CORONA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2014) – Premier toy maker TONKA has become a partner with Team Lucas for the 2014 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series and the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League.
TONKA, manufactured and licensed by Funrise Toy Corp., under license from Hasbro, made its debut in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series last year, sponsoring Pro 2 driver Myan Spaccarelli of Simi Valley, Calif.
“We decided to sponsor Myan to explore the program and experienced such amazing success and welcoming reactions from the racing public that it made sense to partner with Team Lucas in 2014 to expand our presence,” Funrise Vice-President of Marketing Kathy Hawk explained. “We want to continue to be the destination for kids in setting up TONKA Fun Zones at each race, where they can come play and get hands on with TONKA toys in our sand pits.”
“In addition, we are sponsoring each off-road race track’s five safety team vehicles, which will carry TONKA branding, and the crews, who will be wearing TONKA-branded fire suits.”
TONKA also has created a 15-foot inflatable dump truck that will be stationed on the track and will be, for the first time, selling off-road merchandise-t-shirts, hats, etc., at all events.
“The off-road program is only on the West Coast and we wanted to be involved in something that reached our fans in the Midwest,” Hawk said. “Pro Pulling was the obvious choice for TONKA. It just fits the brand and it resonates with hard-working families.”
TONKA will be sponsoring the Sullivan Racing Modified Tractor Team in the Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League.
TONKA will consider jumping into more events offered in the Team Lucas portfolio during the 2014 season.
“We’re definitely open to being a part of events as they come up,” Hawk said. “We are always happy to be able to provide a destination for kids and parents to come play with TONKAs in-between races. They always leave with a smile.”
For further information please go to: www.tonka.com
About Funrise:
Founded in 1987, Funrise is an adventurous innovator of superior toys and an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of the most popular children’s toys. Simply put…we create fun! Funrise is the manufacturer of leading licensed power brands such as TONKA®, MY LITTLE PONY®, BABY ALIVE®, FURBY®, POUND PUPPIES®, LITTLEST PET SHOP®, TRANSFORMERS® and their core property portfolio includes Gazillion® Bubbles, Shelcore’s line of pre-school toys and more, making their product offerings diverse and full of fun for kids of all ages! Funrise Toy Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matrix Holdings Limited. Funrise U.S. headquarters are located in Van Nuys, CA, with an office in Hong Kong, and with additional showrooms in Dallas, Minneapolis, and Bentonville. Funrise is operated by Arnie Rubin, vice chairman of Matrix and CEO of Funrise. Mr. Rubin also served as President of the International Council of Toy Industries and is the former Chairman of both the Toy Industry Foundation (T.I.F.) and the Toy Industry Association (T.I.A.). Funrise’s success results from its commitment to quality manufacturing, progressive marketing and a values-based corporate culture. For more information, visit www.funrise.com
About Team Lucas:
Team Lucas is an alliance between Lucas Oil Products, Inc. and select marketing partners that enhances brand awareness, maximizes television event coverage and heightens the live event fan experience. The Team Lucas fan and media exposure includes the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series, Lucas Oil Speedway, Lucas Oil Modified Series, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil NHRA Drag Racing Series, GEICO AMA Endurocross, Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship and the Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium.