"Formula 1 Celebrity Grand Prix"

[cos]

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns12374.html

Sounds like Stoddy's idea of guest-celebrity races with 2 seater F1 cars is going to happen on Friday mornings. Thoughts?

[oblivion]

What a stupid concept. If anything, they should let real fans in there, not "celebrities"!

[fiona]

i like the idea of it but not the celebs getting a shot

[Jay]

I don't know... the celebrity race at the Long Beach Grand Prix is always a hit - why don't they have the celebs race other cars instead of just plucking them into the back seats of other drivers? They all take brief training courses beforehand, but the ontrack action is quite comical nevertheless. I think they raced modified Volkswagon beetles in Long Beach... perhaps they could do something similar?

[DaveOrama]

The celbrity races at the Melbourne GP are also popular as well (I was goig to say a "big hit" - because generally they are). These races are also in MG's, BMW z3's, etc so smashing them is not that expensive in compraison.
Usually there is also a competition winner from the public in the race as well.
Real fans - I'm sure I'd have the same marketing pull in one of Paul's cars as Kylie Minogue........

[cos]

I think it should be how Minardi do/did it at their "Thunder" events - some celebs to get people interested, and some prize winners and/or people who have bid for the ride for charity.

[275 GTB-4]

Originally posted by DaveOrama
The celbrity races at the Melbourne GP are also popular as well (I was goig to say a "big hit" - because generally they are). These races are also in MG's, BMW z3's, etc so smashing them is not that expensive in compraison.
Usually there is also a competition winner from the public in the race as well.
Real fans - I'm sure I'd have the same marketing pull in one of Paul's cars as Kylie Minogue........

I thought Elle McPherson in a BMW a few years back at an Adelaide GP was well worth watching!!

However, last year one model (Sarah O'Hare???) managed to deploy all 6 airbags in a big shunt. Cars were prepared by John Cooper MINI Garage in UK and I have often wondered why they didn't remove the or disable the bags. Protection for the precious cargo I suppose.

[Nina]

Whatever they decide, I think its a good idea....

The world is going celebrity crazy... and maybe thats why I would resent the fact that celebs who are just there to get the pic in the paper get this chance of a lifetime... however, it also measn that there will be a lot of exposure not just to F1 fans but the rest of the world who are not 'full time' supporters of this sport

Whatever the reason behind it.... I couldnt find a reason to disagree....

[Redblurr]

*Post deleted*


The new rule includes swipes at Villenueve


Wrex

[GTRMagic]

Does Stoddart own 10 Minardi 2 seater cars??

[Wrex]

I think its a great idea.

The celeb races (even run in road cars) is a great laugh, and always guarantees some action. Alot of them are just plain useless.

As for passenger rides, it would be great if some fans were involved and some of the rides auctioned for charity sounds like a great idea.

[GTRMagic]

Is this how Bernie was going to contribute to the Minardi fighting fund, by renting the 2 seaters at some phenomenal rate of$$??

[jetsetter]

It seems like an interesting idea to me & also a good way for Stoddard to make a few extra quid by leasing his two seaters to other teams.

[BootsOntheSide]

Could be a good event for the fans, adn it would make a good support for the F1, and a way for Paul to make extra funds for the team. The publicity could be quite wide outside F1 as well if big name can be enticed to compete.

[Smokey 6 litre]

Originally posted by fiona
i like the idea of it but not the celebs getting a shot

i like the idea of celebrities getting shot!

but why should they get a ride just to increse their profile, hardcore fans (like me) should be there.

[Mattracer]

Replace celeb races with something more worthwhile like a search for a new star concept based on one-make racing for a group of young drivers with REAL potential. Most of these celeb races stink of made-for-TV, rip-tear-bust nonsense that provide little more than vicarious demo derby entertainment through thrill-killing of otherwise high quality engineering being abused far worse than ever imagined.

[elf Tyrrell]

Originally posted by 275 GTB-4


However, last year one model (Sarah O'Hare???) managed to deploy all 6 airbags in a big shunt. Cars were prepared by John Cooper MINI Garage in UK and I have often wondered why they didn't remove the or disable the bags. Protection for the precious cargo I suppose.

Actually they had Grace someone in it last year and she was the one who crashed and broke her pelvis, maybe thats why they want them only as passengers

[GTRMagic]

As long as they dont end up like that page 3 gal that passed out during the ride

[avsfan733]

THe long beach grand prix is usually done with toyota celicas but i dpn't know anymore because otoyota moved to IRL. I think they should do a mix of celebrities and people who give money to charity, along with regular fans who enter contests and such.

[Woolley]

Give every race ticket a number which gives you the chance to be in the back seat and that would give it real value - it could be you, rather than some talentless face of the moment. Maybe reserve one seat for a volunteer official as well.

[deeks6]

Originally posted by Woolley
Give every race ticket a number which gives you the chance to be in the back seat and that would give it real value - it could be you, rather than some talentless face of the moment. Maybe reserve one seat for a volunteer official as well.

HEAR, HEAR !!!!

I havent heard of half the "celebrities" they put in...

[avsfan733]

I like the idea about putting officials in the car...however I don't honestly think everyone would want to ride in an F1 car or much less fit so just giving everybody an equal chance wouldn't be a great solution...maybe get an entrance raffle ticket with a small donation to some charity. And why not do it sunday morning before the race? use the test drivers that are already there for friday's

[Pit_Lane_Babe]

I am not sure if I like this idea or even the fact that it is fair.
Half of these celebs would not know the difference between a tyre and a front wing! It will only be used to get them in the lime light for the next issue of Hello or OK! mag.
Now, if it was for TRUE racing fans then I would be all for it.

[Cougar]

If we allowed allll the TRUE racing fans to be there it would be more of a traffic jam than a race...

[Nina]

Would it be as much of a spectacle for the people watching if you just had joe public in the cars?!!