Toyota Pro Celebrity Race

[JohnBM01]

Hello, GTPlanet.

The Long Beach Grand Prix may be long done, but this topic is about the racing done on the streets of Long Beach before the Grand Prix of Long Beach. I'll tell you one thing, Long Beach is the nation's oldest street course, but it is also a very beautiful street course. All you need is a cloudless blue sky day there, and you'll have a track and a race you'll be proud to race. The thing to remember is that this race is a promotion to charity.

This year, Max Papis won the race on the wet streets. Lil' Kim spun out but recovered beautifully, Chris McDonald had some trouble, and Jill Pasant (correct spelling?) was out of the race.

This topic doesn't have to be just about this specific race, but what do you think about the cars that race this celebrity event? Do you think there should be a celebrity racing "series" that goes across American and even Canadian street courses? Do you think some better cars could be raced for these celebrities? Reply now.

And if you ask me, I'd like to see a challenge between NFL players and the pros. The car of choice? Call me crazy, but what about the newer model Civic Si with the rally-style shifter?

 

[wowitfoth]

This year was the first I have missed in eight years. It is in desperate need of help. I hope the city steps up! I refused to attend actually, I live ten blocks away too. I always go all three days, the Pro/Celeb race is the highlight for me. The Celicas are getting old! Pulling a car is less fun than pushing! I want to see them in some Lexus IS300's! Little Kim and Clarrisa does nothing for me. But Ashley Judd made my heart go pitter patter! She was very fun! I want to see some local businesses or corp. sponser two or three public contest winners. I want to race in it bad!
"Coolio"

"Ashley Judd"

 

[pimp racer]

Yeah that was a pretty cool race but in rain so most of the drivers spun out or hit wall anyway Max (MAD) Papis won

 

[JohnBM01]

Lexus IS300s/Toyota Altezzas, you say, WowItFoth? Not bad. So we have to think of sporty cars that would be fun to race around Long Beach. So, if you have your ideas, go with them. And don't forget. These are mostly pro racers and celebrities. So don't put them in anything more powerful than they can handle. You wouldn't want people to race in Suzuki Escudos or Toyota GT-Ones, would you? Here are some weird selections: Mini Cooper S, Mazda RX-8s, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII RalliArt, or these are kickers: Jaguar S-Types or Toyota Supras.

Other than that, hope next year's race is on a sunny day. It's LOVELY out there in Long Beach.

 

[wowitfoth]

The surrounding area is nice until you drive into downtown! But all cities have there slums! I say altezzas/is300's because it is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. No offense, but Front wheel drive does not a race car make! Might as well be towing a trailer!

 

[JohnBM01]

Hell, if that race was sponsored by Honda, not having the S2000 in there would be a shame. But Altezzas/IS300s wouldn't be a bad choice. My mother dislikes them, but they look the part of race cars despite their luxury appearance. I've heard of an Altezza worth about $300,000, ran a lap of Tsukuba and had a good showing. But the thing is, you want to stay stock because I don't know any celebrities besides maybe Paul Newman who can race a fast car.

 

[pimp racer]

Originally posted by JohnBM01
Hell, if that race was sponsored by Honda, not having the S2000 in there would be a shame. .

Yeah but what if they brought in the Honda versions of the NSX? That would be amazing to watch.

 

[JohnBM01]

Yeah it would, Pimp. But you see, the NSX is a more advanced machine (can't believe I'd say that). If you want mid-engine cars, why not have those MR-Ses, you know, saying that Toyota sponsors the race?

It would be interesting if celebrities and racers race on streets and road courses around America and Canada. A race "series" would start at Long Beach and have a "finale" at the GT4 track of New York. Why not have some fun with the celebs and the racers?