Glen Ellyn , Ill (MARCH 28, 2002) -- Adding impressive muscle to its already extensive roster of collectible die-cast replicas, Racing Champions announces the release of a new lineup of NASCAR replicas. The authentically detailed cars, boats, and trucks will be issued in extremely limited editions, and include entries in the existing AUTHENTICS and STOCK RODS series, as well as the launch of two new limited-edition collections: the IRONMAN series and the SPORTSMAN series.
According to Mary Stevens, Product Manager for Racing Champions, the new releases pack all the high-octane excitement collectors are looking for. "These replicas were designed for the serious hobbyist from the get-go," she said, "and they've got it all. They bring together some of the most recognizable drivers and teams in NASCAR, in extremely limited production quantities, and they do everything but put the collector behind the wheel. The fun is built in, and collectors are going to love it."
Leading off the new entries in the AUTHENTICS series will be 1:24-scale replicas of some of the most popular cars and drivers ever to burn up the track, featuring full team/sponsor graphics, opening hood, trunk, and roof flaps, and detailed engine bay, cockpit, chassis, suspension, and racing brakes. March introductions will include the #48 Jimmie Johnson/Lowe's car, #22 Ward Burton/Caterpillar, #32 Ricky Craven/Tide, and the #1 Jimmy Spencer/Yellow Freight, followed in April by the #4 Mike Skinner/Kodak car and #10 Johnny Benson/Valvoline. Suggested retail price is $69.99. Production of Winston Cup releases will be limited to 1,198 pieces, including 199 silver-chrome chase cars, and Busch Grand National releases will be limited to 840 pieces, of which 140 will be chase cars.
The 1:18-scale NASCAR STOCK RODS series recalls the glory days of muscle cars, teaming classic hot rods with modern race graphics. The cars are loaded with the supercharged authenticity collectors demand, and feature opening hoods, detailed engines and chassis, and steerable wheels. First off the line, with introduction slated for March, is the Caterpillar 1971 Barracuda, followed by the Kellogg's 1970 Camaro in April. Only 1,200 of each car will be released, including 200 silver-chrome chase cars at the suggested retail price of $69.95.
Celebrating some of fans' most favorite race drivers today, the IRONMAN collection kicks off a new category with a 1:24-scale replica of the Daytona 500 winner, #22 Ward Burton/Caterpillar car, with more drivers to follow. Produced in an extremely limited edition of only 504 pieces, the replicas feature a bare, buffed metal finish with full color race graphics, and all the authentic details collectors are looking for, including opening hood and trunk, and detailed engines, chassis, and fuel cell. Suggested retail price is $59.99.
In response to collector demand, the new SPORTSMAN series of 1:18-scale trucks and boats launches with two more tributes to a NASCAR icon-the #22 Ward Burton/Caterpillar bass boat, and the #22 Ward Burton/Caterpillar Dodge truck. Amazingly accurate in every way, the boat features a die-cast hull and trailer, steerable motor, and detailed trolling motor. On board, the near-fanatic attention to detail continues-the rod holders and storage compartments open, and the front and rear PVC seats swivel. The Dodge truck has an opening hood and tailgate and fully detailed engine and chassis. Produced in editions limited to 750 pieces, the replicas carry a suggested retail price of $69.99 and will be available in April. Additional drivers and teams will follow.
Racing Champions (www.rcertl.com) is a leading producer and marketer of innovative collectibles and toys targeted at males of all ages. The Company's diverse product offering includes scaled die-cast replicas of John Deere agricultural equipment and NASCAR stock cars, other licensed vehicle replicas, pre-teen toys, sports trading cards, racing apparel and souvenirs, and collectible figures. These products are sold under the Company's market-focused brand names, including Racing Champions®, Ertl®, Ertl Collectibles®, American Muscle™, AMT®, W. Britain®, Press Pass® and JoyRide Studios™. The Company reinforces its brands and enhances the authenticity of its products by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties including NASCAR, NHRA, John Deere, Case IH, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, Chrysler, Texaco, Warner Brothers, Gullane Entertainment, Nintendo, Sega and Electronic Arts. The Company's products are marketed through multiple channels of distribution, including mass retailers and specialty and hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM dealers and to corporate accounts for promotional purposes. The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
