AGP Celebrity Challenge field announced

In true AGP Celebrity Challenge style, a field made up of local and international identities known for practically everything but their driving ability will line up for the Lexus Celebrity Challenge at the 2011 Qantas Australian Grand Prix.

This year, the drivers will be pitting their wits and driving skills against each other in Lexus CT 200h hybrids - which will present an interesting spectacle as the economy-oriented hatchbacks are flung around the Albert Park circuit.

The participants represent various disciplines, from ironman competition, to singer-songwriter, to TV presenter, and they are being prepared for the challenge during an "intensive" two-day course conducted by race drivers Neal and Rick Bates. The drivers will first venture onto the track for a practice run on the Thursday prior to the race.            

The celebrity drivers will be joined by five promotional winners who secured their places in the event via a numerous Lexus promotions including dealer competitions, sales promotions and a Red Cross charity auction in aid of the Victorian Flood Appeal.

As ever, some seriously focussed competitors are expected to challenge for victory.

Ironman Shannon Eckstein says "There are a few of us who share the same competitive sporting streak. I can't wait to get out there and give them all a run for their money."

According to singer Brian McFadden "It's not very often you are given the chance to be part of such a race and I'm certainly not doing this just for fun – I'm doing this to win."

The Qantas Australian Grand Prix is held from March 24 to March 27, while the Celebrity Challenge will take place over two days: Saturday March 26 and Sunday March 27.

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