PRESS PASSŪ
Press Pass, founded in 1992 and a division of Racing Champions since
1998, revolutionized the trading card industry by introducing event-used
memorabilia cards in its' January 1996 Press Pass "Burning Rubber"
racing insert. An actual piece of a NASCAR race-used tire was applied
to the card starting a trend that continues today. Also in 1996, Press
Pass introduced race-used sheet metal cards in June, race-used Dale
Earnhardt fire-suit cards in August and the first ever game-used jersey
basketball cards.
Press Pass has been recognized as the leading manufacturer of
NASCAR trading cards since the mid-nineties. In addition to
NASCAR, Press Pass is licensed by NFL Players Inc. to manufacture
NFL Rookie cards and also manufactures Basketball Rookie cards through
licenses with the individual players.
The NASCAR line-up includes eight brands: Press Pass, Wheels High
Gear, Press Pass Eclipse, Press Pass Premium, Press Pass Trackside,
Press Pass VIP, Press Pass Stealth and Press Pass Optima. Specialized
event-used inserts include Driver Fire-Suits, Sheet Metal, Tires,
Pit Signs, Car Covers, Lugnuts, Flags and Gloves making each brand
unique and highly collectible. Every Press Pass brand also features
driver autographs from all of the top NASCAR Winston Cup drivers,
NASCAR Busch drivers, NASCAR Craftsman Truck drivers, and other
racing personalities.
The Press Pass Football brand has become increasingly popular as
it features the first cards on the market of NFL Rookies each
year. There are two Press Pass Football products released each
year, Press Pass and Press Pass Jersey Edition. Press Pass Football
features the first autographs and game worn jerseys from the top
rookies, while Press Pass Jersey Edition lives up to its name by
providing four levels of jersey cards, including extremely rare
Autographed Jersey Cards. For many players, these will be the only
college game-used jersey cards ever produced.
The Press Pass Basketball brand is similar to Press Pass Football
by containing the first trading cards with autographs and game-used
jerseys of the top basketball rookies.
In 2002, Press Pass took the trading card experience one step further
with the introduction of a revolutionary new product, Press Pass
Total Access. Total Access is an interactive trading card guide
and checklist of the entire set of trading cards on a CD. It allows
collectors to gain "total access" to their trading card
collections on their computers. Also included is free online pricing
via Beckett.com as well as links to related sites and a guide to
collecting trading cards. Press Pass Total Access debuted with the
premier issue of Press Pass Eclipse NASCAR trading cards, and is
available for most 2002 Press Pass racing and basketball products.
Press Pass Highlights
1993-Press Pass introduces event-used redemption insert (lugnuts)
in its first race card product.
1993-Press Pass incorporates thermography technology in Tribe Comic
Cards.
1994-Press Pass introduces year-long interactive insert cards labeled
"Cup Chase" in its race card product. (The concept continues
in 2002!)
1995-Press Pass launches first basketball card product.
1996-Press Pass launches first football card product.
