Sterling Heights, MI (OPENPRESS) May 29, 2008 -- Burnin' rubber all the way, American Hot Rod Racer has cruised into Detroit so kids of all ages can Build It! Race It!™ An exciting new retail concept, American Hot Rod Racer has just opened it first store in Michigan at Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights. It is the first and only store to offer customers an opportunity to personally create a custom remote-controlled vehicle or pinewood derby car and race it on a state-of-the-art speedway in the store.
A three-day party for all race fans will be held at the new store, June 20-22 to officially celebrate the grand opening of American Hot Rod Racer-Lakeside. Highlights will include a raffle to win tickets to a NASCAR event, a kids' car design contest, free race time, free pizza and subs, discount coupons and more! Additionally, a $1,000 donation will be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan at a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony to officially start the first race on Fri., June 20 at 12:30 p.m.
American Hot Rod Racer's new Sterling Heights store is the company's first location in Michigan. The original store opened in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2007. It was founded by University of Michigan and Detroit Country Day School graduate Rick Maicki, a former West Bloomfield, Michigan resident. The Lakeside Mall store is currently managed by the company's director of new store development, Henry Maicki, brother to Rick and current resident of West Bloomfield.
"American Hot Rod Racer fulfills parents' desire to spend time with their children engaged in an activity that is collaborative, active, and exciting," said Rick Maicki, Founder of American Hot Rod Racer. "Customers put their imagination and effort into building exactly the car they want and then can immediately play with their creation. As a result, the toy typically means more to them and becomes a keepsake."
A large assortment of both pinewood derby cars and remote-controlled vehicles are available to build at the store and then race on the store's state-of-the-art speedways. Most models are very easy to assemble and kids can unleash their creativity by choosing a combination of tires, hubs, rims, body colors, stickers and decals to make their car uniquely theirs.
The cost to build a vehicle starts at $12 for a pinewood derby car and $35 for a remote-controlled car. Track time costs $5 for 15 minutes. Customers can also return to the store just to race their American Hot Rod Racer vehicle.
American Hot Rod Racer's high-tech speedways record the time and speed of each driver's lap. Winners are announced over the store's sound system and each driver's stats and photo are displayed on flat screen "jumbo-trons" located throughout the store.
"The in-store racing experience is what really makes American Hot Rod Racer unique," said Henry Maicki, director of new store development and manager of American Hot Rod Racer-Lakeside. "Kids love to try to and beat their own best time as they race against their friends."
Additionally, all new customers receive a hard plastic American Hot Rod Racer driver's license with their photo imprinted on it.
American Hot Rod Racer also sells a wide variety of auto and transportation-themed merchandise that follows the company's philosophy of engaging customers to create and learn as they play.
American Hot Rod Racer hosts memorable birthday parties, corporate outings and group events. A range of party options are available, including onsite catering. Birthday parties are held track-side in the American Hot Rod Racer Press Box™ where a trained pit crew takes care of everything. All guests get prizes, and the birthday racer receives a special surprise.
A regular event at American Hot Rod Racer is the Mid Week Challenge. Customers accumulate points toward a monthly championship prize. Drivers are grouped by skill level so everyone has a fun racing experience.
The general public is invited to an action-packed, fun-filled, three-day party, June 20-22, to officially celebrate the grand opening of American Hot Rod Racer's new store at Lakeside Mall. Special activities and giveaways include:
- American Hot Rod Racer Kids' Car Design Contest: Any child who builds a car during the grand opening weekend can enter a contest to win a free birthday party at the store. Prizes will be awarded to each age group: 3-5 year-olds building pinewood cars; and 6-8 year-olds and 9-14 year-olds building remote-controlled vehicles. Photos will be taken of each entry and posted in the store. Winners will be announced just prior to store closing on Sun., June 22.
- NASCAR Raffle: Anyone making a store purchase during the grand opening event can enter a raffle to win two tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 17. Other prizes to be awarded include free birthday parties and several beautiful Shelby remote-controlled cars. Winners will be drawn just prior to store closing on Sun., June 22.
- Special Grand Opening Pricing: Throughout the three-day celebration, all visitors will receive $5 off the regular price to build and race any remote-controlled or pinewood derby car.
- Free Stuff & Discount Coupons: Free slices of pizza will be served daily (June 20-22) from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Free submarine sandwiches will be served from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Free race time will be offered Friday and Saturday (June 20-21) from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. and from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. On Sunday (June 22) free race times are 11 a.m. - Noon, and 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. All kids will receive a free temporary American Hot Rod Racer tattoo and other party favors. Visitors can also pick-up coupons for a $5 discount on a car kit, and free race time if they return to the store with a friend to build or race before Sept. 1.
- Boys & Girls Clubs Donation and Party: American Hot Rod Racer will present a $1,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan on Fri., June 20 at 12:30 p.m. Local children involved with area Boys & Girls Clubs will attend the check-presentation and stay for pizza and racing.
- "First Official Race" & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: To kick-off the grand opening celebration, Sterling Heights elected officials are invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony and then participate in the "First Official Race" of the new store. This event will be held on Fri., June 20 at 12:30 p.m.
- 96.3 WDVD Special Appearance: Radio station 96.3 WDVD will be at the store on Sat., June 21 from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. During this time, store visitors will have the chance to win one of several $20 American Hot Rod Racer gift certificates. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
For more specific information about grand opening events, the public is invited to check the website www.AmericanHotRodRacer.com or call the store at (586) 247-3520.
American Hot Rod Racer at Lakeside Mall, Sterling Heights, is open Monday - Saturday, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The store is located on the second floor of Lakeside Mall, adjacent to Lord & Taylor.
For more information about American Hot Rod Racer, visit www.americanhotrodracer.com
