Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Race race notes

Max Papis Takes First Overall and in Professional Category at the 2004 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race - Chris McDonald is the Celebrity Winner

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 17, 2004) - In a rain-slicked race to the finish line, Cracking Up star Chris McDonald was the first celebrity to capture the checkered flag at the 28th annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, while Lexus-powered Grand Am driver Max Papis finished first overall and in the Pro category.

"This year's race was, by far, one of the most competitive ever," said Les Unger, national motorsports manager with Toyota Motor Sales. "The racing field was filled with drivers who take life to the extreme - and their incredible drive to perform was evidenced today. That's what the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is all about."

RACE HIGHLIGHTS

McDonald came from a third place starting position to capture the checkered flag in the celebrity category. Early on, The Bachelor star Andrew Firestone and Access Hollywood correspondent Tony Potts raced neck-and-neck for the first place position until both drivers slid into the tire barrier. Chris McDonald was able to break away from the pack and finished with an unbelievable seven-second lead.

In the professional category, Papis triumphed over jetski champion Mike Follmer and former Toyota Pro/Celebrity race winners Peter Reckell (NBC's Days of Our Lives) and Olympian Dara Torres. Papis' win today marked yet another illustrious win in his racing career, which includes victories in CART and sports car racing.

The final standings for the field are:
Overall Winner:
1. Max Papis - 18:48.793

Celebrity Category:
1. Chris McDonald - 18:50.799
2. Andrew Firestone - 18:57.499
3. Tony Potts - 18:58.299
4. Sean Astin - 19:03.877
5. Frankie Muniz - 19:12.782
6. Carlos Bernard - 19:17.282
7. Melissa Joan Hart - 19:32.605
8. Laila Ali - 19:40.636
9. Andrea Parker - 19:42.937
10. Cliff Cummings - 19:47.828
11. Liza Snyder - 20:17.696
12. Lil' Kim - -1 lap
13. Jill Pasant - -3

Pro Category:
1. Max Papis - 18:48.793
2. Dara Torres - 19:03.564
3. Mike Follmer - 19:21.782
4. Peter Reckell - -1

During the last 15 years, Toyota has raised close to $1.5 million for "Racing for Kids," a national fund-raising program that benefits children's hospitals, including Long Beach and Orange County. The 10-lap race will be broadcast in its entirety on The Speed Channel on May 2 at 1:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., May 3 at 2:30 a.m., May 7 at 10 p.m., and May 9 at 2:30 p.m. All broadcast times are EST.

-toyota-