IndyCar Vegas Blackjack tourney a big success

Remember that sold-out Blackjack tournament we told you about yesterday to be held last night at the MGM? T.E. McHale. Public Relations rep for American Honda topped a field of 250 players, including IZOD IndyCar Series drivers, hockey hall of famer Wayne Gretzky and many current and former NFL and NBA stars, to win the INDYCAR Charity Blackjack tournament Presented by AirMed at the MGM Grand Resort & Casino.

"It was a fun table," said McHale, who took home a pair of Ritmo Mundo timepieces worth $7,500. "It certainly wasn't anything I knew to do. It wasn't strategy. It was pure dumb luck."

Brandon Wilde finished second, while Sam Schmidt Motorsports driver Alex Tagliani, actress Janet Gretzky, Travis Bower and Andrew Rentz tied for third place, which earned each a Ritmo Mundo timepieces for advancing to the final table.

The big winners were charities Opportunity Village and CARA Charities, which will share the about $30,000 in tournament proceeds.

"We are thrilled to be one of the two groups that benefit for the event," said CARA Charities Executive Director Cathie Lyon. "Both Opportunity Village and CARA are such great causes. We can't thank INDYCAR enough for thinking of us."