FORMULA ONE: Antonio Sabato Jr. named celebrity spokesperson for U.S. Grand Prix
Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
September 26, 2001INDIANAPOLIS - Actor Antonio Sabato Jr. has taken on a new role as a celebrity spokesperson for the SAP United States Grand Prix Formula One race on Sept. 30 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Best known for his Calvin Klein modeling fame, as well as appearances on "General Hospital," "Melrose Place" and "Ally McBeal," Sabato exudes not only enthusiasm for the sport of Formula One but knowledge behind the wheel.
Because of his passion and knowledge of Formula One racing, Sabato has volunteered his time to help promote the SAP United States Grand Prix and serve as a spokesperson. Sabato has completed three successful media tours through Indianapolis, Chicago and Cincinnati in efforts to educate the public about Formula One racing and the SAP United States Grand Prix.
Sabato will be in Indianapolis during the week of the SAP United States Grand Prix to talk with the media and fans about the race. Sabato will visit with fans and sign autographs from 11:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. (EST) Sept. 29 in the east parking lot of the Hall of Fame Museum.
"It is a dream come true for me to promote Formula One in the United States," Sabato said. "I am very honored to serve such a role for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I grew up watching Formula One in Italy and around the world, but having it here in America is so special."
Sabato's first experience with Formula One was watching his father drive for Ferrari in the Academy Award-winning 1966 movie Grand Prix. Antonio Sabato Sr. served as a spokesperson for Ferrari from 1966-76.
"If I wasn't an actor, I would definitely be a race car driver," Antonio Sabato Jr. said. "I haven't given up that dream yet, in fact I am talking with some teams about future opportunities behind the wheel. The next best thing right now is being able to talk about it. I'm still working on the driving part."
Sabato recently formed a production company, NAMTAB Productions, which will shoot one of its first films next month in Australia.
Tickets are still available for the SAP United States Grand Prix, which starts at 1 p.m. (EST) Sept. 30. Call (800) 822-INDY for details.
Text provided by Paul Kelly
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit
The Racing Photo Museum and the
Visions of Speed Art Gallery.