Indy Racing League officials are finalizing a deal with Mattel’s Hot Wheels to roll out a line of replica
open-wheel cars this spring. As little cars go, this is a pretty big deal. Hot Wheels, which first came out in 1968, is easily
the leading seller of toy and replica cars in North America. Hot Wheels has long been one of Mattel’s top revenue generators
internationally.
Mattel officials approached the IRL last year about releasing a line of the standard-sized Hot Wheels cars to look just like the real race cars, something which should make IRL sponsors very happy. Though Mattel isn’t forking over much cash for the deal, the California-based company is promising to put lots of marketing muscle behind the initiative.
“This is a pretty comprehensive program where Hot Wheels is going to come up with a bunch of cars,” said IRL spokesman John Griffin. “They’re working with all the teams and drivers, so you’ll see a 7-11 car and a Motorola car and a lot of others. Clearly from a licensing and promotional stand point, this is a huge opportunity for us.”
Mattel also has proposed releasing a special series of larger toy IRL cars, and intends to put the 2009 IRL schedule on all of its packaging for IRL-themed items. IRL also will have a prominent presence on Hot Wheels’ interactive Web site.
Mattel officials are currently working on a number of promotions for the new line, Griffin said, and plan to be active at IRL races during the upcoming season.
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Is Mattel trying to go out of business?
I doubt even Hot Wheels can de-hideous those abortions. But is is a big score for the 'league'. I trust they'll find a way to screw it up, they haven't ever disappointed in that department yet.
before you spout off, b-wicky, do some research on the matter. Its about like the ethanol controversy, and we see how that has panned out for talkin Terry & TonyTard.
It would also be smart to come out with an IRL line of racing tracks and accessories. Of course I have never forgiven Hot Wheels for buying out and destroying Matchbox cars which were of far superior quality.
Campbells. :lol:
I am sure you guys will also fault NASCAR since they have already announced a large cut in testing, and the rumor is they will probably start cutting races. With the trouble in the big three, it is estimated at least one will drop out in the next 12 months if not two. That will mean a major cut in sponsorship. Things are tough all over, but it is much better to blame TG for it, right? the old Cart owners wanted Indy to be a one week affair. If not for TG, they would have had their way. Would I rather see a month than three weeks? Sure, would I rather see three weeks than 1 week you bet. Now could someone send me the C>rt/owrs/ccws schedule for this year, I can't wait to see the push to pass feature and special tires again. Now that is racing ya'all
Campbells - good one! :woot:
Tony lied and lied and sold everyone down the river, all to become a weaker, more fartier engined nosie CART. look: foreign drivers, check. road races, check. street festivals, check. Jap engines, check. Eye-talyun cars, check. fans, uh......NOPE! ;)
I don't believe TG has the capacity to convince Ganassi, Penske, and AGR though lies alone.
Since the teams don't get most of their money from TG, their are many financial hands in the complicity of what the IRL has to offer.
Yeah, sure, I can defame, name call, make fun and all of that too of what is left. Oh, my, our kingdom for what we had in the 80's and ealy 90's. But, CART owners got too greedy and took the series in the wrong direction. I just try to hold out hope that the smart people in the series (and you have to agree there are some) will be able to overcome the lackings that TG has in time.
And from the earlier point, Miles Brand and Blake Ress gave no one the opportunity to put a stop to their insipid, ruinous plans and for what disaster they left for Hoosier basketball fans.