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While working for Ilmor-Mercedes in the mid 1990s, I was frustrated during the race as I was trying to get a glimpse at the scoring monitor in the Penske pit area to keep track of the seven or eight Mercedes-powered entries. My view was being blocked by someone in a Penske team firesuit, and it was only as I walked away that I realized it was Jerry Seinfeld. (This was after the episode had aired where George Costanza is given “the Penske file” at work.)

My favorite celebrity/Long Beach story involves the coolest of them all, Paul Newman. As co-owner of what was then Newman-Haas Racing, it was never a surprise to see the actor/philanthropist at the racetrack, but this was a funny and unique moment.

The Grand Prix draws large festive crowds, and it seemed all of humanity was massed between the private, corporate hospitality area and the starting grid. Before walking through the teeming crowds, I watched Newman quietly slip into a neon vest stamped with a large logo that said "WORKER," exactly like the ones worn by the track volunteers. He pulled his hat down tight and then leisurely strolled to the front stretch. Not one spectator did a double take or gave a second glance to the movie star, allowing him to glide onto the grid without hassle.

So, if you’re going to the Grand Prix this weekend, pay attention to who might be blocking your way or walking through the paddock.

It just might be a big star.

The opinions reflected herein are solely those of the above commentator and are not necessarily those of SPEEDtv.com, FOX, NewsCorp, or Speed Channel

Jade Gurss is the owner of fingerprint, inc., a sports publicity company. He has written two New York Times Best Sellers, including what is believed to be the biggest-selling motorsports book in American publishing history (Driver #8 with Dale Earnhardt Jr.). His two decades of publicity and marketing experience involves nearly every category of motorsports, including nine innovative seasons as NASCAR publicist for the Budweiser brand and Earnhardt Jr. His blog can be seen at: http://fingerprint.typepad.com

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