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FirstCuts: Guitar Hero Invades NASCAR

Jun 23, 2008, 5:30 PM UTC

Although Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is considered more of a hasty cash grab than anything, considering that Guitar Hero 4 and (presumably) Rock Band 2 aren’t that far off, that isn’t stopping Activision from promoting the game.â†µ

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â†µâ†µThe game hits shelves on June 29, but on the same day Dario Franchitti’s No. 40 Dodge will drive around as one giant ad for the game.â†µ

â†µâ†µAfter the jump, check out the full release from Business Wire. â†µ

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â†µTarget and Activision Partner with Chip Ganassi Racing to Feature Guitar Hero: Aerosmith on No. 40 Dodgeâ†µ

â†µâ†µWrapped Car Will Run in New Hampshire NASCAR Race on June 29; Target to Offer Exclusive Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Wii Bundleâ†µ

â†µâ†µCONCORD, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today it has partnered with Activision and its long-time sponsor Target® to feature the latest version of the Guitar Hero® series, Guitar Hero®: Aerosmith®, on Dario Franchitti’s No. 40 Dodge in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) on June 29. â†µ

â†µâ†µGuitar Hero: Aerosmith, which will be released June 29, is the latest installment from the Activision franchise that was the top-selling video game in 2007. The game puts players in the shoes of Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar) and Tom Hamilton (bass), as they rock out alongside front man Steven Tyler and drummer Joey Kramer. Gamers will experience Aerosmith’s GRAMMY® winning career, from their first gig to becoming rock royalty while jamming to the band’s top songs. â†µ

â†µâ†µWith the launch of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Target stores will carry an exclusive bundle for Nintendo’s Wii that includes the game, two wireless guitar controllers and a tour book. The ultimate rock experience, whether cooperatively or head-to-head, can be had right out of the box on June 29 for $149.99. â†µ

â†µâ†µ“The marriage of Nintendo Wii and Guitar Hero makes a lot of sense for the Target guest,” said Steve Eastman, Vice President, Target. “The music of Aerosmith bridges generations, just as the Wii has done. Everyone in the family can share that experience with this bundle.” â†µ

â†µâ†µFranchitti will be making his debut in the Sprint Cup Series at New Hampshire in the fading yellow to red Target/Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Dodge. The 2007 IndyCar champion has eight starts this season in his rookie campaign in the Cup Series and currently sits 39th in the 2008 point standings. â†µ

â†µâ†µ“We’re very excited to have Guitar Hero bring together two great American traditions, rock ‘n’ roll Aerosmith style, and NASCAR racing,” said Dusty Welch, head of publishing Activision/RedOctane. “Fans at the event will get a double treat, watching their favorite drivers race and competing for a chance to face off against one of them on Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.” â†µ

â†µâ†µThe Guitar Hero consumer bus will be parked in the display area behind the main grandstands at NHMS all weekend for fans to take a sneak peak at the game and try their hands as a guitarist from Aerosmith. Franchitti and Target driver Reed Sorenson will make an appearance at the bus on Sunday to showcase their talents on the guitar before strapping into their Dodges for the 301-lap race. â†µ

â†µâ†µ“I love video games and actually have versions of Guitar Hero that I play on my bus and at home. To have Target, Activision and Aerosmith on my car for the New Hampshire race is pretty cool,” said Franchitti. “Who doesn’t love Aerosmith’s music? It’s perfect for getting ready for the side-by-side, non-stop action of NASCAR racing.” â†µ

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This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.

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