The Crayola Experience at Plano’s Shops at Willow Bend recently unveiled a NASCAR-themed exhibit in partnership with Grapevine-based Kubota Tractor Corporation.
The “Kubota Raceway Makeover” takeover is making the fourth and final stop of its four-city tour in Plano after previously opening in Easton, Pennsylvania; Chandler, Arizona; and Orlando, Florida.
“This is the second year that we’ve done it,” Paige Southerland, a marketing and sales manager for the Crayola Experience, told The Dallas Express. “Last year, we did a different spin on it. It was more focused on Kubota machine equipment — tractors, excavators, and things like that. This year, they were able to lean into their partnership with NASCAR and the Ross Chastain Car.”
The exhibit began with an official kickoff event featuring NASCAR driver Ross Chastain, who drives the No.1 Kubota sponsored racecar for Trackhouse Racing, and a live pit crew showcasing their skills in action.
“It was a great way to kick off the 2023 partnership with Kubota,” Southerland said. “It was awesome because kids were able to see a pit crew in live action, and it was just a great touch to opening day.”
The exhibit features many family-friendly activities like a tractor-driving simulator, head-to-head racing games, unique backgrounds, Crayola-themed racecars, and live Kubota equipment for group photos. Other activities included custom racing-themed crayon colors, clay racing trophy creation, and a popular exhibit of mini excavators that allows kids to “dig” for packs of Crayola products. Kids can also create “intern badges” and use a “passport” to track their activities with a stamp.
The event is just the latest of many takeovers that Crayola has implemented over the years.
“Families love the takeovers,” Southerland told The Dallas Express. “I think that they love Kubota Raceway Makeover. There’s so many hands-on things to do that just bring the world of color to life. It’s also designed to help kids understand how the world around us is built through machinery and creativity alike.”
The “Kubota Raceway Makeover” takeover will remain at the Crayola Experience until January 8, 2024. Tickets can be purchased on the Crayola Experience website.
