GLEN ELLYN, Ill., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Hot on the heels of its
aggressive entry into authentic collectibles for the outdoors enthusiast,
Racing Champions Ertl (Nasdaq: RACN) announces the addition of five new 12"
collectible figures to its highly successful Outdoor Sportsman line.
Two of the figures are based on top TV celebrities. Fans will
immediately recognize the Jimmy Houston Bass Fisherman, which is inspired by the
two-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year and host of "Jimmy Houston Outdoors" on ESPN,
and the Bill Jordan White-Tail-Deer Hunter, which honors the host of "Realtree
Outdoors" on TNN. Another big name inspired the Clark Wendlandt Tournament
Bass Fisherman-it's based on the two-time winner of the FLW Angler of the
Year award.
In addition, the new entries also include a Pheasant Hunter, which is
licensed and authorized by Pheasants Forever, a Duck Hunter that's complete
with authentic, licensed camouflage and a B.A.S.S. licensed Fisherman.
According to Duane Fox, Product Manager for Racing Champions Ertl, the
company is the first to introduce highly detailed 12" hunting and fishing
figures with authentically scaled clothing, camouflage, and accessories.
"We've obtained licenses from some of the most prestigious companies in the
hunting and fishing world to create this collection," he said, "and we're
very proud to be working with such top names as Jimmy Houston, Bill Jordan, Clark
Wendlandt, and others. It adds a dimension to our line that nobody else can
match."
In keeping with the Racing Champions Ertl reputation for quality and
innovation, the collectible, fully articulated plastic figures are
exceptionally accurate, down to the smallest detail. "That's what makes
these figures so appealing to sportsmen," Fox said. "Everything's right, from the
clothing to the camouflage to the accessories. We're hunting and fishing
enthusiasts ourselves, and it comes through in what we've done here."
Founded in 1989, Racing Champions ( www.rcertl.com ) is a leading
producer and marketer of innovative collectibles and toys sold in multiple channels
of distribution and available at more than 20,000 retail outlets. The company
sells American Muscle(TM) collectible die-cast vehicle replicas, NASCAR and
NHRA die-cast racing replicas, officially licensed die-cast and preschool
products of automobiles, trucks, agricultural, heavy equipment and powered-
recreational and sport vehicles, AMT(TM) model kits, Press Pass(R) trading
cards and NASCAR souvenirs and apparel. High-profile licensing partners
include NASCAR(R), NHRA(R), John Deere(R), Case Corporation(R), Polaris(R),
Honda(R), Caterpillar(R), Ford(R), GM(R), Chrysler(R), Texaco(R), and Warner
Brothers(R).
