Grand Prix of Denver: Dahlia: Fast-paced events surround race

By Dahlia Jean, Rocky Mountain News

August 8, 2005

Feeling the need for speed? Then this week's fast-paced events surrounding the CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver presented by PacifiCare are for you.

Charitable highlights of this year's Grand Prix include:

• The Mini Grand Prix Go-Kart Races open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday, between Seventh and Ninth streets along Auraria Parkway on the Auraria Campus. The Mini Grand Prix Go-Kart track is a scaled-down replica of the Grand Prix racetrack built around the Pepsi Center.
• One of the private events (check the Mini Grand Prix track for others) is the annual Celebrity Mini Grand Prix of Denver, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, where race fans can watch their favorite local media celebrities and athletes race to raise funds for charity. Watching the celebrity race is free. The public can race for $30 per session, with proceeds benefiting The Grand Prix of Denver Foundation Inc., which funds several charities.
• Group rates are available. A racing suit, helmet and neck collar will be provided and karts are provided by the Track at Centennial. Racers must wear shoes with socks, (no open-toe shoes or shorts) denim jeans and shirts with sleeves (long or short). Racers can be as young as 10, but an adult must accompany anyone up to 17 years old. 877-336-4701.
• The BoSPOKER.com Celebrity Bowling, Billiards & Texas Hold'em Charity Tournament, presented by Frontier Airlines, will feature 12 teams with two celebrities per team competing in bowling, billiards and poker to raise funds for The Grand Prix of Denver Foundation Inc. as well as a charity selected by the winning celebrity. The event will be held 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Lucky Strike Lanes in the Denver Pavilions on the 16th Street Mall. Tickets are $100, which include admission, a silent auction, cocktails, prizes and hors d'oeuvres. For more information, call Amy Levine, 303-391-3481.
• The Saturday Night Concert Under the Stars and 65 Roses fundraiser will feature entertainment from Steven Page (from Barenaked Ladies) and The Vanity Project and Grand Prix grand marshal, actor Jason Priestly, with proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. A VIP wine reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Universal Lending Pavilion on Saturday, before the 8 p.m. concert, hosted by co-chairmen Karen Landers Zeile and Chris Meza and committee members Bill Ward, John Ingraham, Brian Jacobson, George Kalinowsky, Samantha Monson, Paula Palmer, Ann Rhoads and Susan Stretesky. A $100 ticket includes admission to the Grand Prix on Saturday and one ticket to the VIP wine reception before the benefit concert. A $35 ticket includes admission to the Grand Prix on Saturday and one ticket to the benefit concert. Call the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 303-296-6610 or visit www.cff.org

Additional events coinciding with the CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver include:

• Rocky Mountain Concours, Thursday, presented by Bridgestone, featuring a vintage car show and parade.
• Champ Car Street Party, Thursday, presented by Bridgestone, featuring Donavon Frankenreiter in concert, pit stop competitions, driver autographs and food and drinks.
• Patron Friday Night Fights, Friday, presented by Coors Light, featuring championship boxing brought to Denver by Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

Ongoing activities Friday through Sunday include:

• Lifestyle, Technology and Interactive Expo
• Freestyle Moto X
• Ski Jumping
• Scootercross
• Cytomax Skate Park featuring Colorado-native Pro-Am skater Kody Wright.

Robert E. Sutton, chairman and chief executive officer of CENTRIX Financial, is the board chairman for the Grand Prix of Denver Foundation Inc.