Honda Indy Toronto Names Canadian Music Great Tom Cochrane as its Grand Marshal

TORONTO (July 14, 2017) - Organizers of the Honda Indy Toronto are pleased to announce Tom Cochrane, the singer-song writer whose music career was accelerated by the single Life Is a Highway, as Grand Marshal of this weekend's 31st edition of the annual racing event at Exhibition Place, July 14-16.

As Grand Marshal, Cochrane will announce the most famous words in motorsport, "Drivers, start your engines!" as well as participate in other pre-race ceremonies for the Verizon IndyCar Series race on Sunday.  The race will be broadcast both globally and live nationally on Sportsnet 360 with coverage starting at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

"We are incredibly excited to have Tom Cochrane as our 2017 Grand Marshal," said Jeff Atkinson, President of Honda Indy Toronto.  "His accomplishments in music as well as extensive charity work are a point of Canadian pride.  We are honoured to have Tom join us in celebration this weekend."

Tom Cochrane is recipient of eight Juno Awards plus multiple songwriter awards from SOCAN, CAPAC, and ASCAP.  Cochrane is a GRAMMY nominee, a member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Music Industry Hall Of Fame.  He holds an honorary doctorate, has a place on Canada's Walk of Fame, and has been honoured with both the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada.  He is recipient of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal and is a former Honorary Air Force Colonel in the 409 squadron.

"It is an honour to be asked to Grand Marshal the iconic Honda Indy especially in the summer of Canada's 150th year.  It's always a hallmark of summer in Toronto and Ontario," said Tom Cochrane.  "My favourite moment of Indy history was when Paul Tracy won the championship. It was a proud year for Canadians.  This year after being a resident of Oakville for the last 20 years and raising our daughter here, I'm obviously rooting for fellow Oakvillian, James Hinchliffe to win!"

Additionally, in celebration of Canada150, to enhance the  Canadian presence in the pre-race ceremonies, Sgt. David Grenon of the Royal Canadian Air Force will perform the National Anthem.  Captain Hilary Anderson of the Royal Canadian Air Force - 433 Tactical Flying Squadron, 3 Wing based out of CFB Bagotville, Quebec will fly over following the national athem in a CF-18 Hornet. 

Other features include a parade march by the Canadian Armed Forces, representing the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force. Over 300 members strong will march from units across Ontario including Canadian Forces Base Trenton and Canadian Forces Base Borden as well as numerous Navy and Army Reserve units from Toronto.  The Queens York Rangers based in Toronto will carry the colours and represent the Canadian Army.  Kim Green, Co-Owner, Chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, the organizers of the Honda Indy Toronto, will drive the new Honda Civic Type R leading the parade lap. Cheerleaders from the Toronto Argonauts will join in the action asthe as Grid Girls for the weekend.

Tickets to the event are available and start at $40 for general admission.  For full pricing information or to buy tickets, visit www.hondaindy.com or call 1-877-725-8849.

ABOUT THE HONDA INDY TORONTO

Honda Indy Toronto takes place on the historic grounds of Exhibition Place in a unique lakefront and downtown setting. As Ontario's largest annual sporting event, the event has become a prestigious meeting place for some of the world's fastest race car drivers. Since 1986, the three-day event has entertained millions of fans thanks to world-class entertainment and exhilarating performances from drivers including Scott Dixon, Marco Andretti and Helio Castroneves, as well as Canadian legends Paul Tracy, Greg Moore and James Hinchcliffe. The event is owned and operated by Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which also promotes The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 28-30, 2017) and the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (March 9-11, 2018).  

 

For more information, visit hondaindy.comfacebook.com/HondaIndyToronto or follow the event via Twitter @HondaIndy and Instagram instagram.com/hondaindy.