Press Pass offers look back at 2004

The first trading card set of the new year, Press Pass 2005, is already making its way into the hands of eager collectors.

Arguably the most comprehensive set of the year, Press Pass 2005 offers a retrospective look at the 2004 season while showcasing NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch Series, Craftsman Truck Drivers, and NASCAR Touring Series Champions.

"Without a doubt, this year, collectors will find more to like about Press Pass 2005 than ever before," said Press Pass product manager Mandy Kirkland. "The newly extended 120-card base set covers the largest range of racing of any Press Pass set. You will find top drivers from a variety of NASCAR series, a look back on the greatest moments from 2004, and an innovative look at this year's most sensational wins. Additionally, Press Pass 2005 not only kicks off our year-long memorabilia program, Double Burner/Triple Burner, but it also contains a new promotional element."

The 120-card base set is complemented by a Platinum Parallel set sequentially numbered to 100. The promotional program Kirkland speaks of involves the sport's most-read weekly newspaper, NASCAR Scene.

"We have joined efforts with NASCAR Scene to give collectors, for the first time, an opportunity to be an 'Insider for the Day,'" she explained. "Collectors not only receive four free issues of NASCAR Scene, but can to enter for a chance to win two free NASCAR Scene Suite passes along with two garage passes to the 2005 NASCAR Nextel All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC, and other prizes."

A staple in the Press Pass platform, the popular race-used memorabilia contest--Total Memorabilia Power Pick--returns in this set and continues in all 2005 Press Pass products. Twelve of racing's hottest superstars are included in this series.

Also back this year is the highly anticipated Signature Series autographed memorabilia cards. Found exclusively in Press Pass 2005, Burning Rubber Signature Series cards are autographed and numbered to the driver's door number, and found in hobby packs only. While a full 18 drivers will be participating in the regular Burning Rubber program, only seven will make up the Signature Series: Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman, Rusty Wallace, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, and Tony Stewart.

Sure to be a hit with collectors is the newly designed Certified Autographs chase set. Randomly seeded at a ratio of 1:84 Hobby packs and 1:144 Retail packs, this insert program will only be found in Press Pass 2005 and the yet-to-be-released Press Pass Eclipse 2005. Nealy five dozen racing personalities-including stars from all major NASCAR touring series, as well as legends--will lend their autographs this year.

Additionally, collectors can look for the final Dale Earnhardt Gallery insert series that culminates with poignant quotes and artist-touched photography on how Earnhardt became a legend in the sport of racing. An additional limited edition hobby-only version is stamped in gold foil and sequentially numbered to 200.

The fan favorite interactive game Cup Chase continues in 2005, giving collectors a chance to win a complete 18-card Cup Chase prize set, and possibly a memorabilia card, if their pictured driver wins a designated race (hobby 1:28, retail 1:36).

Other inserts include Showman/Showcar, Game Face, Velocity, and Snapshots. Here's a peek at the entire Press Pass 2005 insert platform:

Press Pass 2005 is available at card shops, retailers and collectibles stores nationwide.

"Our goal at Press Pass has always been to offer creative, innovative card sets that bring the collectors closer to their heroes," said Miles Atkins, the company's Senior Product Manager. "That has been the key to our longevity and our success."