As it heads into Brand Licensing next month, Chapman Entertainment is riding high on the news that after only two months at retail, Rory the Racing Car scored the sixth spot in NPD’s top 100 items for preschool, puzzles and plush in August. Additionally, toy licensee Vivid Imagination’s Remote Control Roary entered the top 100 list in the same category with a strong showing at number 11.

All tolled, 25 UK licensees have already signed up for the racing-driven series which currently airs in more than 50 territories. Egmont Publishing is the latest UK licensee to join team Roary will be launching a magazine based on the series in 2008.

The first Fifi and the Flowertots album from Gut Records, meanwhile, goes on sale today, and both properties will be featured in major retail promotions this fall, including an exclusive engagement for Roary apparel at Woolworths.