Two of Australia’s Olympic heroes have been confirmed as the first competitors in next year’s Australian Grand Prix Celebrity Challenge.
Gold medal stars Anna Meares (cycling) and Matthew Cowdrey (paralympic swimmer) will drive the all-new Mazda 6 diesel amongst 18 other celebrities from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
A third olympian, British cycling great Sir Chris Hoy, will also join the Mazda 6 Celebrity Challenge at Albert Park.
The event will mark the first time that a clean diesel engine has been used in the prestigious event.
The celebrity race will be held over five laps on Sunday.
Meares said that competing at Albert Park’s road course will be a dream come true.
“I’ve always dreamt of being involved in car racing, Meares said.
“Much like cycling, it is such a technical and mentally draining sport and I have the greatest respect for Formula 1 drivers.
“It’s also not very often that I get the chance to race againt Sir Chris for bragging rights!”
Cowdrey’s entry will make Australian Celebrity Challenge history, becoming the first ever Paralympian to participate.
“It’s a great honour to take part in a race like this,” said Cowdrey.
“I’m a very competitive swimmer, and don’t like losing, so expect nothing less when I’m out there on the circuit.”
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will be held at Albert Park on March 14-17, 2013.
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