2015 Honda Indy Toronto - The Important Stuff
This year no amount of rainfall nor the PanAm games can stop the Honda Indy Toronto! Yes the PanAm games are here to take over the city this Summer but Indy fans can still get their adrenaline pumping because the Honda Indy Toronto was pulled forward to June 12th - 14th this year at its traditional Exhibition Place location. Last year Indy was washed out due to the rains but come rain or shine the races are going to be on. The race track features a 2.84 km (1.755 mile) course, which winds its way through and around Exhibition Place grounds, with Lake Shore Boulevard as its backstretch.
This is an event for everyone, 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.
What’s new this year?
Due to the athletes tight schedule only one-race event would take place this year instead of the double-headers held the last two years. There would be six races on Saturday and seven on Sunday.
Here is a full run-down on what to expect at the IndyCar races this year
Day One
Fan Friday
The gates would be opened to the general public free of charge on Friday June 12th compliments of the Honda Dealers of Ontario. Families are encouraged to come out on this day to watch the cars and stars practice for the big race for free, instead of admission a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation would be accepted.
What’s happening on Fan Friday
Fans would be able to see all of the series practice :
- Pro Mazda Championship
- Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
- Indy Lights
- Canadian Touring Car Championship
- USF2000 Championship
- Robby Gordon Off-Road Trucks
Days Two & Three
- The Races
Buckle Up and get ready for the rev of engines: it’s time to gear up for the full length car races this year, unfortunately our very own James Hinchcliffe would not be partaking since he is still in recovery from grievous injuries suffered in a crash while practicing for the 99th Indianapolis 500. Despite this the race still goes on with the racing royalty Marco Andretti and many others who would all burn up the Toronto circuit in style.
In addition to the full length car races fans also look forward to :
a. Massive Off-Road Trucks
The the high-powered trucks of Robby Gordon's SPEED Energy Formula would be racing side by side over high-flying jumps on the challenging street course of the Exhibition Place grounds. Now isn’t that something to get excited about.
b. Exotic Car racing
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada - featuring semi-professional drivers speeding down one of North America’s largest single-make series, back by popular demand for a second year in a row.
c. The Canadian Touring Car Championship which features sports cars based on their original street stick version racing in three different Classes.
d. Entry level racing - 3 entry level races would be taking place :
- The Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship
- The Pro Mazda Championship and
- The Indy Lights open-wheel racing.
Entry level racing - Progression Steps
- First off is the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda, the goal of the series is to provide a professional, entry-level open-wheel training ground serving as the ï¬rst step on the ladder to a Verizon IndyCar Series career.
- From there, drivers move on to the Pro Mazda Championship Presented by Cooper Tires.
- Finally drivers move into Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires. Indy Lights has long been a vital step for competitors to reach the pinnacle of open-wheel racing in America, boasting over 100 drivers as graduates.
Get ready for two days of tire burning action competing on a challenging combination of superspeedways, short ovals, scenic road courses and temporary street circuits. Make sure you are there to be part of the action!
2. Activities
a.Honda World - this interactive area usually features vehicle displays, games, activities etc. that everyone in the family can enjoy. The little ones can also get in on the action by obtaining some hands-on training lessons with the Junior Red Riders Program while the adults can go on a multimedia journey through the fascinating racing heritage of Honda.
b. Indycar Paddock - you can get all up close and personal with IndyCar crews and mechanics in this exclusive on-site area. Fans can have access to actual IndyCars and team mechanical trailers, you may even bump into one of the drivers.
c. Honda Pit Stop Challenge - test your skills, do you have what it takes to change a race car tire in record time? How is your speed and agility? See if you can do it by taking part in the Honda Pit Stop Challenge, you can even win a prize (if you are the fastest).
d. Driver Autograph Sessions - be sure to walk with your autograph books; you may be lucky enough to get close enough to a driver.
Days One, Two & Three
Food & Drink Festivals
Walk with your appetites because 20 food trucks and popular vendors are already confirmed for this event (Pizza Pizza, Hank Daddy’s Barbecue and Smoke’s Poutinerie to name a few ) and beer tents are already scheduled to be set up ( craft, domestic and imported beer tents).
The 2015 Honda Toronto Indy is not only jam packed with great races but with activities for everyone; tastefest, beerfest, interactive areas and lots of other off-track attractions to entertain the fans so they can make a festival out of it and enjoy until the checkered flag falls at the end of day three. Be there this year to be part of the festivities even if you are not an IndyCar fan!
