Autoblog

Michael Andretti and Adam Carolla among cast of Celebrity Apprentice

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST

NBC has announced the newest cast of "Celebrity Apprentice," and Michael Andretti will be among the big names vying for $250,000 for the charity of their choice. Andretti has personally accumulated an impressive 42 CART wins during his time behind the wheel, and his team, Andretti Autosport, pulled down its fair share of wins, including two Indianapolis 500 wins. Now Andretti finds himself among 17 other celebrities of varying fame as they vie for Donald Trump's affection. Arsenio Hall, Clay Aiken, comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider, Car Show host Adam Carolla and Paul Teutul of American Chopper renown are also part of the cast.

Others include supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, reality TV star Victoria Gotti and former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza. With so many strong personalities shoved into the show, sparks are bound to fly. Last season, the show managed to raise a record amount for its chosen charities. The contestants pulled in a staggering $3.1 million.

Michael Andretti and Adam Carolla among cast of Celebrity Apprentice originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A.J. Foyt to replace Donald Trump as Scott Speed and Ho-Pin Tung debut at 100th Indy 500

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:42:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Celebrities

It'll be a landmark running for the Indianapolis 500 later this month, as the event celebrates its 100th anniversary as the premier open-wheel racing event in America. All of which only gave some fans more reason to be ticked off when Donald Trump was announced as this year's pace car driver.

Annoyed by political implications detracting from the spirit of racing, many fans were up in arms when Trump was announced as the official pace car driver, evidently prompting the celebrity businessman and possible presidential candidate to change his plans. In his place, organizers at the Speedway have invited none other than A.J. Foyt to drive the Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible that will serve as the official pace car. As a four-time Indy 500 winner, Foyt is among the most decorated drivers ever to lap the Brickyard, and his nomination will surely come as more welcome news to the legions of open-wheel devotees.

In related news, two drivers better known for their formula racing activities overseas will make their Indy debuts at the 500 this year. One of them is Scott Speed, the last American to race in Formula One. Speed shifted over the NASCAR after things didn't pan out in F1, until Red Bull dropped his sponsorship last year. Given his experience in open wheels and oval tracks, Speed may find a new home at Indy.

Also making his Indy debut will be Ho-Pin Tung, who will become the first Chinese driver to contest the Indianapolis 500. Tung is a reserve/test driver for Renault F1 this season and has contested such feeder series as GP2, A1GP and Superleague Formula. Both he and Speed will be driving for Jay Penske's Dragon Racing team and will be eligible for the $5 million bonus available to drivers from outside the series should they overcome the insurmountable odds to claim the checkered flag and drink milk in victory lane.

A.J. Foyt to replace Donald Trump as Scott Speed and Ho-Pin Tung debut at 100th Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors stars on "The Apprentice" again

Erin Mays — Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: SUV

On Monday's "The Apprentice," contestants were charged with developing the "most entertaining training event" for Chevy dealers. Having been to a dealer training or two, we know they're interesting enough what with numerous demonstrations of the various features and options, deep dives into the psyches of potential buyers and thorough reviews of the competition.

On Monday's episode, however, Chevrolet General Director of Advertising & Promotions Kim Kosak and Chevrolet Vehicle Line Executive Gary White met with the two teams of potential Trump lackies to prep them before they created a three-hour training session for Chevy marketing gurus and dealers focusing on the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe. Golf, models, a comedian, an open bar and a general lack of knowledge about the Tahoe all drove team Gold Rush over the proverbial cliff, while Synergy's knowledge of the truck and outdoorsy activities (fly fishing, anyone?) around which the training was planned struck gold with dealers.

Armchair apprentices can play too by visiting chevyapprentice.com.

General Motors stars on "The Apprentice" again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Mar 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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