"CHiPs" Inducted Into Diecast Hall of Fame

LOS ANGELES, March 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "CHiPs" star Larry Wilcox and his fellow series co-star Robert Pine appeared at the 2012 SuperConvention on February 24th at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas to receive an award on behalf of "CHiPs" and its successful toy line. The popular TV show, which ran from 1977-1983, was inducted into the Diecast Hall of Fame. Pine and Wilcox also signed autographs and posed for pictures with excited fans, many of whom grew up watching the duo, along with fellow co-star Erik Estrada, who declined to attend, patrol the freeways of Los Angeles every Saturday night. They were joined by Catherine Bach, best known for her iconic role as Daisy Duke on "The Dukes of Hazzard".

Old time racing friend and mentor Parnelli Jones was also inducted into the Hall of Fame and they had a good chat about Wilcox's Land Speed records in Bonneville. "But Parnelli was the real deal!" Wilcox said with a smile.

Wilcox was attracted to the Diecast Hall of Fame due to his work as a marketing and digital tech consultant with North South Machinery, a California based distributor of new and used metal cutting machines and robotics. He's found that the wide spectrum of machines the company sells and services result in many stories of heartfelt American work ethic, success and ingenuity. He plans on doing a TV series about these stories and the need for youth to get into manufacturing through American companies like North South. He strongly supports the growing resurgence of home grown manufacturing and believes it will provide a bright future for today's youth. 

"On April 20, 2012, North South Machinery will unveil the new Mitsubishi WaterJet machine which is greener, faster and more accurate," Wilcox said enthusiastically.

Wilcox is also looking forward to the upcoming CHiPs cast reunion and convention, which will bring the cast and fans together to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the series' premiere. The event will take place in Los Angeles this September, and tickets are on sale now at chipsreunion.com.

About Larry Wilcox:

Larry Wilcox is a Wyoming native and Vietnam vet who shot to stardom when he was cast as Officer Jon Baker opposite Erik Estrada's Frank Poncherello in the hit TV series "CHiPs." A father of five, today Wilcox works as a marketing and technology consultant and is involved in various public service projects and philanthropic efforts. He believes strongly in giving back to his community and his country.

SOURCE Larry Wilcox