AORC WELCOMES TONKA AS SERIES PARTNER


Tonka Partners Australian Off Road Championship
Tonka Partners Australian Off Road Championship

The Australian Off Road Championship welcomes internationally renowned toy company, Funrise Toys, manufacturer of TONKA branded products under license from Hasbro. The Tonka brand has become the official championship and telecast partner for the 2014 season.

Funrise has been at the forefront of toy manufacturing since the company was founded in 1987. Tonka is one of the most recognized brands for its signature toy trucks and construction equipment.

With an involvement in American off-road racing including the Baja 1000 and most recently the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, Kathy Hawk, the Vice President of Marketing at Funrise Toys, said “it’s the right time to become involved in Australian off-road racing.”

“Tonka Motorsports is very excited to be expanding the Tonka Off-Road brand into the Championship. After a successful season of off-road racing here in the US, we want to continue to support the sport of off-road racing in Australia,” said Hawk.

“We’ve also launched a whole new line of Tonka Off-Road toy vehicles to match the vehicles we race. It’s all such a great tie-in to the Tonka name. Everyone who either participates and/or watches off-road racing is passionate for the sport, and these drivers and fans are also our customers.”

“Just about everyone knows the Tonka brand. Tonka was founded in 1947, and kids have been playing with Tonka trucks in the dirt for 67 years.  We thought it would be a great idea to have real Tonka Tough trucks out there competing and racing amongst the best in the sport. There’s no better place to get dirty than on an off-road track.”

As well as becoming a championship and telecast partner in 2014, Tonka will be sponsor of WA’s Outer Bounds Racing team and the #413 Trophy Truck of Beau Robinson.

HP Sports Management’s Bron Humphrey: “Off road racing is such a family oriented sport and so many of the competitors and fans come to the events with their children. Tonka’s new range of off-road vehicles is not only a great way for children to engage in our sport, but Tonka’s passion for the sport’s growth in general is second to none. We’re excited to welcome them on board.”

The 2014 Australian Off Road Championship kicks off in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, on the Easter long weekend.

The complete 2014 Australian Off Road Championship calendar:
1. Kalgoorlie, WA: April 18-20 (Easter)
2. Finke, NT: June 6-9
3. Waikerie, SA: July 4-6
4. Coffs Harbour, NSW: September 12-14 (WRC)
5. Lockyer Valley, QLD: October 17-19