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 nine brands: Press Pass, Wheels High
Gear, Press Pass Eclipse, Press Pass Premium, Wheels American Thunder,
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, Gloves,
Shoes, and Hats making each brand unique and highly collectible.
Every Press Pass brand also features driver autographs from 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 Rookie Football and Press Pass Jersey Edition.
Press Pass Rookie 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 2003, Press Pass celebrates its 10th Anniversary. To commemorate
this milestone, the company has introduced several new programs
to enhance its racing line-up. Some of the most notable additions
include: Signature Series (Press Pass' first ever race-used
memorabilia autograph card program), the Dale Earnhardt 10th
Anniversary Series (featuring special reprints of Dale's 100
greatest Press Pass cards), and the "Be A King For A Day"Contest
(collectors can enter to win several exciting prizes from the Richard
Petty Driving Experience).
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 2003!)
1995-Press Pass launches first basketball card product.
1996-Press Pass introduces industry's first event-used trading
cards in January 1996 ("Burning Rubber" race-used tire
card)
1996-Press Pass launches first football card product.
1998-Racing Champions acquires Press Pass brands.
2002- Press Pass introduces Total Access, an interactive trading
card guide and checklist of the entire set of trading cards on a
CD.
2003- Press Pass launches "Signature Series" the first
NASCAR autographed race-used memorabilia program
