LONG BEACH, Calif.,
April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/
-- This year's famous Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race participants
aren't just familiar faces, they're good race car drivers too.
After watching additional practice sessions on April 9, professional odds-maker Anthony Curtis adjusted his initial predictions
to show celebrity drivers will likely hold the top three spots in
the prestigious charitable race, coming in ahead of their
professional driver competitors. Hallmark Channel host and past
"Entertainment Tonight" personality Mark
Steines is still expected to lead the pack after the most
recent track session, and the odds have been slightly increased in
his favor.
As president of LasVegasAdvisor.com and a recognized gambling
authority, Curtis has lent his handicapping skills to the Toyota
Pro/Celebrity Race for the past six years. This year's race
participants will drive 210-horsepower Scion FR-S race vehicles on
the famed Long Beach, Calif.
street circuit. Not only did Curtis evaluate the racers during
March training sessions and the April
9 session in Long Beach,
Calif., he knows the track from driving it himself.
The 19 race participants will navigate 10 laps on the famed
1.97-mile circuit on April 20 as part
of the 39th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Despite predicting Steines will finish first, Curtis's
predictions are tightly together, reflecting his belief that the
race is wide open among several competitors. Racing analyst
Rutledge Wood, actor Michael Trucco,
motocross champion Andy Bell and
philanthropist Carter Lay all have a
good shot at the trophy. And close behind are swimmer Tyler Clary, actor Jesse
Metcalfe and Mexican superstar Kate
del Castillo. Del Castillo
has the best female odds since ESPN pit reporter Jamie Little in 2008, the same year Little
won.
As the longest-running, corporate sponsored event of its kind,
the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race benefits Racing for Kids, a national
fundraising program for U.S. children's hospitals. Toyota has
donated more than $2 million on
behalf of this race and its participants since 1991.
"This year's Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race features a strong group
of celebrities pushing ahead of the highly competitive pro
drivers," Curtis said. "There are so many factors on race day,
making this an exciting competition and a great way to benefit
kids."
Curtis's exclusive expert predictions are solely for
entertainment purposes on www.lasvegasadvisor.com. The updated
racer odds are as follows:
Celebrities
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The
additional practice session only increased Curtis's feeling that
this is the winning year for the Emmy award-winning journalist and
TV host who is making his fourth attempt. Can he handle the
pressure of winning expectations?
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The odds
for the Fox Sports/SPEED racing commentator improved after the Long
Beach practice. It's his second time in the Pro/Celebrity Race, and
he can draw on his career of racing analysis. Is it enough to move
up to the top?
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The famous
"Battlestar Galactica" actor slid down one spot in the second odds
analysis. It may make him hungry enough to overtake Steines and
Wood and roar into the lead.
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NASCAR
driving lessons for his "Dallas" television role may have helped
Metcalfe, who improved his race day odds. It's clear he has fun
behind the wheel, but can he turn his racing rookie status into a
win?
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The
Mexican actress keeps improving, making gains against the earlier
odds and learning from her experience in last year's race. As the
top-ranked woman in the race, she's looking to bring home the
trophy on behalf of all the ladies.
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Odds on
the Medal of Honor recipient remained the same, but conditions on
race day favor those who can stay steady under pressure. Meyer has
a reputation for excellence and will bring his best to the
track.
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The
Olympic swimming medalist made the biggest improvement among the
group, up from her 18-1 opening odds. She'll need to draw on her
competitive spirit if she wants gold in her Pro/Celebrity Race
debut.
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The odds
stayed steady for the "Suburgatory" star who remains in the middle
of the pack. But nothing is certain on race day, and Sisto might
pull ahead for a stronger finish.
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The
practices are learning opportunities, and the star of MTV's hit
series "Awkward" has shown some improvement over his earlier odds.
His fans are hoping he can pull off a graceful move to claim a
prize.
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Vampires
may not sleep, but this "Twilight" movie series star better get
some rest if he hopes to be competitive on the track. His odds
remained the same, but he has loyal fans cheering him
on.
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The "1600
Penn" actress may be smiling that she improved her odds, but she
could really be grinning if she could come from behind and beat out
some star-studded competitors.
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Odds stays
the same for the comedian, but a little extra speed may help her
finish stronger, and maybe get her laughing.
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The Southern California Toyota
dealer seat is being filled by Glenn
Faber, partner and general manager of Los Angeles area Keyes
Toyota. Also in this year's race are charity auction winners
Dave Pasant and Carter Lay.
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Odds
slipped a little lower for the philanthropist and LAY'S® chips
heir. Will he respond to the analysis with a burst of
speed?
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The
five-time participant and retired insurance executive lost some
ground in his odds, but he's still committed to another year
finishing strong and having fun.
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The Toyota
dealer performed well in the practice sessions, improving his odds.
He has shown he is passionate about cars, but will need to bring
everything he has to race day.
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The celebrity field gets a 25-second head start on the
professional drivers. This year's diverse racing group includes
drivers from several areas of motorsport.
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The
motocross champion and MTV's "Nitro Circus" star slipped a little
in the predictions, but he has bounced back from stunts and rough
roads before. Will it take a risky move to move him onto the
podium?
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The
Olympic intensity and practice paid off for this gold medal swimmer
who improved his odds. Fans can expect him to leave nothing behind
on the track.
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He may not
be laughing that his odds decreased, but comedian Carolla is still
fresh off his win last year in the celebrity category. He may pull
out another great performance on race day.
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The
National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) driver knows high speeds, but
lost some ground and remains last in the pro category. Don't count
her out; she may hit her stride on the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
track.
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"The closer we get to race day, the more fun it is to consider
the friendly participant analysis from Anthony Curtis," said Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports
manager. "We appreciate his help to build the enthusiasm and
competitive spirit around this race that benefits kids, no matter
who wins."
On behalf of each participant, Toyota donates $5,000 to Racing for Kids. Toyota will also
donate another $5,000 to a charity of
the winning racer's choice. A $15,000
donation accompanies the annual People Pole Award, the
People magazine–sponsored award honoring the pole-position
qualifying session winner on April
19.
To learn more about the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, go to
www.toyotaracing.com, visit Toyota Racing on Facebook or on Twitter
@ToyotaRacing, or join the conversation with the participants using
#TPCR.
NOTE: Celebrity odds are provided for entertainment purposes
only. Wagering on the outcome of the race is neither encouraged nor
implied.
ABOUT ANTHONY
CURTIS
Anthony Curtis
is one of the world's most recognized and quoted gambling
authorities. The president of LasVegasAdvisor.com, he has appeared
as a casino expert on "Dateline NBC," "48 Hours," A&E, E!
Entertainment, Discovery, the Travel Channel, the Food Channel and
the Learning Channel. He has been the subject of articles in
The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, San Diego Union-Tribune, Los
Angeles Times Magazine, Los
Angeles Times, Arthur
Frommer's Budget Travel and Discover magazine.
Curtis is author of Bargain City—Booking, Betting and Beating
the New Las Vegas and The Art of Gambling Through the
Ages. Considered one of the world's foremost experts in
tournament play, Curtis's top tournament wins include $76,000 in the World Matchplay Blackjack
Championship, $125,000 in the
Atlantic City Craps Championship, $50,000 in the Las Vegas Keno Championship and
$60,000 in the Las Vegas Blackjack
Championship.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations
in the United States in 1957 and
currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. Toyota directly employs
over 31,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued
at more than $23 billion, including
sales and manufacturing operations, research and development,
financial services and design.
Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the
communities where it does business and believes in supporting
programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports
numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education,
the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed
nearly $700 million to philanthropic
programs in the U.S.
For more information on Toyota's commitment to improving
communities nationwide, visit
http://www.toyota.com/philanthropy.
CONTACT:
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Les
Unger
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Rebecca
Lee
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Toyota
Racing
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GolinHarris for Toyota
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310-468-4709
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213-438-8827
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les_unger@toyota.com
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rlee@golinharris.com
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Erika
Romero
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Sharon
Noot
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Toyota
Racing
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Noot
Incorporated
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310-468-3948
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714-527-7735
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erika_romero@toyota.com
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sharon@nootinc.com
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SOURCE Toyota Racing