2009 Long Beach Grand Prix Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
One of our favorite events at the annual Long Beach Grand Prix is the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. The slash in its name lets you know that this event features celebrities racing against real pro drivers, as well as a few buy-in drivers. In this case, each entrant gets the chance to pilot an identically prepped and lightly modified Scion tC. Basically, Toyota has removed the mufflers and added racing wheels and StopTech brakes, plus a rollcage and other safety equipment. The pros spot the celebs 30 seconds at the start of this 10-lap race, and then it’s every driver for him-or-her-self.
This year’s field featured some pretty big names from the entertainment and racing worlds. The race itself sometimes becomes secondary to the mere spectacle, but this year’s race featured some pretty good on-track action as well. After jumping out to a huge lead, skateboarding legend and polesitter Danny Way pushed a little too hard trying to hold off the hard-charging Farnsworth Bentley. They tangled, allowing the “pro” triumverate of Al Unser Jr., Johnny Benson and Tom Tudnai through. If that last name doesn’t sound familiar, that’s probably because Tudnai is the president of a local Toyota dealership - but he won this event once before in 2001, elevating him to pro status.
Just behind the top three, Keanu Reeves inherited the the top celebrity title, just ahead of Ken Baker and Carlos Mencia. Raven Simone finished last after an early shunt ended her run. This means that Little Al now has seven wins at Long Beach, six in an open-wheeler. No wonder he’s known as “King of the Beach” in these parts. There’s a full rundown after the jump and a gallery available by clicking on any image here.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.