December 12, 2003 Charlotte, N.C. -After a successful debut in 2003, Press Pass has brought back the popular Signature Series program, combining what collectors covet the most, autographs and memorabilia of their favorite drivers. Press Pass 2004 starts the year off with Signature Series Burning Rubber cards featuring signatures and race-used tires from eight of the top drivers in NASCAR: Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman, and Rusty Wallace. These rare cards are a hobby exclusive and are individually numbered to each driver's door number. Look for Signature Series cards to appear in all 2004 Press Pass racing products.
In addition to Signature Series Burning Rubber, Press Pass 2004 offers collectors a chance to obtain the first 2004 Press Pass Certified Authentic Autographs (1:84 Hobby 1:196 Retail). Included in the line-up are the newest autograph cards from NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Matt Kenseth, and Busch Series Champion, and rising star, Brian Vickers. Collectors looking to obtain an autograph from Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have an opportunity to find one in Press Pass 2004. Although he is not featured in 2004 Press Pass Certified Authentic Autographs, a small amount of his 2003 Press Pass Signings and 2003 Press Pass Gold Signings have been randomly inserted in packs of Press Pass 2004.
"We wanted to provide collectors with autographs from Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Press Pass 2004," explained Heather Maillard, associate product manager for Press Pass, a division of RC2 (NASDAQ: RCRC). "This will be the last opportunity for collectors to obtain his 2003 Press Pass Signings and extremely rare 2003 Press Pass Gold Signings, his only 2003 autograph cards."
Press Pass 2004 released on December 10, 2003.
RC2 (www.rc2corp.com) is a leading producer and marketer of high quality, innovative collectibles and toys targeted at adult collectors and children, as measured by sales and brand recognition. The Company's diverse product offerings include: agricultural, construction and outdoor sports vehicle replicas; automotive, high performance and racing vehicle replicas; traditional children's toys; sports trading cards and racing apparel and souvenirs; and collectible figures. These products are sold under the Company's market-focused brand names, including Racing Champions®, Ertl®, Ertl Collectibles®, Learning Curve, American Muscle™, AMT®, W. Britain®, Press Pass®, Eden™, Feltkids® and JoyRide Studios™. The Company supports its brands and enhances the authenticity of its products by linking them with highly recognized licensed properties from John Deere, Harley-Davidson, HIT Entertainment, Lamaze, Case, Polaris, Honda,
Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler, NASCAR, NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, DIC Entertainment, Nintendo, Sega, Electronic Arts and Microsoft. The Company's products are marketed through multiple channels of distribution, including chain retailers, specialty and hobby wholesalers and retailers, OEM dealers, corporate accounts for promotional purposes and direct to consumers. The Company sells through more than 20,000 retail outlets located in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.