ENTREPRENEUR HOPES TO WIN `CANNONBALL RUN' RACE IN JALOPY

ENTREPRENEUR HOPES TO WIN `CANNONBALL RUN' RACE IN JALOPY

NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) -- Which car do you think would be more likely to win a 3000 mile race around Europe: a turbo-charged sports car or an old jalopy? Well, New York entrepreneur Larry Schwarz is putting his money on the jalopy for the upcoming "Gumball 3000 Road Race" -- mostly because he'll be driving the wreck. In a scenario straight out of "Cannonball Run," the 29-year- old president of Rumpus Toys will be racing his polka-dotted 1985 Chevy ambulance alongside celebrity racers including Paul Newman and Jason Priestley. The eyesore ambulance only has a top speed of 100 miles-per- hour, but Schwarz says he's sure he'll triumph in the 3000-mile road rally because he figures the other drivers will be hungover from partying too much. He does admit to having another secret weapon -- a tape of Willie Nelson songs he claims will keep him driving like a maniac throughout the 5-day race. The race starts in London next Friday (Apr. 30).

CONTACT: Larry Schwarz, *** (can give live updates during race); Arrange thru Amy Kunen; NYC; (212) 463-9869, ext 119