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NASCAR™ Bobbleheads Take the Lead
Michael Waltrip surprised the racing world by coming out of nowhere to win the 2003 Daytona 500.
And if early consumer buzz is any indication, Alexander Global is about to do the same to the world of NASCAR collectibles.
“We’re definitely going to turn some heads this year,” says Traci Ofstad, AGP’s NASCAR brand designer, begging forgiveness for the pun. “To say that we’re excited about this year’s line would be an understatement.”
To say that AGP’s 2003 NASCAR offering is different from last year’s line would also be an understatement. The product marks the first line of sports dolls made entirely from laser scans that were done of each driver’s head. The scans are then run through graphic imaging programs to create a three dimensional mold which is, for all practical purposes, a 100% accurate likeness of the driver.
“It’s amazing technology, and you simply can’t beat the results,” says Ofstad. “When collectors buy our new Jeff Gordon doll, they’re getting a product that looks exactly like Jeff Gordon.”
To complement the laser-scanned heads, AGP has designed a new scale, ultra-accurate body style with 2003 artwork and realistic poses. Drivers are holding helmets or racing gloves and the base features each driver’s stylized number and signature.
“This year’s product is geared toward giving collectors a nice set of dolls for display,” says Ofstad. “We have a great limited edition set of drivers that make up a nice collection for fans.”
AGP’s national collection includes nine drivers: Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin, Bill Elliot, and 2002 Rookie of the Year Ryan Newman.
Each driver is hand-numbered and has been limited to 20,000 pieces or less in total production, thou
gh collectors should take special note of two other programs:
The first is the Platinum Series, a limited edition run of 2,000 of each driver’s doll made with a special platinum-colored base. These will be distributed in limited quantities and will only see store shelves for a short time.
The second is a promotional partnership between AGP, Dale Earnhardt Inc. ™, and NAPA™ Auto Parts stores, in which three DEI drivers—Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Steve Park, and Michael Waltrip, all with laser-scanned heads—will be available only at NAPA Auto Parts locations across the U.S. this spring.
“This spring and summer should be a fun time for NASCAR fans and collectors,” says Ofstad. “It’s a really fun collection and one we plan to add to in the future.”
