Leake Auction just announced the consignment of the 2011 Kia Optima that former University of Oklahoma and current LA Clippers basketball star Blake Griffin jumped over during to win the 2011 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Later that year Blake put the Optima in a charity auction to aid a cancer cause. Henry Primeaux of Tulsa purchased the car at that time. The car will be sold on Saturday, June 8 during Leake’s 41st annual collector car show & auction in the Expo Building at the Tulsa Fairgrounds. All proceeds will benefit children who come to the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
Many remember Griffin making the dunk and winning the contest by jumping over the hood of the Kia Optima while catching a pass thrown by Vince Carter from the car’s sunroof. This created much buzz for Kia as Griffin later agreed to an endorsement campaign for the company. The vehicle has not been driven and has only 50 miles on it.
“As a sports memorabilia collector, I was excited when I saw Blake Griffin jump over a Kia Optima and when I found out it was available at auction. I got on the auction line and was lucky to be the highest bidder and win the Optima,” said Primeaux Kia owner, Henry Primeaux. “This 2011 Kia Optima SX, which is autographed by Blake Griffin on the steering wheel and the driver’s door frame, has been on display at Primeaux Kia for two years and I’m now happy that we can offer the car for a worthy cause just as Blake did when he put the car up for auction.”
Daily admission is $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and military personnel with an ID and $7 for children under 12. Doors open at 9am each day. The auction will start at noon on Friday, 10am Saturday and 11am Sunday. Visit www.leakecar.com for more information.