World-Renowned Vegas Gaming Expert Shakes Up Odds, Names Brody Jenner as Celebrity Favorite in 2012 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

Pro Driver Fredric Aasbo Maintains the Top Spot Overall as Set by Odds-Maker Anthony Curtis for Star-Studded Grand Prix-Style Race on April 14

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Apr 13, 2012, 06:00 ET

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/-- Las Vegas handicapper Anthony Curtis has chosen reality-TV star Brody Jenner as his celebrity pick to give the pros a run for their money in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race on Saturday, April 14, as part of the 38th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, in Southern California. Jenner, the son of Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner, is driving for the first time in the prestigious race, but may have a family advantage: His father is a five-time driver in this race, winning in two of his tries. Professional drivers Fredric Aasbo and Bryan Clauson are projected to battle it out for the coveted overall first-place spot. Though Aasbo's 5-1 odds keep him at the top of the rankings, the field is tightly bunched, leaving the winner's circle a wide-open possibility for several of the drivers.

In handicapping the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Curtis brings many years of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes for the drivers to do well in the race, which donates money to the national nonprofit charity Racing for Kids. Curtis -- president of LasVegasAdvisor.com and one of the world's most recognized and quoted gambling authorities -- not only offers his odds each year, but he's actually driven the track in Long Beach.

"After observing the press training session, I've seen a major shakeup," said Curtis. "The biggest change overall comes from a strong crop of celebrities this year closing the gap between the pros; now the best of both groups are ranked nearly even. This week's qualifying results are certain to change the rankings again -- possibly quite significantly. That's one of the great thrills of this race; since so many of these drivers are new to the sport, the race is always exciting and, to a great extent, unpredictable. But I do my best, and I always have fun with it."

Curtis has sized up how the celebrities and pros will perform in this historic 10-lap race for charity, which is conducted in race-ready Scion tCs on a 1.97-mile street circuit through the downtown streets of Long Beach, Calif. He offers his exclusive expert predictions solely for entertainment purposes on www.lasvegasadvisor.com.

Here's how Curtis sees the field after a day of practice runs at the track in Long Beach.

*Celebrities:*
Brody Jenner (6-1)	Opening odds: (8-1) Jenner's natural ability throughout press practice day shuffles him to the top of the list of celebrity drivers—we'd do well to remember that his father, Bruce, has competed here five times, winning two of those.

Adrien Brody (7-1)	Opening odds: (8-1) The Oscar winner moves above Carolla, though he still lags behind newcomer Jenner. But don't be surprised if Brody parlays his past experience on the course—it's his third race—into a winning advantage.

Adam Carolla (8-1)	Opening odds: (7-1) Carolla's showing over the practice session was strong, but sadly for the funnyman, not strong enough. Still, like Brody, this is his third time racing; will it be a battle between two drivers who believe third time's the charm?

Rutledge Wood (10-1)	Opening odds: (10-1) Wood's performance was consistent with the first training session, leaving his odds unchanged. The car enthusiast may be holding back till it counts—for qualifying and race day.

Kim Coates (12-1)	Opening odds: (11-1) The "Sons of Anarchy" actor stands out in a crowd, but his driving performance puts him in the middle of the pack. We'll have to see if his passion translates to a better time on the track this year.

Eddie Cibrian (18-1)	Opening odds: (22-1) Cibrian moves up a notch in this round of odds; perhaps that upward trajectory will continue through the qualifying race and big day, propelling him into the winner's circle.

Cain Velasquez (19-1)	Opening odds: (16-1) The former UHC champion drops down in the rankings after the second practice session. Still, we know that Velasquez doesn't like to lose—will his lowered standing inspire him to up his game when the trophy's up for grabs?

Hill Harper (20-1)	Opening odds: (23-1) The "CSI: NY" star's odds are better based on his performance throughout the latest practice day. But he still has a long climb if he wants to score a victory come race day.

Kate del Castillo (20-1)	Opening odds: (24-1) Though the Mexican beauty ups her odds considerably, she remains toward the back of the field. Could she possibly be waiting to pull off a dramatic comeback befitting her dramatic on-screen roles?

Jillian Barberie Reynolds (25-1)	Opening odds: (27-1) Barberie Reynolds is ready to race, improving her odds from last training session—and also from 2011. She's made it a point to attend all the practice sessions and is determined to better her results from last year.

Eileen Davidson (31-1)	Opening odds: (38-1) Still last in the standings, Davidson does improve over her first-round odds. Considering that the soap opera veteran once played five roles simultaneously, we shouldn't underestimate her potential to surprise.

The Southern California Toyota dealer seat is being filled by Biff Gordon, general manager of Quality Toyota in Corona, Calif. Also in this year's race are charity auction winners Douglas Fregin and Jerry Westlund.

Biff Gordon (7-1)	Opening odds: (9-1) This is the best odds ever given for a Toyota dealer in this race. Gordon has a real shot to win it all.

Jerry Westlund (11-1)	Opening odds: (12-1) This fourth-time driver increased his odds since last training session. Does he have what it takes to pull off a win? We'll see.

Douglas Fregin (26-1)	Opening odds: (28-1) The Research in Motion co-founder improved his odds for his showing on race day.

The celebrity field is set to test its skills against a strong contingent of professionals (and one celeb racing as a pro). The celebs might have a 30-second head start, but the professionals will catch up quickly—and possibly dominate.

*Professionals:*
Fredric Aasbo (5-1)	Opening odds: (9-2) This Scion drift driver's performance was strong enough to maintain his status of overall-race front-runner. But Clauson will be hot on his tail.

Bryan Clauson (11-2)	Opening odds: (5-1) The former USAC National Midget champion remains a close second in the overall race rankings.

Jim Jonsin (10-1)	Opening odds: (9-1) The owner of Rebel Rock Racing jumps above Fichtner in the standings, but still ranks in the back half of the pro category.

William Fichtner (13-1)	Opening odds: (9-1) Fichtner drops to last in the pro category because he missed a crucial training session.

"Anthony Curtis' handicapping of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race for entertainment purposes is always great fun," said Les Unger, Toyota's national motorsports manager. "All of the drivers -- whether they're celebrities, charity auction winners, Toyota dealers or professional drivers -- can't wait to see where they stand in his rankings. And it makes them all drive harder, which translates to even more excitement for the fans."

Toyota will donate $5,000 to Racing for Kids on behalf of each participant and another $5,000 to the winning racer's charity of choice. Racing for Kids -- a national nonprofit program benefiting children's hospitals throughout the country -- was created as a way to connect these children with their favorite celebrities and race-car drivers. Toyota has donated more than $2 million to the Racing for Kids organization since 1991, on behalf of this race and its participants. Both Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach, Calif., and Children's Hospital of Orange County benefit from the donations given on behalf of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity race.

Finally, this year -- as in many years past -- a $15,000 donation will be made in conjunction with the annual People Pole Award. In its 15th year, the People magazine–sponsored award will honor the pole-position winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race qualifying session on Friday, April 13.

To learn more about the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, one of six main-event attractions taking place during the 38th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, go to www.toyotaracing.com/, visit our Facebook page (Toyota Racing), follow us on Twitter @ToyotaRacing or join the conversation with the participants at #TPCR.

NOTE: Celebrity odds are provided for entertainment purposes only. Wagering on the outcome of the race is neither encouraged nor implied.

ABOUT ANTHONY CURTIS
Anthony Curtis is one of the world's most recognized and quoted gambling authorities. The president of LasVegasAdvisor.com, he has appeared as a casino expert on "Dateline NBC," "48 Hours," A&E, E! Entertainment, Discovery, the Travel Channel, the Food Channel and the Learning Channel. He has been the subject of articles in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, San Diego Union-Tribune, Los Angeles Times Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel and Discover magazine. Curtis is author of Bargain City—Booking, Betting and Beating the New Las Vegas and The Art of Gambling Through the Ages. Considered one of the world's foremost experts in tournament play, Curtis's top tournament wins include $76,000 in the World Matchplay Blackjack Championship, $125,000 in the Atlantic City Craps Championship, $50,000 in the Las Vegas Keno Championship and $60,000 in the Las Vegas Blackjack Championship.