And the winner is...drum roll please:
Patrick Neeley of Goshen, IN.
Congratulations! Stay tuned each week as we reveal the winner of each VIP Gift Bag.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
#3
Sad as it is for all us true NASCAR fans, what has been an exciting season of Toyota domination, MANY back flips by Carl Edwards (I'm dizzy just thinking about them) and three close series points battles, the 2008 NASCAR season has come to an end. What better place for it to come to an end than with the final races being held at Homestead-Miami Speedway where the weather was hot, sleep was NOT an option and the hunger to win championships caused many a stomach to rumble.
I myself never thought that the #3 would again play such a role in the world of NASCAR after Earnhardt was taken from us back in '01. But leave it to a guy like Jimmie Johnson to change that. Having worked with Jimmie during our annual Press Pass photoshoot during Daytona Speedweeks and having the opportunity to chit chat with him between the clicks of the camera, I realized from that exact moment why he was by far one of the greatest drivers in the industry today. Not only does he have the mad skills to win big at his job, he has a great attitude towards life and a genuine heart that ties the entire package together. I'm not a band wagon type of girl-I've known JJ was a bad a&* driver for sometime, but to be that cool-well it only made me more of a supporter to Jimmie and his Team Lowe's members.
Good driving skills, fast engines, and record pit-stops no doubt will get you to the front of the field, but it is the confidence JJ and his team have in each other as friends, family, and teammates that empowers them to win.
After winning his third championship this past weekend Jimmie stated: "I could go race again next week and start the season and go for four ... It's on our minds. It's not that we're chasing a number, we just know what we're capable of. We know we can do better. It's a search to do the best we can".
Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson and Team Lowe's on their 3-peat!
I myself never thought that the #3 would again play such a role in the world of NASCAR after Earnhardt was taken from us back in '01. But leave it to a guy like Jimmie Johnson to change that. Having worked with Jimmie during our annual Press Pass photoshoot during Daytona Speedweeks and having the opportunity to chit chat with him between the clicks of the camera, I realized from that exact moment why he was by far one of the greatest drivers in the industry today. Not only does he have the mad skills to win big at his job, he has a great attitude towards life and a genuine heart that ties the entire package together. I'm not a band wagon type of girl-I've known JJ was a bad a&* driver for sometime, but to be that cool-well it only made me more of a supporter to Jimmie and his Team Lowe's members.
Good driving skills, fast engines, and record pit-stops no doubt will get you to the front of the field, but it is the confidence JJ and his team have in each other as friends, family, and teammates that empowers them to win.
After winning his third championship this past weekend Jimmie stated: "I could go race again next week and start the season and go for four ... It's on our minds. It's not that we're chasing a number, we just know what we're capable of. We know we can do better. It's a search to do the best we can".
Congratulations to Jimmie Johnson and Team Lowe's on their 3-peat!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Legends Racing Contest Winners
The following users won a box of Legends Racing.
Almac377
SorensonSuperCollector
Thanks to all that entered.
Almac377
SorensonSuperCollector
Thanks to all that entered.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Steeler Nation in the Nation's Capitol
Last Monday I was in Washington, DC on business with a couple of Press Pass colleagues and was fortunate enough to score some prime location tickets to the Monday night Steelers-Redskins matchup at FedEx Field. Aside from the great seats, there were many things that stood out about this game vs. other games I've attended over the years. The Monday Night Football atmosphere was great, We arrived early to avoid traffic, tailgate, and watch the players warm-up. Several times over the course of the 90 minutes of warm-ups, the classic old-school MNF theme blared over the top notch sound system---awesome. A Redskin player played catch with people in the stands for a solid 15 minutes. Throwing to the first row to 20 rows up; it was a fun atmposhere. The enormity of the 92,000 seat stadium also stood out. It sells out every game and the waiting list for season tickets is long beyond belief. The 'Skins could probably sell out a 150,000 seat stadium!
However, the thing that stood out the most to me was the amount of Steeler fans present. There were Steeler jerseys all over---from Franco Harris to Troy Polamalu to Big Ben. I know that the Steelers are perennially one of the top selling teams in terms of NFL merchandise. Each year at www.presspassinc.com we sell more Steeler diecast than any other team. This fact was reinforced by what I saw at FedEx Field. During the player introductions and throughout the game, the infamous gold "Terrible Towels" were everywhere! At times you had to wonder if you were in DC or Pittsburgh, I think quite a few of the Redskin season ticket holders made some large cash selling their Monday night tix to members of the Steeler Nation. While the majority of fans were rooting for the hometown Redskins, I bet a solid 25-30% were cheering on the Steelers. The fact that the Steeler fans had a lot more to cheer about in the 23-6 victory made their presence seem even larger. If the Steelers come to vist your stadium, prepare to cheer extra loud for your team (or make a bundle selling your tickets!).
Tom
However, the thing that stood out the most to me was the amount of Steeler fans present. There were Steeler jerseys all over---from Franco Harris to Troy Polamalu to Big Ben. I know that the Steelers are perennially one of the top selling teams in terms of NFL merchandise. Each year at www.presspassinc.com we sell more Steeler diecast than any other team. This fact was reinforced by what I saw at FedEx Field. During the player introductions and throughout the game, the infamous gold "Terrible Towels" were everywhere! At times you had to wonder if you were in DC or Pittsburgh, I think quite a few of the Redskin season ticket holders made some large cash selling their Monday night tix to members of the Steeler Nation. While the majority of fans were rooting for the hometown Redskins, I bet a solid 25-30% were cheering on the Steelers. The fact that the Steeler fans had a lot more to cheer about in the 23-6 victory made their presence seem even larger. If the Steelers come to vist your stadium, prepare to cheer extra loud for your team (or make a bundle selling your tickets!).
Tom
Monday, October 27, 2008
A few more suggestions for NASCAR…
Not that they are listening. Is anyone else sick of seeing qualifying for Sprint Cup races rained out? I know I am and I’m sure the fans at the track for the weekend are even more so. That was the story this past weekend at Atlanta once again. According to Jayski, this was the 10th qualifying rain out of the year out of 33 races. 30% are you kidding me? Of course when this happens, they line up by points which obviously translates into a major gift for those near the top of the standings. Of those 10 races, every winner had a starting position inside the top 10. I can understand if it rains for two or three days straight, but they could have easily qualified on Saturday this past weekend. If they did this, Joey Logano may already have his first Sprint Cup win by now.
While we’re on the subject of qualifying, please let’s get rid of this “top 35 make the race regardless of how slow they qualify” rule. Make every competitor qualify on speed. If someone crashes on their qualifying run, allow them a second lap with a backup car.
On another note, I think it would be interesting to see fewer tires used during the race similar to Nationwide. If there was a rule allowing only a certain amount of tire sets per team for the race, this would allow much more strategy and give teams with lesser funding more of a fighting chance. Say for instance they have a 300 lap race and the tires last 50-60 laps. Allow each team 7 sets of tires maximum for the race. This will keep the big money teams from going to new tires if there are cautions every 20-30 laps. It will force them to think about no tires or two tire stops versus always coming in for four tires.
My two cents…feel free to post your comments!
PS – lots of great comments posted about the Legends blog/contest below. However, many of you posted without leaving any type of contact information either in your profile or your post. It’s time to pick some winners so if you could please update your profile with an email, phone, or other method of contact! Thanks
While we’re on the subject of qualifying, please let’s get rid of this “top 35 make the race regardless of how slow they qualify” rule. Make every competitor qualify on speed. If someone crashes on their qualifying run, allow them a second lap with a backup car.
On another note, I think it would be interesting to see fewer tires used during the race similar to Nationwide. If there was a rule allowing only a certain amount of tire sets per team for the race, this would allow much more strategy and give teams with lesser funding more of a fighting chance. Say for instance they have a 300 lap race and the tires last 50-60 laps. Allow each team 7 sets of tires maximum for the race. This will keep the big money teams from going to new tires if there are cautions every 20-30 laps. It will force them to think about no tires or two tire stops versus always coming in for four tires.
My two cents…feel free to post your comments!
PS – lots of great comments posted about the Legends blog/contest below. However, many of you posted without leaving any type of contact information either in your profile or your post. It’s time to pick some winners so if you could please update your profile with an email, phone, or other method of contact! Thanks
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Preview: Legends Nickname and Inscription Autographs
For the collector that’s looking for a little something extra, you’ll want to check out the upcoming release of Press Pass Legends. Drivers were asked to sign a handful of their Legends Autograph cards with an added nickname or inscription, and they didn’t disappoint!
NASCAR drivers have some pretty interesting nicknames, several of which you’ll find in Press Pass Legends 2008…you’ve got “Texas Terry” (Terry Labonte), “Sliced Bread” (Joey Logano), “Rowdy” (Kyle Busch), “Mr. September” (Harry Gant), and “The Fox” (David Pearson) to name a few.
Many drivers chose to include an inscription about some of their career defining accomplishments such as “2006 & 2007 Champ” (Jimmie Johnson), “69 Indy 500 Winner” (Mario Andretti), “2003 Champion” (Matt Kenseth), “85 Cup Wins!” (Bobby Allison) and “2 Time NASCAR Cup Champion” (Ned Jarrett).
The driver with one of the most unique Press Pass Legends Autographs is Darrell Waltrip. In addition to his signature plus #17, his wife Stevie Waltrip has also added her signature to some of his cards.
Click on the images below for a look at some of the inscription and nickname autograph cards available.
Leave us a comment and tell us which one is your favorite. Two winners will be selected to receive a free box of 2008 Press Pass NASCAR Legends trading cards.
Press Pass Legends releases in late October. Check our website www.presspassinc.com each week to find out more information about this product that uniquely combines legendary racers from the past along with current stars and up and coming legends of the future.
NASCAR drivers have some pretty interesting nicknames, several of which you’ll find in Press Pass Legends 2008…you’ve got “Texas Terry” (Terry Labonte), “Sliced Bread” (Joey Logano), “Rowdy” (Kyle Busch), “Mr. September” (Harry Gant), and “The Fox” (David Pearson) to name a few.
Many drivers chose to include an inscription about some of their career defining accomplishments such as “2006 & 2007 Champ” (Jimmie Johnson), “69 Indy 500 Winner” (Mario Andretti), “2003 Champion” (Matt Kenseth), “85 Cup Wins!” (Bobby Allison) and “2 Time NASCAR Cup Champion” (Ned Jarrett).
Click on the images below for a look at some of the inscription and nickname autograph cards available.
Leave us a comment and tell us which one is your favorite. Two winners will be selected to receive a free box of 2008 Press Pass NASCAR Legends trading cards.
Press Pass Legends releases in late October. Check our website www.presspassinc.com each week to find out more information about this product that uniquely combines legendary racers from the past along with current stars and up and coming legends of the future.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Don’t let me down, Kyle
I’m a Kyle Busch fan. Yeah, I said it. Now I know 80% of you reading this probably despise Kyle, and you’re rolling your eyes as you sit in your National Guard pajamas and take another sip of your Amp Energy drink. Your loyalty will always remain with the driver of the #88, and I respect that. But I like being different. I also like the fact that the guy can wheel a race car around a track like no one I’ve ever seen. I had a Camry in high school, and I guarantee you it wouldn’t have made nearly as many trips to victory lane as the #18 did this year. Apparently not all Camrys are the same.
After being replaced with a "better driver" at Hendrick Motorsports, Busch found refuge in a stable of other drivers who are also driven by their innate desire to win. It didn’t take long for Wild Thing to make sure Joe Gibbs didn’t regret adding him to the team. With eight wins in the Cup Series and 19 total wins across all three series in the regular season, I was confident going into New Hampshire that Kyle would have a championship trophy to add to his collection come November.
Enter race four of the Chase and Kyle finds himself in last place, behind four drivers who failed to visit victory lane even once during the season. Kyle won eight times! How did this happen? I’ll admit that in previous years, Kyle’s recklessness and inexperience severely contributed to his demise, but with those issues resolved, or should I say seemingly under control, this was going to be Kyle’s year! What happened?!
There are seven races left, and sitting in 12th place in the standings Kyle has nothing to lose. But, maybe that’s how he wanted it. Maybe he was so bored with being all alone at the top of the field that he wanted to create some excitement and wanted a challenge. Maybe he thrives off of racing like he’s got nothing to lose. Maybe there’s a reason he feels at home in the middle of a three-wide pack. Maybe he wants to give fans of other drivers a glimmer of hope that their precious driver might win the title before he dominates the field once again.
The next few weeks will determine how this chapter in Kyle Busch’s racing career will unfold. No, I’m not burning my Kyle Busch man purse just yet, and I may or may not be mischievously lobbing M&M’s at the #88 car when the field comes to Charlotte in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’ll reflect on the highlights of a dominating 2008 season.
Remember this?
After being replaced with a "better driver" at Hendrick Motorsports, Busch found refuge in a stable of other drivers who are also driven by their innate desire to win. It didn’t take long for Wild Thing to make sure Joe Gibbs didn’t regret adding him to the team. With eight wins in the Cup Series and 19 total wins across all three series in the regular season, I was confident going into New Hampshire that Kyle would have a championship trophy to add to his collection come November.
Enter race four of the Chase and Kyle finds himself in last place, behind four drivers who failed to visit victory lane even once during the season. Kyle won eight times! How did this happen? I’ll admit that in previous years, Kyle’s recklessness and inexperience severely contributed to his demise, but with those issues resolved, or should I say seemingly under control, this was going to be Kyle’s year! What happened?!
There are seven races left, and sitting in 12th place in the standings Kyle has nothing to lose. But, maybe that’s how he wanted it. Maybe he was so bored with being all alone at the top of the field that he wanted to create some excitement and wanted a challenge. Maybe he thrives off of racing like he’s got nothing to lose. Maybe there’s a reason he feels at home in the middle of a three-wide pack. Maybe he wants to give fans of other drivers a glimmer of hope that their precious driver might win the title before he dominates the field once again.
The next few weeks will determine how this chapter in Kyle Busch’s racing career will unfold. No, I’m not burning my Kyle Busch man purse just yet, and I may or may not be mischievously lobbing M&M’s at the #88 car when the field comes to Charlotte in a few weeks. In the meantime, I’ll reflect on the highlights of a dominating 2008 season.
Remember this?
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