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PRESS PASS
Press Pass, founded in 1992, 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 and Collegiate Licensing Company. Press Pass introduced Elvis Presley trading cards in 2006, which featured the first-ever Elvis-worn memorabilia cards and Elvis "cut signature" cards. Follow-up Elvis releases are planned for 2007. Under its Joyride Studios brand, Press Pass also develops and distributes the Fullmetal Alchemist trading card game (TCG) that is based on the hot anime property from Japan now showing on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.
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 three Press Pass Football products released each year, Press Pass Rookie Football, Press Pass Signature Edition, and Press Pass Legends. 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! Press Pass Legends is a high-end collectible which was introduced in 2006 and features a mix of retired college "legends" players (e.g., autograph cards from Dan Marino, Barry Sanders, Paul Hornung, etc) and top rookies.
The Press Pass Basketball brand is similar to Press Pass Rookie Football by containing the first trading cards with autographs and game-used jerseys of the top basketball rookies. Press Pass Legends Basketball was introduced in 2007 and features a mix of retired college "legends" players (e.g., autograph cards from Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and the first-ever "cut signature" cards of Pete Maravich) and top rookies.
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
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Card Company Profiles