Racing Champions Corporation and Texaco Announce Marketing and Distribution Relationship

24 July 2000

Racing Champions to produce, market and distribute Texaco branded die-cast vehicles

    GLEN ELLYN, Ill. - Racing Champions Corporation today announced an arrangement with Texaco Inc. that will pay tribute to Texaco's rich heritage through a line of replica die-cast collectibles. Racing Champions, the largest producer and marketer of die-cast collectibles, will design and produce a detailed line of Texaco die-cast products to be distributed through various channels including an exclusive Texaco Collectors Club.

    "This marketing program is focused on utilizing the manufacturing and marketing expertise of Racing Champions to reinforce the Texaco brand," said Tom Knaggs, vice president of business development for Racing Champions. "This innovative program will target various distribution channels which will further strengthen the already well-known Texaco brand throughout the racing and die-cast collectibles market."

    "Texaco has the brand longevity that collectors want in a branded collectible vehicle," said Barry Coleman, Texaco's manager of corporate merchandise and trademark licensing. "With the help of Racing Champions' marketing proficiency and breadth of distribution channels, we look forward to a successful branding program that will entertain collectors and automobile enthusiasts."

    Through the marketing and distribution partnership, Racing Champions will continue to manufacture exclusive die-cast collectibles from Texaco's vast fleet of delivery vehicles, planes and vessels used by the company over the last, nearly, 100 years. The detailed die-cast products will be available for retail sale only at Texaco branded outlets.

    Racing Champions will also target collectors nationwide by distributing special Texaco branded collectibles through direct response offers as well as through Trackside distribution.

    To take the relationship beyond product development and distribution, starting on July 1, Racing Champions will manage the Texaco Collectors Club. The company's mission is to grow the Club into the largest club of car enthusiasts and die-cast collectors of Texaco memorabilia. Membership benefits will include exclusive collectibles and regular newsletters. Club participants and race fans can also cheer for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) car driven by Del Worsham and sponsored by the Texaco Collectors Club through Racing Champions.

    Founded in 1989, Racing Champions (www.racingchampions.com) is a leading producer and marketer of collectibles available at more than 20,000 retail outlets throughout North America. The company is best known for its extensive lines of officially licensed NASCAR die-cast racing replicas, Press Pass trading cards, NASCAR souvenirs and apparel, Ertl agricultural, custom imprint and American Muscle vehicle replicas and AMT model kits. High-profile licensing partners include NASCAR, NHRA, John Deere, Case, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, Chrysler and Warner Brothers.