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The legendary filmmaker’s wild ride at the now-retired Long Beach event spotlights the unpredictable excitement of celebrity racing.Long Beach Today
As IndyCar returns to the streets of Long Beach, California, for its annual Grand Prix, a resurfaced video of George Lucas’ massive crash during the 2007 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race has gone viral. The legendary filmmaker, known for creating the Star Wars franchise, was an avid racer who competed in the now-retired celebrity racing event, which featured a mix of Hollywood stars and professional drivers. Lucas’ crash, which saw his Scion TC sustain significant damage, has captured the attention of motorsports fans who lament the loss of the popular Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race from the Long Beach Grand Prix weekend.
Why it matters
The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race was a beloved tradition at the Long Beach Grand Prix, providing a unique blend of celebrity and motorsports entertainment for fans. Lucas’ crash, while dramatic, exemplified the unpredictable nature of the event and the passion that celebrities brought to their racing endeavors. The resurfacing of this footage serves as a nostalgic reminder of the race’s legacy and the excitement it generated for spectators.
The details
In the 2007 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Lucas was competing against a field of celebrities and professional drivers when he lost control of his Scion TC and crashed hard into the barriers. The video shows Lucas’ car with significant bodywork hanging off, yet the filmmaker continued to push the limits, attempting a late-braking maneuver that resulted in the heavy impact. Despite the damage, Lucas remained undeterred, gesturing to the other driver involved in the incident.
The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race was held annually at the Long Beach Grand Prix from 1977 to 2016.George Lucas competed in the 2007 edition of the race.
The players
George Lucas
The legendary filmmaker, known for creating the Star Wars franchise, was an avid racer who competed in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.
Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
A popular event held annually at the Long Beach Grand Prix from 1977 to 2016, featuring a mix of celebrities and professional drivers competing in a race.
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What they’re saying
“George Lucas is the man. Let’s see JJ Abrams do that!”
— Matt Reigle, Author
The takeaway
The resurfacing of George Lucas’ dramatic crash during the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at Long Beach serves as a nostalgic reminder of the event’s legacy and the excitement it generated for motorsports fans. While the race is no longer part of the Grand Prix weekend, the footage captures the passion and unpredictability that made the celebrity competition a beloved tradition.