Last years release was so well received that anticipation for 2010 was an all time high.
Like last year 2010 is 3 packs per box and five cards per pack. Some would call this a high risk high reward product.
Showcase starts off with a 50 card base set. There are five levels with the most common being numbered to /499. The other levels are numbered to /125, /50, /15, and the elusive 1/1.
The hits are what make every product and with showcase the hits are monsters. The cards thicker and larger than other products.
Our first hit was the prized pieces sheet metal card. Ours happened to be Danica and numbered to only 99. The second memorabilia hit was the fire-suit /25 of Jeff Burton. Both of these pieces have substantial weight to them.
Our last hit is the autograph of Kevin Harvick. Bringing back a them of the past the autograph is on a transparent piece of acetate that distinguishes it from the base card.
Showcase is even better this year than last year. With a wider array of drivers including Indy car and NHRA champions. These drivers are well deserving of a high end product like showcase. Their inclusion may also bring new collectors into the hobby and hopefully more products geared to those series.
Some of the race used parts this year are new and include the parachute of John Force. Press Pass continues with this product to kick it up a notch while bringing collectors what they want. If this year is any indication the 2011 release should be mind blowing.
The only drawbacks I have seen in the product are the plain pieces on some of the rarer cards. Cards numbered less than 20 should never be plain.
Also while numbering the base set is great. Five levels in any release is too much. I would prefer to see the 1/1 cards be limited to memorabilia pieces and possibly the autographs. 3 levels may be a nice compromise.
In future releases I would like to see the multiple base sets be replaced with an exclusive autograph set of nationwide drivers.
Overall the set is an A and it represents Press Pass very well. While it is not perfect it is very close.
