28 stars and promotional winners have taken part in intensive driver training at the Broadford Circuit north of Melbourne ahead of the Lexus Celebrity Challenge at the Qantas Australian Grand Prix.
In what will be the world’s first all-hybrid powered motor race singers, broadcaster, athletes and models have all been coming to grips with the Lexus CT200h under the guidance of four-time Australian Rally Champion Neal Bates and his multitalented twin-brother Rick.
Bates’ Canberra workshop has also been busy preparing the cars, including building rollcages and other extra racetrack safety modifications required for circuit racing.
Following an induction and suit fitting, the celebrities have been involved in a two-day high performance driving course.
Celebrity races over the years have unearthed a number of naturally gifted drivers, plus plenty of famous incidents. One thing is for sure, the competitive nature of some of those involved will be on show.
“There are a few of us in the Lexus Celebrity Challenge who share the same competitive sporting streak,” said Ironman champion Shannon Eckstein.
“I can’t wait to get out there and give them all a run for their money.”
The Lexus Celebrity Challenge will feature two winners – one for outright podium position and one for environmentally friendly performance
The celebrity drivers will get their first taste of the Albert Park Formula One circuit at Thursday’s practice before racing on Saturday and Sunday.
Check out the video from the training session
Lexus Celebrity Challenge line-up
Anthony Bell : Financier/Media Personality
Anthony Lehmann (Lehmo) : TV / Radio Personality
Brian McFadden : Singer / TV Personality
Brodie Harper : TV Presenter
Callan Mulvey : Actor
Corbin Harris : Pro Skate Boarder
Dr. Chris Brown : TV Presenter/Vet
Giaan Rooney : TV Presenter/ Former Olympic Swimmer
Jacqui Cooper : Nine time Aerial Skiing World Champion
James Mathison : Radio/TV Personality
Jessica Hart : Model
Kasia Z : Model / TV Personality
Kate Waterhouse : Journalist / TV Presenter
Kris Smith : Model / TV Presenter
Laura Enever : Pro Surfer
Lauren Phillips : TV Presenter
Luke Ricketson : Former NRL player
Natalie Hunter : TV Presenter
Rhys Uhlich : Model
Ross Stevenson : Breakfast Radio Host
Saverio Rocca : NFL player / Former AFL player
Shannon Eckstein : Ironman
Tom Gleeson : Comedian/Broadcaster
Andrew Scifleet : Lexus Dealer Principal – Winner of Lexus dealer sales promotion
Danny Wallis : Red Cross Flood Appeal ebay auction winner
Nick Cooper : Qantas/Lexus promo winner
Scott Watson : OneHD promo winner
Tanya Prescott : Lexus promo winner
