TORONTO, ON, July 20, 2014 -- In the end, the 2014 Honda Indy Toronto was something nobody could have expected going into the weekend, two full-point Verizon IndyCar Series races in one day. In retrospect, it was something that everyone in open-wheel racing could expect, a stellar performance by Toronto racing fans who turned out in droves under sometimes difficult conditions.
The 2inT.O. weekend proved to be a success and was the first time in the history of the event, and in Canada, that two INDYCAR races were run on the same day.
Sunday's two-full points races were reduced from 85 to 65 laps of the 11-turn street course at Exhibition Place, which were won by Sebastien Bourdais (race one) and Mike Conway (race two). Bourdais who had won the pole earlier on Saturday, won his first race in Toronto since 2004. When the race went off at 10:30 a.m. he opened up an almost five-second lead right off the start and would lead for all but seven of the 65 laps en route to a three-second win over Helio Castroneves, the 2014 series points leader for the series. Tony Kanaan was on the third step of the podium.
In the second race, Mike Conway took advantage of a quick caution to control the end of the race and win his second race for Ed Carpenter Racing this year after a victory at Long Beach. Kanaan was the only double-podium finisher of the day, coming in second behind Conway, with Will Power finishing third. Castroneves, who led the second race for 32 laps, eventually finished 12th.
Hometown hero James Hinchcliffe finished eighth in the first race and then slipped to 18th in the afternoon race.
Support Series Race Winners
Indy Lights - Alex Baron of Belardi Auto Racing
Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup - Scott Hargrove, race one, and Spencer Pigot, race two
Toyo Tires F1600 Championship - Tristan DeGrand, race one, and Kuno Wirtmer, race two
Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship - Jake Eidson, race one, and Florian Latorre, race two
SPEED Energy Stadium Super Truck - Sheldon Creed, race one and two
Pirelli World Challenge – Nick Tandy, race one, and Kuno Wittmer, race two
"All eyes were on the drivers this weekend, but it was the fans who impressed us all this weekend," said Charlie Johnstone, President of the Honda Indy Toronto. "Their knowledge of the sport and warmth is well established, but we saw this weekend the extent of their grit and dedication. They know how to weather the elements and have a good time."
The weekend wasn't just about racing as the event has become a true summer festival with many attractions that had Toronto hopping for three days. The two newcomers to the weekend, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series and the Scott FireFit Championships saw top logger sports athletes and men and women firefighters compete in specialized events that added positively to the weekend spectacle and festival atmosphere of the weekend. While the Honda Junior Rider program had motorcycle experts teaching young riders the safety aspects of two-wheeled motorized riding, as well as properly fitting their young charges with appropriate machines.
About Honda Indy Toronto
The Honda Indy Toronto, Ontario's largest annual sporting event, takes place July 18-20 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. In addition to world-class racing, the event features festival attractions, including craft beer, food trucks, adrenaline filled shows, interactive games and activities, live entertainment, charity events and celebrity appearances. For more information, visit HondaIndy.com.
More Information:
Kathleen Stelmach
Torchia Communications
(416) 341-9929 ext. 227 / (647) 830-0354
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