NASCAR Kids: Start Your Engines!

(MS) - What mom or dad hasn't searched high and low for family-friendly games and toys that will also appeal to their children? When faced with aisles of toys at the store, it's not so easy to determine what toys will engage creative play and appeal to kids' likes and hobbies. The answer could be to simply look to the pastimes the entire family shares - like sports.

Sports fans develop their love of the game as young children, learning how to root and cheer along with fathers, mothers, brothers or other family members. The most popular spectator sport in the U.S., NASCAR now counts one out of every three Americans as fans. That's 75 million NASCAR fans! Such a large number of the young fan base is a chief reason Shelcore, a leading manufacturer of infant and preschool toys for over 30 years, is partnering with the racing giant to offer their own, unique NASCAR licensed toys for preschoolers and their parents interested in the sport.

Children can share with their NASCAR-loving parents the thrill-a-minute appeal of professional racing right in their very own homes with the Wacky Action Driver® center. Putting their hands on the wheel and turning the key while listening to the engine begin to roar, children can get a glimpse of what it's like to be racing drivers Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon®. Turn signals, shift handles and horns add to the realistic feel children can expect with their driving center.

For parents looking to get in on the action with their children, perhaps a turn at the Remote Control Racer® might be more up your alley. With a two-button remote controlling movements both forward and backward, the Remote Control Racer® is an ideal first remote control car for younger NASCAR fans. Available in both Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon® models, parents can purchase both models and race their children just like the drivers do on racetracks across the country.

When they're not busy playing with toys, parents and children alike can certainly share their mutual love of racing in a number of other ways as well.

· Attend a race. As NASCAR continues to experience growth in its fan base, so too do its geographic horizons continue to expand. NASCAR now sanctions 1,500 races at more than 100 tracks in 35 states, as well as additional races in Mexico. Such an abundance of venues makes NASCAR arguably the most accessible of all professional sports. With the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, the NASCAR Busch Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR offers a multitude of choices for families looking for a night out on the town.

· Spend some quality time at home. NASCAR is now the second-rated regular season sport on television, broadcasting in more than 150 countries and reaching more than 75 million fans. Families can easily spend some quality time together and enjoy the sport in the comfort of their home.

It's time to get revved up about having some family fun with NASCAR. For more information on Shelcore and the new NASCAR line of toddler toys, visit your local Toys R Us or www.shelcore.com. To find a race near you, visit www.nascar.com.

C2006 HGL, LLC The name, likeness and signature of Jeff Gordon and the likeness of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet are used under license granted by HGL, LLC.

CAPTION: Kids of all ages can enjoy the fun of NASCAR with toys that celebrate the sport.

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