Press Pass® Optima Doubles in Size and Content with an Expanded Base Set of 100 Cards

October 20, 2004 Charlotte, N.C. - As the final 2004 Press Pass brand, Press Pass Optima has gained a reputation for providing collectors with informative content about their favorite driver's activities and interests away from the race track, in addition to how they are gearing up for the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup. This year, Press Pass Optima 2004 features an expanded base set of 100 cards that include all new subsets such as NASCAR Pets, Charity Spotlight, and Celebrity Profile that give race fans a glimpse at the men behind the machines.

In addition to an expanded base set, Press Pass Optima 2004 boasts a generous amount of memorabilia and autographs. The Press Pass Signings autograph program features over 70 different drivers, including the first autographs from NASCAR Busch Series brilliant rookie and points leader, Martin Truex Jr. (1:84 hobby, 1:144 retail). After a successful debut, the Press Pass Signings Contest returns in 2004 providing the opportunity for one lucky winner to receive an entire set of 2004 Press Pass Signings autograph cards. There are unique hobby and retail versions of Thunder Bolts, the popular double sided race-used lugnut cards (1:168 hobby, 1:240 retail). The Signature Series Thunder Bolts, autographed and sequentially numbered to each driver's door number, feature a stellar line-up of driver's including the first and only 2004 Signature Series cards of Kasey Kahne. Collectors can also look forward to finding NASCAR Busch Series memorabilia cards. Top Prospect race-used memorabilia cards feature the first ever memorabilia cards from the future stars of NASCAR. Originally debuting in Press Pass Trackside 2004, there are four different types of memorabilia cards to collect, with the race-used glove and race-used shoe cards exclusive to Press Pass Optima 2004 (1:98, hobby only).

"Press Pass Optima 2004 offers collectors a great mix of content and value," stated Heather Maillard, associate product manager for Press Pass, a division of RC2 (NASDAQ: RCRC). "With an expanded base set and a wide variety of autograph and memorabilia cards to chase, each pack of Press Pass Optima promises fun and collectiblity.

In addition to an expanded base set, autographs, and memorabilia, there are several exciting inserts to collect, including the latest installment in the Dale Earnhardt Gallery Series - "The Man Behind The Mask". Product release is slated for October 20th.

RC2 (www.rc2corp.com) is a leading designer, 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, 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®, JoyRide® 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 New Holland, Polaris, Honda, Caterpillar, Ford, GM, DaimlerChrysler, NASCAR, NHRA, Texaco, Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, DIC Entertainment, Discovery Channel and Microsoft, among others. 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 25,000 retail outlets located in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia Pacific.