The Andretti family loves Toronto. They love this town and our annual race so much that Andretti Green bought the rights to the dormant Indy race here in T-Dot and have re-branded it as the Honda Indy Toronto. Praises be to whatever omnipotent being you worship, as we now have people running the show that love Toronto, love racing in Toronto and actually have the business sense to ensure that this event stays in our fair city. Enough of my soap box praise, lets get on with the fun stuff!
Indy week in Toronto has always been known for lots of fun events and 2009 is starting with a rodeo of sorts. Michael Andretti will be at the south east corner of Bay & Dundas tomorrow along with a giant, bucking razor. The mechanical bull come shaving device will be on hand from 7 am till 2 courtesy of Shick, while Mikey will be meeting fans, armed with a Sharpie from 11 to 12:45.
On the Thursday evening prior to the race (July 9), the track will shut down for a special charity event. Drivers and celebrities will lead fans around the track on a 3 km walk, 6 km run in support of Shoot For A Cure Moto-Sport and the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation as they unite to find a cure for paralysis. This will be a good opportunity generate funds for the charity while also giving fans a chance to get up close and personal with the stars.
“actually have the business sense to ensure that this event stays in our fair city.”
I found this the worst run ‘Indy’ weekend in the many years I have attended. High levels of disorganization. Friday print-at-home padock passes were turned away by paddock security and West lot parking was directed to another lot much further away.
Turn 3 grandstands — general admission tickets had a better view of the corner than the $149 grandstand seat. No local FM broadcast of the race commentary. Big screens did not show any footage of the support races except the Indy Lights.
This year I cut back to 4 seats from the 6 I used to order. I was not pleased with my experience so unlikely to go next year.