HITS THE STREETS
Formula One heroes race on the streets!
Over fifteen thousand people crammed into the Oval Basin in Cardiff yester day for the Red Bull Track Attack Final - featuring Red Bull’s Formula One stars, a compliment of intrepid celebrities, and the UK’s fastest karters.
Red Bull’s Formula One drivers Christian Klien, Tonio Liuzzi, and RobertDoornbos, faced stiff competition from ordinary members of the public. Morethan 20,000 track times were registered at karting venues up and down thecountry, with only the 400 fastest invited to qualify at regional events.
David Coulthard, Red Bull’s Formula One driver said “This is a fantasticevent and it’s great to see my younger team mates competing against thesefinalists. Despite a few dramatic moments from the celebrity drivers, thestandard is impressive. It’s great to see Red Bull encouraging people fromall backgrounds to get involved in the sport. After all, it’s where a lotof professional drivers got their start.”
The final of the Red Bull Track Attack was as exciting as they come, withthrills and spills galore, as 14 racers sped through the chicanes, and oneparticularly treacherous hairpin turn. Ultimately James Hobbs (23), ofBristol, snatched victory, out-pacing 13 other challengers, including RedBull Racing driver Robert Doornbos, who bowed out of the race after acrash. “I came here to win,” said Hobbs, “and it just goes to prove, thatif you want something enough, you can have it”.
He not only becomes the Red Bull Track Attack Champion 2006, but also winsan exclusive Red Bull Racing Paddock Pass at the British Grand Prix thissummer.
To add to the excitement, ten stars of sport and entertainment also racedagainst Red Bull Racing driver Christian Klien, including Olympic GoldMedallist Darren Campbell, Big Brother competitor and Goldie Lookin’ Chainmember Maggot, and Strictly Dance Fever’s Ben Richards.
Displaying her racing credentials, star racer Vicki Butler-Henderson,grabbed second, right on the tail of the professional driver Klien, withBen Richards third. Butler-Henderson commented: “I’ve had an absolute balland a real giggle, and I don’t mind being beaten by a Formula 1 driver!”
Despite a number of spectacular crashes, resulting in a few minor bumps andbruises, all competitors ended the day in high spirits.
TRACK ATTACK IS ON THE AIR!
Highlights from the UK's first ever Red Bull Track Attack will be broadcast
in a special program on ITV.
Red Bull Track Attack, Saturday 3rd June, 11.30am on ITV
Track Attack Final Results1. James Hobbs Bristol2. Owen Jenman South Nutfield3. Scott Merrils Beverley4. Michael Hart Leicester5. Mike Philippou Horley6. Darren Styles Wycombe7. Richard Ware West Bromwich8. Heidi Bacon Norwich9. Jamie Morrison Falkirk
Celebrity Race Results
1. Christian Klien (Red Bull Racing)2. Vicki Butler-Henderson (TV Presenter)3. Ben Richards (Footballers Wives)4. Shane Williams (Rugby player)5. Harriet Scott (TV Presenter)6. Johny Pits (CD:UK)7. Maggot (Big Brother, Goldie Lookin Chain) 8. Debbie King (TV Presenter)DNF Jeff Brazier (Shipwrecked)DNF Darren Campbell (Olympic sprinter)
