Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto - Canadian Armed Forces join in celebrating 30 years of racing in Toronto

Canadian Armed Forces join in celebrating 30 years of racing in Toronto

: Honda Indy Toronto; News; 17 July 2016

TORONTO, ON, July 17, 2016 – Organizers of the 2016 Honda Indy Toronto announce that the Canadian Armed Forces will lead the ceremonies, participating in all VIP roles during the pre-race celebrations for the marquee Verizon IndyCar Series race that runs this afternoon at Exhibition Place.

Led by a military G Wagon, a group of 300 active military reservists representing the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force will kick off the ceremonies by conducting a march past along the track to salute the race fans.

Major General Mike Rouleau, Commander of Canada's Special Operations Forces will serve as Grand Marshal, giving the celebrated "drivers, start your engines" command and Sgt. Darryl Casselman of the Royal Highland Fusiliers will sing both the Canadian and US national anthems

Fans will be thrilled to see Two CF-18 Hornets from the 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron based out of CFB Bagotville, Quebec fly over the track following the performance of the national anthem. Members of the Royal Canadian Navy flag party from HMCS YORK will present the colours for the feature race.

"We are so proud to be able to say this special 'thank you' to the men and women who serve us all so well," said Jeff Atkinson, president of the Honda Indy Toronto. "We are thrilled that they are joining us to celebrate 30 years of racing on the streets of Toronto with such an impactful presence."

A decorated military member will serve as the honourary starter and will wave the Green Flag at the Start/Finish line as 3:15 p.m. this afternoon to officially start the 85-lap race for the 2016 Honda Indy Toronto.

About Honda Indy Toronto

The 2016 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 racecar drivers. Since 1986, the three-day event has entertained millions of fans thanks to world-class entertainment and exhilarating performances from drivers including Juan Pablo Montoya, Marco Andretti and Helio Castroneves, as well as Canadian legends Paul Tracy, Greg Moore and James Hinchcliffe. The Verizon IndyCar Series and NASCAR Pinty's Series headline the 2016 event weekend, with the Mazda Road to Indy, Robby Gordon's Stadium Super Trucks and the Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada by Yokohama rounding out the on-track action. The event is owned and operated by Green Savoree Racing Promotions.

For more information visit hondaindy.com, facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto or follow the event on Twitter @HondaIndy.