PRESS PASSŪ
Press Pass, founded in 1992 and a division
of RC2 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. New for 2005 are NHRA trading
cards featuring all of the top drivers including drag racing legend
John Force.
The NASCAR line-up consists of ten brands: Press Pass, Wheels High
Gear, Press Pass Eclipse, Press Pass Premium, Wheels American Thunder,
Press Pass Trackside, Press Pass Legends (new in 2005), 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 NEXTEL Cup Series drivers, NASCAR
Busch Series drivers, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 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 Signature Edition. Press Pass
Rookie Football features the first autographs and game worn jerseys
from the top rookies, while Press Pass Signature Edition lives up
to its name by providing six levels of autograph cards, including
extremely rare Autographed Jersey Cards. Press Pass Signature Edition
features one autograph or memorabilia card in every pack!
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. The Press Pass NHRA product
offering consists of a 50-card base set of drivers from all classes
of NHRA. Included in every boxed set is an authentic autograph
or driver-worn memorabilia card. Look for autographs and memorabilia
from John Force and other top stars.
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 today!)
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.
2001-Press Pass becomes exclusive manufacturer of NASCAR trading cards
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
2003- RC2 becomes new name of parent company
2005- Press Pass produces first NHRA product
2005- Press Pass introduces LEGENDS brand of NASCAR trading cards
setting a new standard for quality and value in NASCAR trading cards
