.99.
Signature Series II cars are limited to editions of 5,000 and include the '34 Ford Street Rod, '61 Chevy Corvette Hardtop, '66 GTO, '69 Roadrunner, '71 Barracuda, and '70 Mustang Boss 302. Suggested retail price is $34.99.
Founded in 1989, Racing Champions (http://www.rcertl.com) is a leading producer and marketer of innovative collectibles and toys sold in multiple channels of distribution and available at more than 20,000 retail outlets. The company sells American Muscle(TM) collectible die-cast vehicle replicas, NASCAR and NHRA die-cast racing replicas, officially licensed die-cast and preschool products of automobiles, trucks, agricultural, heavy equipment and powered- recreational and sport vehicles, AMT(TM) model kits, Press Pass(R) trading cards and NASCAR souvenirs and apparel. High-profile licensing partners include NASCAR(R), NHRA(R), John Deere(R), Case IH(R), Polaris(R), Honda(R), Caterpillar(R), Ford(R), GM(R), Chrysler(R), Texaco(R), and Warner Brothers(R).
