Lindsay
Bedell
Journalism
student ends reign as beauty queen
By Samantha Ascher
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Spending time at the beach, reading books, having a glass of wine with friends
between Seal Beach and Newport, or driving around town listening to Jack Johnson
or Bargain Music, a local friend’s band, may sound like a typical Cal State
Long Beach girl’s life. For 22-year-old Lindsay Bedell, a broadcast journalism
major, that is just how she spends her little bit of down time. Being named 2005
Tecate Miss Toyota Grand Prix has allowed this Long Beach native unique opportunity.
While watching
volleyball games with her dad in The Walter Pyramid, Bedell knew early on
she wanted to one day be a CSULB student. From her days at Los Alamitos High
School, she was actively involved on and off campus. The song team allowed
her to broaden her dancing abilities while high-diving brought out her competitive
side. When she began attending CSULB her time on campus was dedicated to
her classes and modeling. She now dedicates her time to her three-year career
as a model and making time for her friends, both new and old.
" Whenever we can see each other, we hang out, go to sushi, Jacuzzi or just
spend time with her family," said Cory Maiolfi, a psychology major.
It was on a whim that this self-proclaimed tomboy took her older brother’s
advice and decided to compete in the Tecate Miss Toyota Grand Prix competition.
Never fully expecting to take home the title, Bedell was "like wow," as
she said, with her arms raised in enthusiasm.
Her days now consist of making appearances at car shows, signing autographs and
being the face of the Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix. Though this is her first
title, she said she would like to take on "Miss California."
" There are few and far between that you remember in this business," said
John Lee, event co-coordinator for Procon Leisure, an international promotions
company. "Lindsay is one you remember. It was her smile, it brightens up
a room, she makes herself approachable."
It was that undeniable positive attitude that Kevin Wilkerson, face of Champ
Car Public Relations, believes won the competition for Bedell. Though her fellow
contestants call her spunky, she maintains her professional and reserved manner
in her appearance as the spokesperson for the Grand Prix. Taking on the role
of ambassador to the Long Beach Grand Prix, Bedell decided to take an academic
leave of absence knowing she can always return to school later. She plans to
return in fall 2006, with the anticipation of graduating in the next year.
" I can always come back to school," Bedell said. "I can’t
always travel or have photo opportunities."
Obtaining her title was an experience Bedell truly enjoyed, stating there are
more ups than downs.
Preliminaries for the competition involved several interviews with all of the
applicants. Of those applicants, 21 women were chosen to go on to compete for
the title. From the remaining 21, 12 women were selected to continue on in the
competition. Their time was divided up between more interviews, choreography,
evening wear and bathing suit competitions. It was during her competition that
Bedell said she was able to make 21 great new friends as well as expand on her
future goals of being a news anchor.
" She’s not afraid to talk to everyone," said fellow contestant
turned friend, Rose Arzate, 31, from Madison University. "We always have
to pull her away because everyone wants to talk with her."
With preliminaries for the 2006 Miss Tecate Grand Prix of Long Beach going into
the final phase of applicant acceptances March 24 at V2O in Long Beach, Bedell
begins to embark on her last responsibilities and appearances before turning
over her title at the Toyota Long Beach Grand Prix Ceremony on April 9. Even
though she will be relinquishing her title, Bedell plans on continuing her work
with the organization.
For more information about Miss Tecate Grand Prix of Long Beach visit www.faceofchampcar.com.
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