RC2 TEARS UP THE TRACK,
INTRODUCES EIGHT HOT NASCAR MODELS IN ITS AMT® KITS LINE
Bolingbrook, IL - April 16, 2003 - Eight new 1:25-scale models-fully
licensed by NASCAR, completely retooled for 2003, and featuring
some of the hottest teams burning up the track this year-will be
released this summer in the AMT kit line by RC2 (formerly Racing
Champions Ertl) (NASDAQ: RCRC).
Slated for introduction in July are models of the NASCAR Chevrolet
Monte Carlo driven by #24 Jeff Gordon, #20 Tony Stewart, #18 Bobby
Labonte, and #48 Jimmie Johnson. They'll be followed in August by
replicas of the Ford Taurus cars driven by #17 Matt Kenseth, the
current Winston Cup points leader; #97 Kurt Bush; #6 Mark Martin;
and #98 Dale Jarrett.
"These are the kits hobbyists are asking for," said Dell
Torgerson, Managing Director of RC2, "and I can promise them
they won't be disappointed. We've rounded up some great NASCAR licenses
and some top teams, I think it's safe to say that these kits will
bring racing excitement home."
The plastic models are easily assembled and ready for the hobbyist
to custom-paint. The bodies have been completely retooled, too,
and the detail is well up to AMT's high standards, from the last
rivet on the bumpers to the exacting accuracy of the dashboard.
Each kit includes more than seventy-five parts as well as precise-to-the-last-detail
decals of the 2003 paint schemes of top NASCAR teams. Suggested
retail price is $14.00.
RC2 (www.rcertl.com) is a leading producer and marketer of high
quality, innovative collectibles and toys targeted at adult collectors
and children. The Company's diverse product offerings include: agricultural,
construction and outdoor sports vehicle replicas; automotive, high
performance and racing vehicle replicas; traditional children's
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®,
Learning Curve®, American Muscle™, AMT®, W. Britain®,
Press Pass®, Eden®, Feltkids® and JoyRide Studios™.
The Company supports its brands and enhances the authenticity of
its products by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties
from John Deere, Harley-Davidson, Hit Entertainment, Lamaze, Case,
Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler, NASCAR,
NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, DIC Entertainment,
Nintendo, Sega, Electronic Arts and Microsoft. The Company's products
are marketed through multiple channels of distribution, including
chain retailers, specialty and hobby wholesalers and retailers,
OEM dealers, corporate accounts for promotional purposes and direct
to consumers. The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail
outlets located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
