Press Pass making 'TRAKS'

If you've been around the NASCAR collectibles scene for any length of time, the name "TRAKS" will most likely ring a bell.

Making its debut in 1991, TRAKS was the second card company -- following MAXX -- to offer a comprehensive NASCAR trading card set. The brand left an indelible mark on the hobby by offering the very first regular issue Jeff Gordon NASCAR card in its debut release. It is still one of the most coveted base cards ever produced. TRAKS hung around until 1996, when it became one of the casualties of over-saturation in the racing card market.

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Fast forward 10 years and the TRAKS name is making a comeback, this time under the auspices of Press Pass/RC2 Corporation.

Just now making its way into circulation, TRAKS 2006 is the most comprehensive set released thus far this year, featuring new photography of NASCAR Nextel Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck series drivers and teams in their current uniforms.

Cornerstone of TRAKS 2006 is a 110-card base set showcasing a host of NASCAR drivers past and present. Complementing the retro theme inspired by its name, the set is punctuated by a vintage look and feel.

"TRAKS 2006 will generate a lot of excitement with collectors and fans alike with its cool retro style design, outstanding rookie lineup, seven subsets, new 2006 photography, and fun Driver Fan Sticker cards," said Heather Maillard, Product Manager for Press Pass, a division of RC2 Corp.

The seven TRAKS 2006 subsets are comprised of: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series drivers (Cards No. 1-36), Nextel Cup Series machines (37-48), Busch Series drivers (49-60), Craftsman Truck Series drivers (61-69), NASCAR Legends (70-90), NEXTEL Cup Series race shops (91-99), Nextel Cup Series pit crews (100-110.) Career highlights are reflected in "Trak Facts" found on each card.

Even the most discriminating collector will be impressed with the photography found in TRAKS' return set. The imagery includes action packed pit scenes, photos of race cars burning up the track, pictures of the grand racing complexes throughout North Carolina, as well as some of the greatest legends of the sport.

Of course, rookie cards have long held an allure to stick-and-ball collectors. And while that trend has been slow to catch on among racing enthusiasts, it has finally started to take hold over the past couple of years -- and TRAKS 2006 is doing its part to enhance the collectibility of NASCAR rookie cards with a special designation for cards depicting the hottest rookie class in NASCAR history.

Base cards of NASCAR Nextel Cup rookies -- including Martin Truex, Jr., Clint Bowyer, Bud Shootout winner Denny Hamlin, J.J. Yeley, David Stremme and Reed Sorenson--will feature a special NASCAR Nextel Cup Rookie Card logo.

What's more, this new official NASCAR Nextel Cup Rookie Card logo will be featured on rookie base cards in Press Pass releases throughout 2006.

The Driver Fan Sticker cards Maillard spoke of will feature an adhesive backing and allow fans to show allegiance to their favorite NASCAR drivers. Most of Nextel Cup racing's superstars are included and will be inserted at a ratio of one sticker per pack.

Centerpiece of TRAKS 2006 is the highly-charged TRAKS Authentic Autographs insert program. This is the ultimate collection of signed chase cards includes autographs from established stars and rookies from all three of NASCAR's top touring series, as well as legends like Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, and The Silver Fox himself, David Pearson. TRAKS Authentic Autographs are randomly seeded at a ratio of 1:72 hobby packs and 1:240 retail packs.