Stars & Cars
April 15, 1997

Stars from film, television, music, and art geared up to compete against professional race car drivers in the 21st annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity race this past Saturday, April 12 in Long Beach, California. Among the competing celebrities this year was Grant Show, who plays Jake Hanson on the popular prime-time television show "Melrose Place." Grant, the winner of last year’s Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, wasn’t so lucky this year. He crashed his Toyota Celica GT Liftback on the first lap during the 10-lap race on the 1.59-mile street circuit.

Another celebrity competitor, actor Jason Bateman, who plays Harry Kulchak on NBC’s "Chicago Sons" told me "I wish I would have looked in my mirror and seen Grant because I probably would not have hit him." When I asked Jason how his collision with Grant happened , he said, "It felt like someone hit me, I didn’t make any move with my wheel. I was driving straight and then I was just out of control" Sure, that is what they all say… After knocking Grant out of the race, Jason went on to finish second.

I asked Jason how he likes working with Chicago Bulls’ Scottie Pippen who has been appearing on "Chicago Sons." He said, "It has been a lot of fun" and when I asked about Scottie having an acting career, "sure, why not? "

Grant told me that he has other opportunities to race. He competes in the Skip Barber Dodge Racing Two-Liter Series. "As long as I can afford to race, I will—it’s pretty expensive to race" said the ‘hot’ young actor. Why do so many actors get involved with auto racing? Grant thinks the reason is that actors tend to be thrill-seekers, and racing is a pretty big thrill.

One of the prettier faces behind the wheel was supermodel-turned-actress Carol Alt. Not new to racing, Carol has participated in several vintage sports car races on some of the most famous tracks of Italy. But, her experience did not help Carol in this race, she finished next to last. Carol told me, "I had a lot of fun ,and I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did especially after I crashed in practice." She added, "I think what I learned with my racing experience this weekend will help me with day-to-day driving ." I am sure she will get a chance to use those skills in Los Angeles-where she resides.

Actor Sean Patrick Flannery (star of the film "Powder")beat out the other stars to win the 1997 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. It was all for a good cause--the event raised lots of money for Southern California children’s hospitals.

A Little of This and a Little of That…

As I told you in this column months ago, former NBA player John Salley was scheduled to host a late-night talk-show with Buena Vista Television (BVT) but that may all change now. BVT has just signed Keenan Ivory Wayans ("In Living Color") to produce and host a new late-night talk-show. BVT has said that no decision has been made on how the Wayans project will impact the deal with Salley. The Wayans show will compete with Twentieth Television’s planned talk show hosted by NBA legend Magic Johnson. I’ll keep you posted on the late-night battle…

Atlantic recording group Hootie & the Blowfish hosted the third annual "Monday After The Masters" an all-star charity golf tourney and concert held Monday, April 14. Members of the band are big fans of golf and hope the event will raise lots of money for charities encouraging a new generation of well-schooled golfers and providing opportunities for young minority players. Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Dan Marino, Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Brett Farve, ESPN’s Dan Patrick, PGA player Peter Jacobsen , singer Alice Cooper, (yes, he is still alive) and REM’s Mike Mills and Bill Berry participated in the golf tournament for the good cause…

Speaking of golf, Masters Champion Tiger Woods barely had time to wear his green jacket before he was cutting ribbon to welcome guests to the Official All-Star Café (OASC) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina , Monday, April 14 . Tiger was joined by television and film star Luke Perry, and fellow Official All-Star Café shareholder , Monica Seles. The Masters Champ said at the restaurant opening that he had slept with his newly acquired green jacket, and that it never left him. Hey, maybe the OASC can sell green jackets with their infamous logo on them at the restaurants…

I ran into Craig T. Nelson, star of the show "Coach" this past weekend at the CART Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach . He told me he will be racing with his Screaming Eagles Team this Sunday, April 20th at the Road Atlanta track in the Professional Sports Car Series.