Speed Racer Franchise Bulks Up Roster of Licensees

SANTA MONICA, March 31:
Speed Racer Enterprises has racked up several new licensees for its new
animated television series Speed Racer: The Next Generation as well as the original Speed Racer title.

Bendon Publishing International
will produce activity books, workbooks, flash cards, reward stickers,
educational kits, board books, storybooks and fun activity kits for both Speed
Racer brands. The company will
begin rolling out product in the second quarter of 2008.

Cadaco has been slated for
Crayon Paper coloring sets, Creata-Clings, gel sticker-making sets, electronic
and traditional board games and outdoor toys that include the Wheel Racers for
a second-quarter rollout.

Also set for release in
the second quarter of 2008 is Regener8r’s vehicles, action figures, novelty toy
pens, handheld games and sunglasses for both Speed Racer brands from Awesome Toys.

In the theme-park
category, Attraction Media & Entertainment is developing a Speed Racer simulation ride for theme parks based on both Speed
Racer brands, and will explore
licensing opportunities for other types of attractions.

Available now, Advanced
Graphics is producing life-size standees for both Speed Racer brands.

Speed Racer: The Next
Generation is slated to launch on
Nicktoons Network on May 2.

“With the resurgence of
classic television properties and the numerous additions to our roster of
licensees for both programs, Speed Racer has rapidly taken its place among the entertainment industry’s
leading evergreen brands,” said James Rocknowski, the president of Speed Racer
Enterprises.

—By Ned Berke