2012 Press Pass Showcase NASCAR Trading Cards Break Recap And Review

After ripping into Press Pass Redline I said it could give this year’s Showcase a run for its money.  Well it did, but if these two releases were in a real race it would make Jimmie Johnson’s win at the 2011 Aaron’s 499 at Talladega look like a blowout. It is literally too close to call which is the better release, so the real winner here is anyone who collects NASCAR cards.  You can’t go wrong with either one.

We classify 2012 Press Pass Showcase as premium cards.  Each hobby box contains 3 – 5 card packs and each pack contains either one autograph or memorabilia card.

Here is a look at what we pulled.

Base Set - #/499

 Dale Earnhardt Jr., Front and Back

 Joey Logano, Trevor Bayne

 Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace

Tony Stewart Defining Moments, Kasey Kahne Elite Exhibit

Base Parallel

 Jeff Burton #/125, Marcos Ambrose & Aric Almirola Classic Collections #/25

Acetate Inserts - #/499

Please note, for the most part when you see white, it is actually clear (see through).

I added the white background to show the cards' details.

 David Pearson Champions Showcase

 Showroom - Number 48 Lowes Chevrolet, Number 5 Farmers Insurance Chevrolet

The Hits

 Ryan Newman Masterpieces Firesuit & Sheet Metal #/99

Roush Fenway Racing Classic Collections

Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards & Greg Biffle Trio of Sheet Metals #/50

Jeff Gordon Masterpieces Ink Firesuit, Sheet Metal & Shoe Autograph #/25

Overall Look

This year Press Pass has stepped away from the heavy foiling, opting for a cleaner card with foil accents which gives these cards a sharp look.  The acetate cards look fantastic.  The layout and materials used for the hit cards are phenomenal.

Quality and Variety of Drivers and Subsets

This checklist is tight enough to fit on a single page.  These are the top names in the sports so it is nearly impossible to do anything but pull great cards.

Do the Hits satisfy? 

No question, this box was exceptional for hits.  But as good as it was, there are even better hits to be had in the run.  With the additions this year of Richard Petty Birthday Tribute Cards, Showcase Signature Patches and Champions Ink, desirability should be through the roof.  Hit one of the instant win prizes like Driver Worn Sunglasses or full pieces of race used cars like Clint Boyer’s 2006 Rookie Bumper Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman’s carbon fiber spoiler and you’ve got a showcase piece, litterally.

Will you keep coming back for more?

If your budget allows it, multiple purchases are easy to see.

Rating

5 out of 5

2012 Press Pass Showcase NASCAR cards once again deliver a phenomenal break.