It’s likely that Grammer is not coming to Fontana to talk about Frasier Crane. But he will be happy to tell us all about “Hank” which is his new show on ABC’s Wednesday night line up. Also look for the talented actor in the new movie “Fame.”
During the parade laps prior to Sunday’s Pepsi 500 the Sprint Cup drivers will be following the official NASCAR pace car: a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro. Behind the wheel of that car will be actor Christian Slater. A veteran of film, television and stage since 1985, Slater will be in Fontana to promote his new ABC television series “The Forgotten” which airs on Tuesday nights.
Presenting the green flag, to the Pepsi 500 starting field, will be Audrina Patridge one of the young stars of the MTV reality based television series “The Hills.” The young actress also recently made her feature film debut in the movie “Sorority Row” and is reported to be in the planning stages for a new reality television show based on her personal and professional life.
To be quite honest, I’ve never actually seen “The Hills.” I just assumed it was programming designed for the younger television viewers. However, in recent days, some teenage children of close friends told me “this girl is smoking hot” and I should be paying attention this Sunday. So be it.
Another interesting phenomenon in recent years is the composing of special music that is intentionally targeted towards NASCAR fans. Whether these songs are played on a speedway’s public address system or clips from their music videos are used by the NASCAR broadcast networks, these songs seem to become instant hits.
That fact has not escaped the attention of the rock band Foreigner who will be at the Auto Club Speedway this Sunday to shoot a new music video for they term is a NASCAR inspired song entitled “Can’t Slow Down.” Foreigner wants you, the fans, to help out with the production of this music video. All you have to do is join them in front of the main stage at the speedway’s Opportunity California Fan Zone Sunday morning, at 1015 am, and rock out to the music.
Foreigner fans will also be delighted to hear that the band, that sold over 70 million albums during the 70’s and 80’s, has released a deluxe box set that features a CD of brand new music, a CD of remixed classic hits and a concert DVD. You can find this collection exclusively at Walmart stores.
(Hey, this celebrity promotion thing is actually pretty easy.)
All kidding aside. Over the years I’ve covered NASCAR weekends at the Auto Club Speedway there has been celebrity appearances that were really impressive. Certainly one of them was actor Kevin Costner who displayed his musical talents in concert with his band Modern West. I was so impressed that I bought a copy of the band’s CD.
Then there was the afternoon when a press box filled with reporters all shut up at the exact same time so we could stare in awe struck wonder after famed Texas rockers ZZ Topp walked through the door. It was a phenomenon that may never happen again.
There was also the year that the Auto Club Speedway amazed us all with an appearance by Stevie Wonder who sang “I am here because I love you.”
I also fondly remember rocking out with Sammy Hagar and George Thorogood in the rain completely oblivious to the fact that I was getting cold and wet.
“Six Pack Eddie” my long time good friend and racing associate, tells me that his favorite Auto Club Speedway celebrity appearance is The Miller Lite Girls. Anyone who has actually met Six Pack will understand.
The one celebrity whose fan reaction surprised me the most was the Energizer Bunny. I’m not talking about the little rabbit on the television commercials. I’m talking about the full sized adult in the giant bunny suit who was seen walking down pit road. The fans, mostly adult women, went crazy at the sight of that giant, hot pink, bunny and eagerly formed a line so they could hug him and have photos taken with him.
I assume that ex “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul was busy this weekend. Bummer.
But we should look at the bright side. At least we won’t have award winning hip hop artist Kanye West, in the Auto Club Speedway’s victory lane, telling the Pepsi 500 winner that “Beyonce deserves this award more than you do.”
Enjoy the NASCAR weekend at the Auto Club Speedway racing fans. It’s going to be a lot of fun.
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