Action Performance Signs Exclusive Licensing Agreement With Ernie Irvan Enterprises; Historical Die-Cast Series to be Created for NASCAR Champion Ernie Irvan

Business Wire, Feb 2, 2000

Business Editors

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2000

Action Performance Companies Inc., (Nasdaq: ACTN) Wednesday announced that it has signed an exclusive, five-year merchandise licensing agreement with Ernie Irvan Enterprises to create a historical series of collectible die-cast replicas of cars driven by NASCAR champion Ernie Irvan.

Under terms of the contract, Action obtains rights to manufacture, promote, market, distribute and sell collectible die-cast replicas of the following Irvan cars: 1987 No. 56 Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet (Marc Reno); 1987 No. 6 Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet (D.K. Ulrich); 1988 No. 2 Pepsi/Kroger (D.K. Ulrich); 1990 No. 90 Bullseye BBQ (Junie Donlavey); 1991 No. 4 Kodak Daytona Winner Car (Morgan-McClure); 1994 No. 28 Mac Tools Busch Car and No. 10 Mac Tools Truck (Ernie Irvan); 1995 No. 88 Texaco Car; 1997 No. 28 Texaco Ten Year Anniversary Car; and the 1999 No. 84 Federated Auto Parts Busch Car (Irvan-Simo).

Other cars also may be included. The contract extends through 2004.

&uot;Ernie Irvan's 13-year career was filled with great moments, and some really great cars,&uot; said Fred Wagenhals, Action chairman, president and chief executive officer. &uot;He is a legendary driver with many devoted fans. We're glad to make these collectibles available to the fans so they can share in Ernie's past successes and own a piece of racing history.&uot;

Irvan said, &uot;I have great memories of those cars, and I hope my fans do too. I'm proud that Action is making this series and it is a really great way to commemorate some of my best racing experiences.&uot;

Action Performance Companies Inc. is the leader in the design, marketing, promotion and distribution of licensed motorsports merchandise. Its products include a broad range of motorsports-related die-cast car 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.