Fast and Furious

The Grand Prix Americas roared into town last weekend for a Sunday-afternoon race through Miami’s city streets. But anyhoo about the cars — the bevy of shindigs soaking with celebrities that followed were my main concern. And there were plenty. Motorock, a block party and concert series centered around major racing events, presented two concerts at the American Airlines Arena, one featuring Kid Rock and the Roots on Friday, and another with Elton John on Saturday (Elton John in association with CART racing? Seems a little too dapper for Motorock). The VIP section at the race was brimming with A-listers, including the adorable and surprisingly approachable Tara Reid, who looked so yummy when perspiration dripped down her brow. And why did so many nightlife vamps make their way to a steamy, sports-related afternoon fiesta? Well, the name Michael Capponi had a lot to do with it. I asked my dear friend if his job promoting the party was as simple as slapping his name on it and inviting his friends. “I guess they wanted the cool people to come,” he shrugged in his typically unassuming manner. Ah, the life of Capponi, which by the way is now and forever dedicated to saving starving children. But that’s a story for another time, one that he reminded me not to fuck up.

Capponi was also in the middle of the weekend’s most memorable moment on Friday night at Prive — ground zero for celebri-people, especially while Mynt is in hibernation. As he sat in a cozy pose between high fashion’s new lovely, Amber Arbucci, and Guess/Playboy model Victoria Silvstedt, the most delightful thing happened. Kid Rock seized the microphone and gave an impromptu 30-minute performance with former Beastie Boy DJ Hurricane. As this classic episode of celebrity spontaneity played out, witnesses say a couple of panties were thrown toward the performing pair. See, those Eighties-style, short ruffled skirts are coming in handy these days because they make de-thonging so much easier.