Back in the Molson Indy days, the Toronto Indy pretty much took over the city with parties and events. There was a buzz everywhere and just about everyone was talking about the Indy. Charlie Johnstone and the rest of the Honda Indy Toronto team have planned a week full of activities to build that buzz once again.
“This year’s edition of the Honda Indy Toronto is clearly setting a new bar in Canada in terms of on and off-track entertainment,†said Charlie Johnstone, general manager and vice president of Honda Indy Toronto. “The combination of athletes, cars, music and loads of interactive activities is second to none.â€Â
Tuesday
The action begins today at noon at Toronto’s exciting Yonge – Dundas Square with the Honda Canada Media Pit Stop Challenge. Members of local media will battle for bragging rights as the fastest tire changing crew. Paul Tracy will be on hand from 12 to 1 pm.
At 5 pm, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Autograph Session takes over Yonge-Dundas Square. Fans can meet all the series drivers including JR Fitzpatrick, Andrew Ranger, Jason Bowles and Ontario’s Caitlin Johnston.
Wednesday
Alex Tagliani will reveal the #77 Hot Wheels Indy car at Yonge-Dundas Square from 12:30 till 2.
From 5 to 6 pm, fans can meet Paul Tracy, Alex Tagliani and Canadian Indy Lights driver James Hinchcliffe for an autograph session at The Bay Queen Street.
Thursday
For the second year in a row, Shoot For A Cure teams up with the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for the Honda Indy Toronto Walk Run ‘N Wheel-a-thon in support of spinal cure research. Participants and families will have the opportunity to do a 5km run, and a 2.8km walk and wheel to the finish line on the IndyCar circuit.
Thursday evening from 6 to 8 is the big party. The official IZOD Indycar street party will be hosted by Jamie Little and Matte Babel who will be joined by Indycar drivers. LA based Rival Sons will perform and the Great Canadian pit stop challenge will pit Canadian racers Paul Tracy and Alex Tagliani against each other. Just like in hockey, this will be a classic battle of Toronto vs. Montreal. The location for this one has not been revealed yet, but we’ll let you know when it is.
Moving uptown, the Canadian launch of the new TW Steel “Dario Franchitti Edition†Watch will take place at LA SWISS in the Yorkdale Shopping Mall at 8 pm.
At 8:30, Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy are hosting the IZOD IndyCar Series Race to the Party After-Party, featuring the stars and legends of the series including Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan, Will Power, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Al Unser Jr. and Gil deFerran. Red carpet entrance is at 8:30 pm. This one is at Dolce Social Ballroom, 647 King St.
Friday
Maybe the biggest news of the week is that general admission is free thanks to the Ontario Honda Dealers association. Not only can everyone get in free, but grandstands are free too, meaning that fans can get a taste of the best seats in the house before deciding what ticket to buy for the rest of the weekend.
To get your tickets in advance, visit Honda Indy Toronto. You can also buy your tickets at the gate.
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