This year marks the 29th Honda Indy Toronto and it just keeps getting bigger and better! Although the Indy is pushing 30, there is a lot of information about Toronto’s big event that you may not know. Here are 11 facts about the race of the year:
Tracy Takes Toronto
Paul Tracy is the only Canadian to have ever won the Honda Indy Toronto. He is a two time champion, holding the first place title in 1993 and 2003.
RELATED: The day Paul Tracy won his first Toronto Indy
2013: Doubleheader and a Double Hitter
In 2013, the Indy introduced its first ever “doubleheader” race in Toronto. A doubleheader is two indycar races giving drivers another chance to win 1st place. That same year, Scott Dixon won both of those races. He was awarded a “$100,000 Perfect Finish” bonus. Not bad, Dixon.
2015: The Indy’s Leap Year
As mentioned, in 2013 the Indy introduced the doubleheader. However, this summer’s Pan Am Games are being hosted in Toronto causing the Honda Indy to change its date to June 12-14 as opposed to their initial plan to run in July. This has made the Indy committee decide to go back to the traditional 1 race 1 title for 2015.
?A Race for Everyone
The Indy is a 7 series race that is held over the entire weekend with 7 different types of automobiles. There is a race for high-horsepower trucks, Porsches, touring cars, and Indy cars.
RELATED: The 7 Races of the Honda Indy Toronto
Practice Makes Perfect
On the Friday of the Indy (June 12, 2015), you can watch racers test out the tracks. There are over 11 practice races for the audience to enjoy. The first practice is at 8:00am and the last one is at 5:25pm. See the racing schedule for more details.
Molson Memories
The Honda Indy was actually sponsored by a different company for 20 years. From 1986-2006 Molson Coors held the title sponsorship for the event. This year they signed a deal to be the official beer and cider for the race until 2017.
Track It
The track is 2.8 kilometres (1.755 miles) and has 11 turns. The start/finish line is on Princes Boulevard. If you want to see the race or get close to these streets, you need to buy tickets to the Indy.
?Rain or Shine
The race still runs even if it rains. It is very rare for the Indy to cancel a race, but they may delay one depending on the weather conditions. If a race is cancelled due to inclement weather, refunds are not given due to policy.
RELATED: Montreal Grand Prix 2015
?Lucky Number 7
American born Michael Andretti is the all-time race win leader. He has won the Honda Indy 7 times. His last name might sound familiar as he is the son of Italian racing legend, Mario Andretti.
On fan Friday (June 12, 2015), Ontario’s Honda dealers cover the cost of admission for people to check out! In exchange, they ask fans to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Make a Wish
As mentioned, the Honda Indy raises money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Make-A-Wish is an organization that grants wishes to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. To date, the Indy has raised over $250,000.
?RELATED: The Nissan Micra Cup at the Montreal Grand Prix?
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