New reality show: Racers and razors

THE TICKER

March 18, 2007

Gillette's "Young Guns" -- that's Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, Jamie McMurray and Ryan Newman -- are coaching a field of celebrities through a NASCAR reality series.

Six 30-minute episodes and a one-hour final are being shot at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., and will run before NBA Finals games on ABC in June.

Handicapping some of the well-groomed celebrity drivers (that's show producer Gillette's rule; no "stubble or scruff of any kind"):

• William Shatner: Maybe he'll just sit in the backseat and let Sulu steer.

• John Elway: Ever heard of The Drive?

• John Salley: He was a Piston. And a spare part.

• Jewel: Might be tempted to sleep in her car, like the old days.

• Ty Murray: Jewel's rodeo cowboy boyfriend is used to horsepower.

• John Cena: NASCAR gives WWE champ a chance to show his cerebral side.

• Tony Hawk: Dude is the only one whose day job actually involves wheels.

• Laird Hamilton: The surfer was gettin' bugged driving up and down the same old strip. Now he can go 'round, 'round, get around, he gets around.