Soap opera community photos scoops news buzz and celebrities

From daytime star to hot-shot driver in one fell swoope

...and the Winner of the 2003 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is DOOL's Peter Reckell!

Jeremy McGrath Takes First in Professional Category

Oh my gosh!  Peter Reckell not only won in the Celebrity category, he even beat the pro drivers in the 27th Annual Pro/Celebrity Race! From daytime star to hot-shot driver in one fell swoope. Way to shift gears, Pete! (Pun intended!)

What was even more telling was chatting with NBC Daytime VP Sheraton Kalouria at NBC/Telemuendo Fan Festival the weekend before the big race. When I mentioned the Pro/Celebrity race, he seemed just a tad concerned that one of his flagship show's biggest stars was about to engage in a death-defying motor sport. But Reckell did his boss proud without neary a scratch!

Soapdom congratulates Reckell on the win. If you were not able to attend, fear not. The Pro/Celebrity Race will be broadcast in its entirity on ESPN 2 on May 3, 2003. Check your local listings. 

Here's the official word on the results of the big race. 

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 12, 2003) – In a down-to-the-finish-line race for first place, “Days of Our Lives” star Peter Reckell captured the checkered flag during the 27th annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.  Seven-time AMA Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath finished first in the professional 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 
 
Reckell, who yesterday earned the PEOPLE Pole Award as the top celebrity qualifier, led the race from start to finish but had to fend off a tough challenge early on from “Monster Garage” host Jesse James, who finished second overall.  Adam Carolla, host of “The Man Show” and “Crank Yankers” also ran a strong race, finishing third overall.
 
In the professional category, McGrath battled former Pro/Celebrity winner Josh Brolin (NBC’s “Mister Sterling”), ALMS driver Milka Duno and NASCAR racer Shawna Robinson, winning the top spot for the pros and finishing fourth overall.
 
The final standings for the field are:
 
Overall Winner
1. Peter Reckell – 18:14.894

Celebrity Category:
2. Jesse James – 18:16.990
3. Adam Carolla – 18:38.641
4. Dave Pasant – 18:58.695
5. Angie Everhart – 18:59.923
6. Picabo Street – 19:16.845
7. Bud Gordon – 19:20.051
8. Tommy Shane Steiner – 16:43.400
9. Steve Hartman – 19:06.587
10. Buzz Aldrin – 19:59.704

Pro Category:
1. Jeremy McGrath – 18:41.759
2. Josh Brolin – 18:44.163
3. Milka Duno – 18:48.874
4. Shawna Robinson – 18:50.562
5. Leilani Munter – 19:01.247

During the last 12 years, Toyota has raised more than $1 million for “Racing for Kids,” a national fund-raising program to benefit children’s hospitals in Long Beach and Orange counties through its involvement with the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The 10-lap race will be broadcast in its entirety on ESPN 2 on May 3.

---

Related Features

• Peter Reckell and Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race 2003 Official Press Release 
• Peter Reckell and Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race 2003 Behind the Scenes of Press/Practice Day
• Peter Reckell Interview on Pro/Celeb Race 2003
• Peter Reckell Qualifies for First Position in Race and Wins "People Pole Award"
• Peter Reckell WINS the Race!
• Mark Consuelos (ex Mateo, AMC) Toyota Race Practice Day 2001
• Mark Consuelos (ex Mateo, AMC) Toyota Race 2001
• Jacob Young (ex Lucky, GH) Toyota Race Practice Day 2002

< Prev		Next >