Days of Our Lives Star Peter Reckell Wins 2003 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race; Jeremy McGrath Takes First in Professional Category

Business Wire, April 12, 2003

Entertainment Editors/Sports Editors/City Desks

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.