A dozen questions for the Honda Indy boss
How many years have you been involved in motorsport management?
Since the first Molson Indy in 1986.
What was your first motorsport job?
I was fortunate enough to be hired by Molson as a summer intern travelling around Ontario in the Molson Export Racing Caravan promoting the first race in 1986. When did you become President of Honda Indy Toronto?
2005. What is the most interesting part of your job?
Dealing with the various stakeholders including sponsors, fans, suppliers, government, volunteers, race series and exhibitors to really create an exciting and entertaining event that surpasses their expectations. What do you like best about the Honda Indy Toronto?
Building on the history and legacy of the event by working with our team to transform city streets and parking lots into a world-class race track and entertainment venue. What are some of the new attractions at this year’s Honda Indy?
We continue to build on the recent successes of our “festival” themes and have expanded BeerFest (with new partner Molson Coors), TasteFest (with more than 20 food trucks already committed), MotorFest (with one of the best lineups of racing action anywhere in North America) and AdrenalineFest (with the Honda Junior Red Riders program, a great activation from Cooper Tires and other interactive and exciting exhibits). How many different racing series will be in action?
Seven. If you’re a race fan, we’ve got you covered. We have the Verizon IndyCar Series, Indy Lights, Pro Mazda Championship, Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship, Ultra 94 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Canadian Touring Car Championship and Robby Gordon’s Stadium Super Trucks all racing during the Honda Indy Toronto event weekend. Last year there were two headline races, this year one. Why?
With our date change due to the Pan Am Games, it was agreed upon with IndyCar that since the series was running back-to-back weekends with the Indy 500, the doubleheader at the Detroit Grand Prix and Texas immediately preceding our date, running a traditional weekend with one Verizon IndyCar Series race would be the appropriate format. For years, Paul Tracy was in his hometown race. He’s retired and James Hinchcliffe is injured. Any chance of some last-minute Canadian content?
As much as we’d like to, we do not have the ability to dictate to the teams who they should put in their cars. Speaking of James, he’s such a wonderful ambassador for the sport and for this race. Any chance he’ll be on hand?
First and foremost, we are all pleased with James’ recovery thus far.
That’s the most important factor. If he is able to be here then you can count on us to show him our appreciation. It goes without saying that James is your favourite driver. But with him out, who would you like to see win the Honda Indy?
We’d be happy be see any of the Honda drivers on the top step of that podium . . .
Anything you’d like to add, Charlie?
June 12 is Fan Friday at the Honda Indy Toronto and the Ontario Honda Dealers will cover the cost of admission for everyone in the city to experience the spectacle and excitement of our event, in exchange for a donation at the gate to Make-A-Wish Canada.
If you haven’t yet been to the Honda Indy Toronto, Fan Friday is a great opportunity to see what the event is all about.
Information on that and more is available on our website, hondaindy.com.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Honda Indy Toronto, June 12-14. It’s going to be a great event.