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Stars Outshone in MINI Celebrity Challenge
6. March 2002
Sydney computer expert Tom Browell had the week of his life today taking out the inaugural MINI Celebrity Challenge at the 2002 Foster's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Tom also set his name in the history books by registering the first international win of the MINI Coopers' return to racing.
In one of the most spectacular and heart stopping races in the history of the Celebrity Challenge, Olympic gold and silver medallist Russell Mark OAM took out second place ahead of Great Britain's Mike Cooper, the son of the founder of John Cooper Works, the builders of the original Mini Coopers.
Tom gained his 'ticket' into the event by winning the Qantas competition to drive in the MINI Celebrity Challenge. His lucky streak continued into the race by having secured pole position and being able to avoid all the thrills the celebrities were putting into their driving.
One of the most spectacular pieces of action came from US TV star and international model Antonio Sabato Jnr.
Antonio, who has earned the title the 'human cannonball' during his practice sessions, literally weaved his way down the track and onto the grass after 'mixing lines' with INXS lead singer Jon Stevens when emerging from one of the corners.
Antonio had been pushing for a podium finish until the incident, which allowed Jon to make his way through to finish in fourth position.
The first woman to come home was the Face of Foster's, Krista Vendy, who took out 12th position, ahead of four times world surfing champion, Layne Beachley.
Layne badly missed the start and later admitted that she was talking to TV commentators at the time. When she finally realised the race was on a comedy of errors set in, from thinking the car had stalled, to trying to start it with the engine running and then missing the gears.
Star of the TV series Getaway, Ben Dark, tried to live up to the name of his show, but unfortunately became the 'meat in the sandwich' in an end-to-end incident with fellow TV star Michelle Walsh and Australia's leading women's tennis player, Alicia Molik. Ben had to retire from the race, but he now knows that the six air bags in the new MINIs work very effectively.
Although Russell Mark was pleased with his podium finish, he was quick to point out that he was 'getting sick of silver medals.' He finished in second position in his qualifying session for the race which continued the silver trend from his Sydney Olympic's shoot-out for gold medal in the trap event. He took gold in the same event at the Atlanta Olympics.
Unfortunately for Changing Rooms star Suzie Wilks, the kitty litter proved her undoing. She slid off the track early in the race - just as she had done during the two days of practice - and ended her Albert Park appearance signing autographs. She also renamed the safety mixture 'pebble mix' because she had 'messed it up so much it was time for a change' - at least in name.
For Mike Cooper the podium finish could not have been a more fitting reward. As Chairman of John Cooper Works, his company prepared and fitted-out the MINI Coopers for the race. Mike was in Australia for official 'on sale' launch of the MINI Cooper last Saturday, but he declared the Celebrity race to be the happiest day in his life.
The final results of the 2002 MINI Celebrity Challenge were:
1. Tom Browell Qantas competition winner
2. Russell Mark, OAM Olympic Gold and Silver medallist
3. Mike Cooper Chairman of John Cooper Works
4. Jon Stevens Lead singer of INXS
5. Greg Alexander Former Rugby League International, presenter 2UE
6. David Campese, OAM Former Wallaby and international record holder
7. Matt Tilley Presenter Fox FM
8. Mike Hammond Radio and Foxtel presenter
9. Colin Marland Winner of the 2001 Grand Prix Ball competition
10. Frank Farina Head coach of the Socceroos
11. James Brayshaw Presenter Triple M
12. Krista Vendy Face of Foster's for the Grand Prix
13. Layne Beachley Four times World surfing champion
14. Prue Jackson Model
15. Scott Cam Presenter, Backyard Blitz, Channel 9
16. Michelle Walsh Presenter and reporter, Escape with ET, Channel 9
17. Karina Brown Host, Body and Soul, Channel 9
18. Michael Caton Actor and host, Hot Property, Channel 7
19. Johnnie Cass Personal trainer and actor
20. Katrina Warren Resident Vet, Harry's Practice, Channel 7
21. John Burns Presenter 3AW
DNF* Antonio Sabato Jnr US TV star
DNF Suzie Wilks Host Changing Rooms, Channel 9
DNF Ben DarK Presenter Getaway, Channel 9
DNF Alicia Molik Australia's No. 1 professional tennis player
* Did Not Finish
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