Wannabe NASCAR drivers can now use a pizza box to virtually drive Clint Bowyer’s #33 car to the finish line in an “augmented reality” race.
Totino’s Pizza has announced an exclusive promotion with the Kroger Family of Stores, allowing consumers to use their Totino’s pizza box to play an exciting and challenging augmented-reality online video game starring Cup driver Clint Bowyer. The game will be prominently displayed on specially marked Totino’s boxes sold exclusively at the Kroger Family of Stores beginning Feb. 13.
Fans of all ages will be able to chow down on a Totino’s pizza and then simply use the actual Totino’s box to activate the “Get Behind the Wheel” augmented-reality online video game via their computer webcam. The Totino’s box acts as the steering wheel to maneuver the car along the track. To view the game, visit www.Racefans.Daytona500.com and click on the Get Behind the Wheel banner ad.
“The interactive technology enhances the consumer’s experience with Totino’s,” said Drew Jameson, Customer Promotions Marketing Manager for General Mills. “As a proud sponsor of Clint Bowyer’s Sprint Cup Series car, we are excited to build on our partnership by creating this augmented-reality video game available exclusively at the Kroger Family of Stores. Families can enjoy a great pizza followed by game night!”
Augmented reality combines real and virtual worlds and is interactive in real time. The augmented-reality world is triggered by the use of a “marker” – a black and white square – that the consumer’s computer webcam registers to launch the online video game.
The player controls Clint Bowyer’s No. 33 General Mills car in a race to get him from his home to the Daytona 500 in the fastest time possible, so that Bowyer doesn’t miss the big race. Bowyer provides the voice-over for the game, as players must avoid obstacles along the way, including oil slicks, garbage cans and construction cones that will increase their overall time. In addition, players can pick up “speed boosts,” which will blast them through the race at accelerated speeds.
“I wish I could eat Totino’s pizza during some of these 500 mile races,” said Bowyer. “How many people drive 500 miles without eating something? I can’t wait to play this game.”
The specially marked Totino’s box will provide players the ability to control the car’s steering left or right, while they can use their mouse to change gears to adjust the speed. High scores are recorded in a local and global scoreboard, urging the player to try again to beat the fastest time.
Instant Win Sweepstakes
The microsite that hosts the augmented reality online video game will also include an instant win sweepstakes that will deliver four lucky fans to the 2012 Daytona 500. Two players will be randomly selected to win a 3-day, 2-night trip for two to attend the 2012 Daytona 500 and take a pit and garage tour. To view Official Rules, please visit www.Get-Behind-the-Wheel.com.
For consumers without webcam access, there will be an option of playing the game using keyboard controls. The online video game will be available for online play through May 31, 2011.
Clint Bowyer has driven the No. 33 General Mills Chevrolet in the Sprint Cup Series since 2009. General Mills, which owns and distributes the Totino’s brand, has been a proud sponsor in Sprint Cup Series racing since 1998.
