Uncle Joe's Racing - 2006 Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Broadcast

Uncle Joe Benson broadcasting from the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.

April 7, 2006, 2pm - 6pm: Uncle Joe Benson has been part of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach every April since 1986! This year he kicked things off with a Friday broadcast from Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company on Turn Two of the race course. That evening, he was the Master of Ceremonies for the CARA Charities "Pirates of the Adrenaline" poker cruise (arrgh matey!).

On Saturday & Sunday mornings, J.B. rolled through lengthy "20th Anniversary" Uncle Joe Meet & Greets at the KLOS Cool Patrol booth, where the Uncle Joe's Nissan 300ZX race car was on display all three days. In addition, here's what Saturday & Sunday looked like.

(Photos by Jim Sleeper.)

Broadcasting trackside in the Bubba
Gump Shrimp Company courtyard.

On the air, Joe gleefully informed longtime Grand
Prix announcer Bruce Flanders that he (Bruce)
is now the Dean (ie. oldest) of Southern California's
race announcers, to which Bruce replied,
"You're only a half-lap behind, my friend!"

Preparation is the key!

After watching J.B. finish an on-air bit in front of the restuarant,
she says "You know my husband's always talking about you." Hmm...

Getting old friend Jimmy Vassar — former
Champ Car Champion/Long Beach Grand Prix winner
and current team owner — to crack up on the air.

Talking racing and rock & roll with fans and Bubba Gump managers.

Unc and Crew Chief Jim Sleeper demonstrate another of
their mutual talents: eating shrimp on the air.

Pirates Otis Greer, Kelly Clancy, J.B. and Rachel Bousing
ready to start the CARA Charities "Pirates of the Adrenaline" poker cruise.

Unc grilling actor/race car driver Patrick Dempsey
to Champ Car Champion/Long Beach Grand Prix winner
Sebastien Bourdais' amusement.