Action Performance Initiates Distributor Contract Renewals

    PHOENIX--Oct. 17, 2002--Action Performance Companies Inc., the leader in motorsports collectibles and merchandising, today announced that the Company plans to offer distribution contracts to all of its 17 current ARC distributors.
    The contracts are designed to ensure that all official distributors will continue their relationships with Action through 2003.
    "Continuity is important to maintain the efficiency and viability of Action's distributor-to-dealer network," explained Melodee Volosin, Action's executive vice president of sales. "ARC distributors ensure that Action products find their way to the retail market. They actively lobby for new dealers and consistently offer advice for improving and managing product lines. Action and our distributors now are concentrating on new ideas for 2003."
    ARC distributors are the primary distribution resource for ARC-branded die-cast collectibles. In addition to providing national warehousing and direct sales, ARC distributors share advertising and public relations efforts aimed at enhancing consumer appeal for Action Performance merchandise.
    "For years, our distributor network has been instrumental in managing our growth and building our success," said Fred W. Wagenhals, Action Performance's chairman, president and CEO. "We plan to continue our business relationship with experienced distributors."

Action Performance's 2002 roster of U.S. distributors includes:

Motorsport Direct                   (800) 480-7302            
Race Day Collectibles               (800) 391-7321            
Classic Coupe                       (800) 662-6873            
Goodwrench Pro Shop                 (800) 884-3776            
Pro Motorsports                     (800) 780-1988            
R & R Enterprises                   (877) 730-6953            
Music City Motorsports              (888) 872-5900            
Baseline Sports                     (800) 853-6625            
Brickel's Racing Collectibles       (888) 705-0456
Last Lap                            (888) 352-7852
Gearheads Inc.                      (317) 295-3700
Twin Hills LLC                      (800) 210-8230
Lane Automotive                     (800) 772-2682
Motorsport Marketing                (888) 588-2722
44 Magnum                           (877) 266-4624
Hamps Supply                        (800) 248-0011
Winners Circle                      (540) 387-4458

    About Action Performance Companies:

    Action Performance Companies Inc. is the leader in the design, promotion, marketing 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. Action Performance markets and distributes products through a variety of channels including the Action Racing Collectables network of wholesale distributors, the Racing Collectables Club of America, QVC, goracing.com, trackside at racing events, direct corporate promotions, mass retail and department stores, specialty dealers and online at nascar.com.