Atlanta Falcon Star Receiver Tony Gonzalez Named Grand Marshal For 2010 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons, one of the premier receivers ever to play in the NFL, will lead a parade of America's favorite celebrities from film, television, music and sports when he assumes the role of Grand Marshal of this year's Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on Saturday, April 17, part of the 36th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  

Since entering the NFL over a decade ago, Gonzalez has established himself as the premiere tight end of his era and one of the greatest to ever play the game.  From the moment he was selected by the Chiefs with their first pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, Gonzalez has used his blazing speed and athleticism to revolutionize the role of the modern tight end.

A ten-time Pro Bowl selection, Gonzalez holds the NFL records for receptions in a single season for a tight end (102), career receiving yards for a tight end (11,760), career receptions for a tight end (994) and career receiving touchdowns for a tight end (82).

In addition to his success on the gridiron, what Tony Gonzalez treasures the most is the chance to spread a positive message through community endeavors, whether with the Falcons, the NFL, Latino organizations, or his own foundation, the Tony Gonzalez Foundation.  Gonzalez has made health and nutrition for children his primary cause.  

Gonzalez will be at the head of the line when a star studded cast of celebrities join a group of professional drivers to get behind the wheel of a  race-modified Toyota Scion tCs in the historic, 10-lap race for charity through a 1.97-mile street circuit through the downtown streets of Long Beach.  The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, one of six featured events during the race weekend, gives fans a chance to see their favorite stars battle it out on the track during exciting action-packed competition.

A Field of Dreams

The sensational group of celebrities racing this year include Academy Award winning actor Adrien Brody, iconic pro skateboarder Tony Hawk,  multi-platinum recording artist Jesse McCartney,  comedian, Adam Carolla, and film and television actor Patrick Warburton.  

Moving up to the Pro Category is last year's Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race winner, actor Keanu Reeves,  who joins the 1996 CART Champion , Jimmy Vasser, along with Steve Millen, Tanner Foust, Marty Nothstein, and Jamie Bestwick. The pros will start 30 seconds behind the celebrities, but with the speedy Vasser leading the pros they'll catch up fast.

For a complete list of the 19 participating drivers, log onto http://www.toyotaracing.com/motorsports/pro_celeb/.  Fans also can log on to see how Anthony Curtis, president of LasVegasAdvisor.com and one of the world's most recognized and quoted gambling authorities, has sized up the field's chances.  [The odds have been presented solely for entertainment purposes.  There will be no actual wagering on the outcome of the race.]

Tickets for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, featuring six racing series, start at $25. Tickets can be purchased from the Grand Prix ticket office by calling toll-free at (888) 82-SPEED, Ticketmaster or by visiting www.gplb.com. Children 12 and under admitted FREE.  

A ticket brochure – which includes circuit map, grandstand and parking locations, ticket prices and order form – can be obtained by calling the ticket hotline. Pre-paid parking packages are also available when ordering through the Grand Prix Ticket Office. Handicapped seating, IZOD IndyCar Paddock passes, Super Photo tickets and a variety of hospitality club packages are also available.

SOURCE Toyota Motorsports