Charlotte, N.C. (July 12, 2010) – The NASCAR Teams
Licensing Trust (NTLT) announced today that it has formed a joint venture with Lionel Electric Trains to make and sell
NASCAR replica die cast race cars.
The joint venture is not a traditional licensee agreement. Both NTLT and Lionel
will actively manage and develop the business, in which it will be partners. “NASCAR Die-cast cars have been a unique
and important part of our sport for many years and a true collectable that our fans treasure,” said Paul Brooks, senior
vice president, NASCAR and a member of the NASCAR Teams Licensing Trust Board of Directors. “Creating this partnership
with a renowned brand like Lionel is a powerful move for our fans and the long term sustainability of this business.
Lionel
has plans to offer fans and collectors die-cast models representing all of the NTLT teams and more than 30 NASCAR national
series drivers. The joint venture will take over the category from Motorsports Authentics, a Concord, N.C.-based company that
will focus on its core competency of trackside retail and be the exclusive die-cast car retailer at NASCAR tracks.
“Collecting
die-cast cars is one of the core ways that fans have of connecting with their favorite teams and drivers.” said Jerry
Calabrese, CEO of Lionel. “We’re very excited about this new joint venture. We have more than 110 years
of experience making the highest quality die cast products that have been cherished by generations of collectors and their
families. We’re eager to bring that same dedication and experience to NASCAR and its uniquely passionate fans,
and we can’t wait to get started.”
About LIONEL Electric Trains
Based in New
York City, Lionel Electric Trains has been America’s leading manufacturer of model trains and accessories since 1900
and is one of America’s leading brand equities. The Lionel name is among the most widely recognized brand in the toy
train industry and has been at the forefront of every major innovation in toy train manufacturing and marketing since its
inception.
