Toronto, ON (July 12, 2010) – With a symbolic ringing of the bell at the Toronto Stock Exchange, festivities surrounding the Honda Indy Toronto got underway today. Residents and visitors to Toronto are in for a variety of activities, which kick off officially on Tuesday with Honda Indy Fest at Yonge-Dundas Square.
“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.”
Rallying behind Honda, IZOD and the owners of the race, a large group of key people and organizations from the private and public sector has come together to support the Honda Indy Toronto. Together, they are offering a variety of activities listed below.
Noon to 1p.m., Tuesday, July 13 - Honda Canada Media Pit Stop Challenge (Yonge-Dundas Square)
Honda Canada and Paul Tracy are putting to the test the skills and agility of local media in the ultimate pit stop challenge. Up for grabs: bragging rights as the fastest tire change crew in the city. A $1,000 Donation will be made to Make-A-Wish Canada on behalf of the winning team.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (416) 543-6593
5 p.m., Tuesday, July 13 – NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Autograph Session (Yonge-Dundas Square)
Expect all drivers including JR Fitzpatrick, Andrew Ranger, Jason Bowles and Ontario’s Caitlin Johnston.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (704) 309-5493
10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 14 – Cycle around the Honda Indy Toronto track with Paul Tracy (media only – Exhibition Place)
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (416) 805-3453
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 14 – Alex Tagliani Unveils #77 Hot Wheels Race Car (Yonge-Dundas Square)
Hot Wheels and the FAZZT Race Team recently introduced a customized car design that is sure to turn heads in Torontoand across Canada.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 416.486.7221
5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 14 – IZOD IndyCar Series Autograph Session (The Bay, Queen Street)
Autograph session with Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy, along with Firestone Indy Lights driver James Hinchcliffe.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (416) 861-4432
1 p.m., Thursday, July 15 – IZOD IndyCar Racing 101 (media only – Exhibition Place, IZOD IndyCar Series Paddock)
A press event to learn about the IZOD IndyCar Series, racing basics and the track. Presenters include drivers Raphael Matos and Ryan Briscoe, as well as Rocket Blanch from IRL and Eric Zeto, a Toronto
native working with Ferran Dragon Racing.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 416-275-2151
3:30 p.m., Thursday, July 15 – Dario Franchitti meets players from the Celtic Football Club (Duke of Devon, First Canadian Place – media only) PHOTO OP.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (647) 830-0354
6 p.m., Thursday, July 15 – Honda Indy Toronto Walk Run ‘N Wheel-a-thon (Exhibition Place)
Shoot For A Cure teams up with the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation for the second annual 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 a professional racetrack.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 905-508-4000 ext.232
6 p.m to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 15 – IZOD IndyCar Series “Race to the Party” (Location to be confirmed) Join drivers from the IZOD IndyCar Series, along with hosts Jamie Little and Matte Babel for the official IZOD IndyCar Series streetparty. Featuring the great Canadian Pit Stop Challenge – Montreal (Alex Tagliani) vs. Toronto (Paul Tracy) and performances from LA-based Rival Sons.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 312.729.4269
8 p.m., Thursday, July 15 – The Canadian debut of the TW Steel “Dario Franchitti Edition” Watch (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, LA SWISS)
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 514-945-3253
8:30 p.m., Thursday, July 15 – “Race to the Party” After Party (Dolce Social Ballroom, 647 King St.)
Alex Tagliani and Paul Tracy host 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 at 8:30 pm.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 312.729.4269
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FREE FRIDAY AT THE TRACK, presented by Ontario Honda Dealers Association.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:30 a.m., Friday July 16 - Danica Patrick Press Conference (Media Centre, Allstream Centre)
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (647) 830-0354
6 p.m., Friday, July 16 –Budweiser/IZOD IndyCar Series Driver’s Party (C Lounge, 456 Wellington St. W.)
Meet and greet with drivers and legends of the IZOD IndyCar Series.
Media Information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 312.729.4269
All the latest info:
About Honda Indy Toronto
The Honda Indy Toronto, Ontario’s largest annual sporting event, takes place from July 16 to 18 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With more than two decades of Indy car racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and features a festival-like atmosphere that includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes and three action-packed days of live entertainment and interactive activities. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.HondaIndyToronto.com or call 877.503.6869.
Media information:
Kathleen Stelmach
Office: 416-341-9929 ext. 227
Cell: 647-830-0354
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
