Speed Racer's Mach 5 Race Car Becomes Reality
27 September 1999
Speed Racer's Mach 5 Race Car Becomes Reality; The Child Safety Network to Build Legendary Cartoon Racer as Attraction to Distribute Automotive and Roadway Safety Information
SAN DIEGO--Sept. 27, 1999--That automotive cartoon marvel of the 60s & 70s, Speed Racer's Amazing Mach 5 race car, is making the leap from the cartoon series into reality. For the first time a full-size, running Speed Racer Mach 5 has been created. The legendary car is being built to promote a nation-wide safety tour conducted by The Child Safety Network (CSN) called CHILD SAFETY DAY AT THE RACES(TM).Focus on Cars, a leading automotive fabrication company for the entertainment and advertising industry, based in Long Beach, Calif., is creating the machine for CSN. The Mach 5 will privately debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show - ITE '99, November 2-5, 1999, in Las Vegas. The SEMA Show - ITE is the automotive aftermarket's largest trade show held yearly at the Las Vegas Convention Center. SEMA is the top advocacy group representing the $21.3 billion automotive aftermarket industry.
"Millions of families will receive free vital safety information for their children as part of the campaign," said Ward Leber, CEO of CSN. "Usually, the mothers of small children deal with family safety issues. This legendary icon will help us reach the fathers and focus them on issues of automotive, roadway and pedestrian safety."
The Mach 5 will include much of the specialty "equipment" found on the animated Mach 5; including the saw blade cutters stationed out front, the ability to jump through a special hydraulics system and even such animatronics as interactive voice responses to steering wheel mounted buttons. Naturally the on-board sound system will be able to broadcast the famous theme song of Speed Racer.
"We are having a lot of fun building the car," said Ron Kasumi, owner of Focus of Cars. "When you have a car that is supposed to have 50,000 horse power, fly through the air, drive under water and jump over great distances, you have to use a lot of imagination."
The Mach 5 body will be formed from hand-laid fiberglass and fitted to a specially constructed chassis. The engine and many of the specifics concerning the other installed equipment and details of how the special effects -- such as the saw blades cutters are to be created -- have yet to be disclosed to the public. Total cost to build the Mach 5 is estimated to be between $175,000 and $200,000. Seed money for this ambitious project is being provided by Four Star Financial Services, an eight-year supporter of the Child Safety Network.
"Because of the renewed interest in Speed Racer, people will want to know every detail of the Mach 5's construction... what kind of wheels, tires and engine powers it," added Leber. "Everything from the official motor oil to the car wax used to make the sparkling pear white Mach 5 will be up for sponsorship discussion at this year's SEMA Show."
"Speed Racer debuted in 1967 and is currently touted to have 50 million fans world wide," said Jim Rocknowski, Executive Vice President of Speed Racer Enterprises (The official licensor of all Speed Racer related properties). "While older fans will remember Speed Racer and his sidekicks, a new audience of fans was reintroduced to Speed's racing antics in 1996, through reruns on Cartoon Network. Since that time a cult following has developed creating huge interest."
Through special arrangement, the Mach 5 will not test drive until SEMA members have the first opportunity to sponsor the equipment needed to outfit the real Mach 5. The Child Safety Network is celebrating its tenth year anniversary and will use the sponsorship money to tour the Mach 5 and provide free safety information to families wherever the car is featured.
"Speed Racer has a terrific following among SEMA members who recall the cartoon from their childhood. Child Safety Network's Mach 5 project embodies the excitement, creativity and innovation that colors the spirit of the SEMA membership," said Chris Horn, Vice President of Consumer Affairs for SEMA. "The Child Safety Network goals of informing parents and children about safety issues and developing special designed youth programs are the same goals driving many of SEMA's current programs. These goals mesh perfectly with SEMA's drive to create consumer awareness outreach programs directed to mainstream consumers."
While the details of the public unveiling are still under wraps, there are firm plans to keep the Speed Racer promotion buzzing as CSN performs a nationwide search for Speed Racer's Pit Crew. Look-alike characters from Speed Racer to Chim Chim will be part of the promotional events surrounding the movement of the Mach 5 around the country while distributing CSN Safety Information Packs.
"The Mach 5 is another great example of why over 170 U.S. representatives endorse the Child Safety Network. They keep coming up with fun and effective ways to help make our country a safer place for children," says Representative Ed Towns (D-NY).
About Child Safety Network
Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, CSN is a charitable non-profit trust that implements and distributes child safety educational programs throughout the United States. The main focus of CSN has been to reduce child abuse, abduction and injury.
About Speed Racer Enterprises
Speed Racer Enterprises, Inc., formed in 1991, is the worldwide rights holder for the perennial retro-classic property, Speed Racer; which has enjoyed a recent resurgence via Cartoon Network. The company also manages all related licensing and promotional activities on a worldwide basis.