Earnhardt Inc.and Action Performance to Produce Legendary Series
MOORESVILLE, N.C.--Oct. 17, 2001--Action Performance Cos. Inc. , together with Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Richard Childress Racing Enterprises Inc., announced a special tribute program that will honor seven-time NASCAR(R) Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt and give Earnhardt's "legendary fans" a special way to be a part of history.The new program, officially titled the "Dale Earnhardt Legendary Series," was unveiled today by Action Performance's president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board, Fred W. Wagenhals; Earnhardt's wife Teresa, owner and CEO of Dale Earnhardt Inc.; and Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing and Earnhardt's friend and team owner for nearly 20 years.
The Dale Earnhardt Legendary Series will start with a series of die-cast replicas crafted to commemorate key moments in the racing legend's stellar career. Thanks to months of research -- including interviews, referencing personal photo albums, and securing the cooperation of many other individuals in the racing industry -- each Dale Earnhardt Legendary Series collectible will include the history behind the replica.
Through its research, Action has identified more than 70 cars Dale drove in his career that have never been produced as a die-cast replica. When appropriate, each collectible in the series will have official approval by both DEI and RCR and will carry the official Dale Earnhardt license.
"We are very pleased to tell the world about this special program," said Teresa Earnhardt. "The Dale Earnhardt Legendary Series will tell many stories of determination that defined Dale's career. Through this program, our devoted fans can build a tangible link to the life of an unbelievably skilled driver, a loyal friend of racing, an exceptional father and husband, and a real American role model.
"Dale and I started working with Action eight years ago because we believed they would provide our fans with the best products. They proved to us they have the ability to do just that and I cannot think of a better company to produce Dale's Legendary Series over the next decade or to provide his fans the comfort of continuing their loyal connection with their champion."
"The Earnhardts have always been very meticulous in the type and appearance of products that carry their name," commented Childress. "Dale and Teresa would never let a product be made unless it met very strict standards. The reason why was because Dale cared deeply about his fans and wanted them to have the best. I think this program gives the fans exactly that."
"Dale and I planned this program as a career retrospective," said Wagenhals. "With the tragic circumstances of his death, Teresa, Richard and I agreed that it would be a fitting tribute to a man we loved and admired, who gave so much to the sport of auto racing.
"This partnership between Action, Teresa Earnhardt and RCR will help to immortalize the exceptional career and legend of Dale Earnhardt. Our initial releases will include products Action has never produced before, together with cars that call to mind memorable moments in Dale Earnhardt's career."
The following are the first releases in the new product line:
| -- | Dale Earnhardt Rookie-of-the-Year 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo In 1979, Dale Earnhardt came on the Winston Cup scene in style in his first full season. He won his first race and the Rookie-of-the-Year award in this Chevrolet fielded by Rod Osterlund. |
| -- | Dale Earnhardt 1st Asphalt Win 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle In this 1964 No. 8 Chevrolet Chevelle, Dale Earnhardt earned the first of what would be many victories on an asphalt surface at North Carolina's Metrolina Speedway. |
| -- | Dale Earnhardt Train Set Some of Dale Earnhardt's most famous paint schemes are represented in this unique collectible, which includes a scale train with nine 1:64-scale die-cast replica No. 3 cars on flatbed rail cars. |
| -- | Dale Earnhardt/Richard Childress Racing NASCAR(R) Model Race Engine This release introduces a new line of 1:4-scale replica racing engines from Action. Each replica is the pinnacle of detail, with manufacturer-specific parts and a cutaway section that shows the clutch assembly. A wood display stand is included with driver and team identification. |
Action Performance Cos. Inc. is the leader in the design, promotion and distribution of licensed motorsports merchandise. The company's products include a broad range of motorsports-related die-cast replica collectibles, apparel, souvenirs and other memorabilia.
The company markets and distributes products through a variety of channels, including the Racing Collectables Club of America (RCCA), online at goracing.com, trackside at racing events, mass retail department stores, and a worldwide network of wholesale distributors and specialty dealers.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. The company's actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, among others, competitive pressures, acceptance of the company's products and services in the marketplace, and other risks discussed in the company's Form 10-K for 1999, dated Sept. 30, 2000, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.