Need Some Clarification On Earnhardt Card

[Leafsfan1967]

This card has popped up before, and for the life of me, I can't remember if it is an actual signed card (buyback perhaps)from Earnhardt Sr., or if it's just a facimile auto. Obviously, he died 3 years previous to it's release, so we know he didn't sign this card himself in this version. I can't tell by the scan if it's an over-sized card with the actual card inside it, or if its an actual sized card, with a printed version of the auto. My gut says facimile auto, but wanted to be sure not to let it go by if it may not be. By the price, it appears that many bidders feel it's real, and if it gets up to what DE autos normally go for, the buyer is gonna be disappointed. Unless I missed it, I don't see any wording on whether, or not it is real, or a reprinted copy. Anyone know the history of this card? The cardback doesn't exactly clarify this question, and to be honest it makes it appear to be a real auto.


http://cgi.ebay.com/2004-PRESS-PASS...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45efef81b4

 

[Brave]

That looks like the 2001 Press Pass Auto re-issued in buyback form. The 2001 Press Pass card must have been signed before Dale's passing. Do you know when the 2001 set was released?