July 3, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – Toronto, start your engines! The Honda Indy Toronto is off to the races this weekend and there is no shortage of activities and information for fans to enjoy. To help map out your week, here is a list of what’s coming up with week as part of the festivities.
Thursday, July 5
10 a.m., Thursday, July 5 – Racing For Kids at The Hospital for Sick Children (MEDIA EVENT)
The annual Racing For Kids driver visit will take place at The Hospital For Sick Children (SickKids) on Thursday, July 5. Racing For Kids representatives, IZOD IndyCar Series driver Oriol Servia and Star Mazda driver Connor De Phillippi will spend time with the young patients outside with the Racing For Kids show car and will visit patients in their rooms. Media Information: Ron Hingst, 734-276-7237
11 - 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 5 - Bay Street Grand Prix Kickoff (MEDIA EVENT)
Philanthropists Andrew and Cathy DeFrancesco host the Bay Street Grand Prix, the ultimate go-kart racing fundraiser in support of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s Women & Babies Program
A day of races kicks off at 11 a.m. with a special celebrity go-kart race featuring some of Canada’s beloved talent like Elvis Stojko, Nick Kypreos, Amanda Lang, Jason Arnott and more. Media Information: Jeri Brown, 416-342-1842,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
11 a.m., Thursday July 5 - Rubens Barrichello Press Conference (Media Centre, Allstream Centre) Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
12Noon, Thursday, July 5 – Honda Indy Toronto Welcome Press Conference (MEDIA EVENT)
Representatives from the Honda Indy Toronto will hold a press conference at Exhibition Place to officially welcome race fans and media from around the world to the 2012 event. IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves and Takuma Sato will be present at the press conference and available for interviews. Media information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3:00 p.m., Thursday July 5 - James Hinchcliffe Press Conference (Media Centre, Allstream Centre) Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
4-7 p.m., Thursday, July 5 – Meet and Greet with Alex Tagliani at the Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws® store
Canadian auto racing driver and IZOD IndyCar Series driver Alex Tagliani, will greet fans and autograph free cards at the Loblaws® store at Maple Leaf Gardens. Tagliani will also be launching Tag On The Go®, a new peanut-free cookie inspired by his own peanut allergy and taste tasted by himself to ensure that the final product was a delicious and safe treat for everyone.Media Information: Loblaw Public Relations, 905-459-2500, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 5 - Toronto Sun Drivers Start Your Engines Contest (South of Temperance)
Watch the contestants show their best rendition of the most famous words in motorsports, for a chance to give the command “Drivers Start your Engines” for Saturday’s Firestone IndyLights Race. Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
7 p.m., Thursday, July 5 – YMCA Relay for Strong Kids
On July 5, a 2.9km portion of the Honda Indy Toronto’s street circuit at Exhibition Place will host teams as they run or walk – relay-style – along the track in support of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The Relay, now in its 32nd year raises money to help more kids in the community get active and healthy. Media Information: Amie Zimon, 647-588-6800,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
8:30 p.m., Thursday July 5 - Bay Street Grand Prix After Party and Concert
Hip hop icon Flo Rida headlines the official Bay Street Grand Prix after party and concert, with Toronto’s Mia Martina opening tickets are available at www.baystreetgrandprix.ca, media can email Jeri Brown to be placed on the list. Media Information: Jeri Brown, 416-342-1842, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Friday, July 6
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FREE FRIDAY AT THE TRACK, presented by Ontario Honda Dealers Association
For the third year in a row, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) will pay the cost of admission for fans to enjoy the speed and spectacle of the Honda Indy Toronto on Friday, July 6. With generous support from fans, Honda Canada and the OHDA have raised more than $200,000 for Make-A-Wish® during the previous two seasons, helping to make the wishes of children who are living with a life-threatening medical condition come true. In lieu of admission, and to take part in various onsite games and activities, Free Friday attendees are encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish.
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9:00 to 9:30 a.m., Friday July 6 - Alex Tagliani Press Conference (Media Centre, Allstream Centre)Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Saturday, July 7
10:45 – 11:15 a.m., Saturday, July 7 – Star Mazda Series autograph signing session Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
11:30 a.m., Saturday July 7 - Graham Rahal meets the press with New Jersey Devils player David Clarkson (Media Centre, Allstream Centre) Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m., Saturday, July 7 – Firestone Indy Lights autograph signing session Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
4:15 – 5:15 p.m., Saturday, July 7 – IZOD IndyCar Series autograph signing session Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sunday, July 8
10 p.m., Sunday, July 8 – 7th Annual HinchTown Party hosted by James Hinchcliffe
Toronto’s James Hinchcliffe is excited to once again play host to his fellow IZOD IndyCar Series racers and fans alike at the 7th Annual HinchTown Party at Maison Mercer following the Honda Indy Toronto on Sunday, July 8. Doors to Maison Mercer, 15 Mercer Street, Toronto, open at 10pm on Sunday 8th July with members of the public able to purchase entry to the HinchTown Party for $20 each, visit www.maisonmercer.com. Media Information: Stuart Morrison, 514-945-3253,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All weekend
Honda World (Thunder Alley)
Explore the triumphs of Honda’s proud racing history and look at the new Honda Indy engine or be your own pit crew and go for the fastest tire-change time. For the kids, or just the young-at-heart, have your photo taken with Tony Stark’s one-of-a-kind Acura Super car from the hit movie, The Avengers or let the kids learn motorcycle basics and rip around in Honda’s Junior Red Rider program. There's something for everyone at Honda World. Media Information: Mark James, 416-400-5263, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Honda Executives: Various times throughout the weekend
To arrange an interview with one of Honda Canada's executives about why the Honda Indy Toronto means so much to the organization, please contact Mark James for availabilities. Media Information: Mark James, 416-400-5263, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Dr Pepper Cooler Can Racing (Thunder Alley) and sampling (behind Dr Pepper Grandstand)
Dr Pepper is offering consumers a one-of-a-kind experience in Dr Pepper Cooler Cans and will be sampling at the Dr Pepper Diner bend the Dr Pepper Grandstand at Turn 11.Media Information: Bryan Feheley, 647-330-3567,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Hot Wheels® is hitting the road and travelling across Canada all summer long for kids and Hot Wheels® fans to get a sneak peek of the latest Hot Wheels® toys! Stopping at the Honda Indy Toronto, kids will have the opportunity to play with the coolest toys imaginable, including the latest Wall Tracks™ sets, the most outrageous Team Hot Wheels™ stunts and the all new, never been seen before, Ballistiks™! But that’s not all, because there’s also a chance to win awesome prizes and everyone will go home with a 2012 Hot Wheels Poster. Be sure to check it all out in Thunder Alley or go to www.hotwheels.ca for more event information. Media Information: Jennifer Choy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 416-486-5921 OR Kathleen Napier, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 416-486-5918
New Beer Partners, local Craft Brewers Muskoka Brewery and Amsterdam Brewery, will serve and sample some of their original brews, including a event exclusive Honda Indy Toronto Collaboration Beer, in the newly added Craft Beer House. Beer is also available for sale across the site, thanks to the new full site license. Media Information: Kathleen Stelmach, 647-830-0354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For more information, visit hondaindytoronto.com. Follow the Honda Indy Toronto on Twitter @HondaIndy and ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto.
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