Gene Simmons named Grand Marshal of Honda Indy Toronto

I remember the last time I went trick or treating: I was 13ish and cruised through the neighbourhood attempting to look somewhat like one of the members of KISS. Thanks to my feeble memory, I can’t recall which face I attempted to imitate. Fast forward a few decades and my world comes crashing into the KISS legend once again.

Gene Simmons has been named the Grand Marshal of the upcoming Honda Indy Toronto. Toronto has always been one of the jewels of Indy racing, and was never lacking in glitz but our fair city has been off the circuit for a season so maybe kicking things up a notch isn’t a bad thing. We’ve already got Andretti’s galore coming to Toronto next week and now we have one of the biggest rock gods of all time coming too. Ok, so I put in the rock god bit just to stroke Gene’s ego a little!

One thing is for certain: With Simmons around, you can be sure that our pit girls gallery will be hotter than ever!

Official press release after the break complete with info on fan events leading up to the race.

Gene Simmons Named Grand Marshal for 2009 Honda Indy Toronto

Gene Simmons, a co-founder member of Rock Gods KISS, and a modern marketing marvel, will be the Grand Marshal of the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto, race organizers announced today.

Simmons co-founded KISS more than 35 years ago and KISS, who broke box office records set by the Beatles and Elvis, continues to play to sold out Stadiums and Arenas all over the world today.

Simmons has been the mastermind behind many modern advancements in merchandising/licensing, including some of the larger licensing/merchandise deals for KISS (more than 2,500 licenses currently in effect around the globe), production of television shows (including the popular Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A & E, Gene Simmons Rock School on VH1 and My Dad the Rock Star on Nickelodeon) and a series of KISS and Simmons-themed comic books sold around the world. No stranger to the motorsports world, Simmons was involved in the global marketing of the IndyCar Series for several years through his partnership in Simmons Abramson Marketing.

“Gene Simmons is one of the most recognizable figures and groundbreaking businessmen in the world and we are pleased to have him be a big part of the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto,” said Kevin Savoree, President, Andretti Green Toronto, promoters of the race. “We have had the pleasure of working with Gene and his team on several occasions and we know his unique, high-energy personality will be a great addition to the festivities at this year’s event.”

Mark Your Calendars . . .

Tues., July 7 @ noon – Media event – including a media tire change challenge – at Yonge Dundas Square

Wed., July 8 @ 4 p.m. – Driver availability at Yonge Dundas Square. Drivers expected to attend include 2005 Toronto winner Justin Wilson and 2009 IndyCar Rookie of the Year candidate Raphael Matos

Thursday, July 9 @ 10 a.m. – IndyCar drivers visit Sick Kids Hospital

Thursday, July 9 @ 1:30 p.m. – Driver availability on the front straight at the Honda Indy Toronto. Drivers expected to attend include 1993 and 2003 Toronto winner Paul Tracy, 2004 IndyCar Series champion Tony Kanaan, Robert Doornbos, 2008 IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year Ryan Hunter-Reay and E.J. Viso.