Go from a Mediocre to Merciless Speedster with the Release of Hot Rod: American Street Drag for PC from ValuSoft Licensing Deal with PRIMEDIA and Hot Rod Magazine Brings Gamers Dreams of Building and Driving Their Dream Machines to Life MINNEAPOLIS - Sept. 4, 2003 - ValuSoft®, a division of THQ® Inc. (Nasdaq:THQI - News), and a leading global publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and productivity software, today announced the release of Hot Rod®: American Street Drag(TM). This super-charged drag racing game is rated "E" for Everyone and will be available at retailers nationwide for $29.99 SRP. "Building and driving fast street cars is what Hot Rod® Magazine is all about, and we are thrilled to be bringing one of the hottest automotive properties to the interactive marketplace," stated Scott Zerby, Vice President of ValuSoft. He adds, "In partnership with Hot Rod®, we're giving computer game players more than the thrill of crossing the finish line, we're giving them the chance to create the speedster of their dreams--one bolt at a time." Hot Rod®: American Street Drag challenges players to build a street-smart dragster, starting with $5000 and a junk yard full of 20 former beauties, all selected by the editors of Hot Rod® Magazine. Through new and used parts purchases, gamers will bolt, scrape, paint and reassemble their engine, chassis and body to build their dream machine from the ground up. Throughout the game, Dave McClelland, the voice of Hot Rod® TV, guides players through the game with how-to's and tips. Once they've achieved the perfect combination of speed, balance and handling that a limited budget can buy, it's time for players to put their money where their mouth is. Taking on other dragsters at six sanctioned street and track locations, gamers must accelerate and shift in perfect harmony to pump up their reputation and win money for upgrades. Throughout the game, players watch the Events Calendar for upcoming track races for a chance at higher prize money. But is there enough time to get their car to peak performance? Gamers have to balance the time required to complete upgrades with the time remaining before a big race, or lose their chance for glory. Hot Rod®: American Street Drag culminates with the Hot Rod® Drag Race Tour, where players compete against the best of the best for a chance to be featured on the virtual cover of Hot Rod® Magazine and win $5000 in game money. Published by PRIMEDIA, Hot Rod® Magazine, along with allied properties including Hot Rod® TV and annual events, is the ultimate source for enthusiasts and the leading automotive aftermarket magazine in the world. "We are thrilled to bring the essence and expertise of Hot Rod® to the PC in such an exciting interactive way," stated Ira Gabriel, Publisher of Hot Rod® Magazine. "ValuSoft has established itself as a leader in the racing category, and Hot Rod®: American Street Drag gives gamers and Hot Rod® Magazine fans the ultimate mix of wrenching and racing action." Hot Rod®: American Street Drag was developed by Canopy Productions, Inc.