Nick Cannon plays race car driver in an Audi R8

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How many guys watched Mariah Carey’s ‘Always Be My Baby’ video and dreamed of one day making the midriff-baring singer his own? Well, Nick Cannon won that teddy bear, and apparently keeps on living the dream.

The actor and rapper played race car driver for a day, with Oakley’s ‘Learn to Ride’ experience with Audi sports cars -- yes, Audi handed the keys to an R8 over to a mere Hollywood mortal.

We repeat: the keys to an Audi R8.

Sorry, is our envy showing?

Cannon got to run the famous Infineon Raceway in Sonoma for a training session with Oakley’s pro drivers, complete with his own gear and an R8 to zip around the track.

Muscle Milk provided food and drink to celebrate the day with Cannon and fellow celeb drivers AnnaLynne McCord of ‘90210,’ Shaun Sipos of ‘Melrose Place,’and John Hensley and Brittany Snow of ‘Nip/Tuck.’ If you want to work the product-placement angle, it’s best to hook up with a carmaker.

Click the promotion-packed pic of Nick above for a photo gallery of the kids’ too-cool day at the races.

We’re sure Mariah is already plotting ways to top the experience for Nick’s inner child come Christmas. Perhaps astronaut school?

Or maybe just an R8 Spyder with a bow on the convertible top...

-- Matt Donnelly

(bottom) Well, would you like to sample some Muscle Milk? Credit: WireImage

Take a 160-mph lap around the Ministry: For starters, we have Adam Lambert’s interview with Chelsea Handler, reggae singer Buju Banton’s troubles with the law, reports from the ‘Avatar’ blue carpet and premiere party, and a click-tastic plea that certain fabulously awful celebrity fashion trends should stay with us forever.

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