June 29, 2004 Charlotte, N.C. - In 2003, Press Pass
unveiled the successful Top Prospect race-used memorabilia
program featuring the first ever memorabilia cards from
several of the top young drivers in the NASCAR Busch Series.
Debuting in Press Pass Trackside 2004, this year's
Top Prospect program includes a line-up of eight
promising young drivers who are already making their mark
on the sport.
Collectors can find the first race-used tire cards (sequentially
numbered to 350) and race-used sheet metal cards (sequentially
numbered to 200) of these NASCAR Busch Series standouts
in hobby boxes (1:98 packs) of Press Pass Trackside 2004,
which released on June 24, 2004. Some of the most coveted
drivers included in the program are current NASCAR Busch
Series points leader and four time winner, Martin Truex
Jr.; teenage driving sensation, Kyle Busch; and current
NASCAR Nextel Cup rookie and NASCAR Busch Series regular,
Kasey Kahne.
In addition to race-used sheet metal and race-used tire
cards, collectors can look for race-used glove cards and
race-used shoe cards from these exciting drivers, later
this year, in Press Pass Optima 2004. Three members
of last year's Top Prospect class are now rookies
on the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit. What will the future hold
for these up and coming drivers? Collect the entire Top
Prospect set and follow their progression to the sports
highest level.
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.
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