Hot Wheels® Announces Partnership with the IndyCar® Series, Indianapolis 500

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel, Inc. and the Indy Racing League®, the sanctioning body for the IndyCar® Series, announced an exclusive four-year licensing partnership that will bring racing fans authentic Hot Wheels® product featuring IndyCar® Series drivers and teams, the greatest race course in the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the IndyCar Series and its drivers and teams to have a major retail presence in front of consumers of all ages.”

The exclusive licensed product line will include highly detailed 1:64- and 1:24-scale Hot Wheels IndyCar Series assortment die-cast cars – showcasing many of the drivers and teams of the IndyCar Series ($4.99 and $24.99, respectively); kid-powered 1:12-scale Hot Wheels IndyCar Series Big Sounds cars with real racing sounds ($29.99); and the IndyCar Series 1:16-scale Tyco® R/C ($29.99). Product will be available at major retailers nationwide starting this month, trackside at all IndyCar Series races and online at indycar.com.

"Speed, power and performance is at the core of the Hot Wheels heritage, which aligns perfectly with the on-track excitement the IndyCar Series brings to racing fans,” said Tim Kilpin, GM for Girls, Boys & Games, Mattel. "Our partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IndyCar Series, including drivers and teams, allows us to connect Hot Wheels fans of all ages with a real-world racing experience.”

2009 begins the “Centennial Era” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a three-year celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Speedway in 2009 and the 100^th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 in 2011.

“As we enter a significant period in the history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it is appropriate that two American icons have joined forces,” said Joie Chitwood, IMS president and COO. “We are excited to bring the rich history and heritage of the Brickyard and the excitement of IndyCar racing to millions of Hot Wheels collectors worldwide.”

The IndyCar Series season kicks off April 5 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

"We couldn't be happier with our new partnership with Mattel's Hot Wheels brand," said Terry Angstadt, president, commercial division for the Indy Racing League. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the IndyCar Series and its drivers and teams to have a major retail presence in front of consumers of all ages."

For more information about Hot Wheels®, the IndyCar® Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway®, go to www.HotWheels.com, www.IndyCar.com and www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

About Mattel, Inc.

Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced, Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica:® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands, including Little People®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. Mattel is recognized as one of 2009's "100 Best Companies to Work For" by FORTUNE Magazine. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs approximately 30,000 people in 43 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands—today and tomorrow.

About the IndyCar Series

The IndyCar Series is the premier open-wheel series in the United States, competing on a challenging combination of superspeedways, short ovals, scenic road courses and temporary street circuits. In 2009 the IndyCar Series will conduct 14 race in the U.S., two in Canada and one in Japan, all available worldwide through comprehensive, long-term agreements with ABC and VERSUS, with all races broadcast in High-Definition. A leader in motorsports technology, the IndyCar Series is the first racing series to power its Honda engines on 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol, a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel. The IndyCar Series continues to the be the fastest, most competitive and innovative racing series, attracting a diverse lineup of drivers including Scott Dixon, Danica Patrick, Graham Rahal, Marco Andretti, Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan and Ryan Briscoe. For more information on the IndyCar Series, please visit www.indycar.com.

About the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Established in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has long prevailed as an icon of motorsports excellence. In 2009, the Speedway celebrates its Centennial Era, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the facility in 2009 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2011.

Tickets for the three events in 2009 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - the Indianapolis 500, Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and Red Bull Indianapolis GP - can be purchased online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com at any time.