TOP TEN THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO AT THE HONDA INDY
Whether it’s enjoying some food and drink or a chance to see drivers up close, there’s more to Indy weekend than just the race itself
There will be plenty to see and do when you attend the Honda Indy Toronto this weekend. Here’s the Top 10 things to keep an eye out for:
1. Explore the event free on Fan Friday
Friday, July 15 at the Honda Indy Toronto is Fan Friday for the 7th year, where attendance is free for all guests, with a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish Canada, thanks to Ontario Honda Dealers Association.
2. Take a break from the race in one of the food and beer gardens
The Honda Indy Toronto is proud to offer more than the standard festival snacks and drinks. Event organizers have added a trackside food and beer garden called the Pinty’s Pub & Grill next to Turn 1, which will be a prime spot to watch the race.
3. See your favourite cars and drivers up close in the paddocks
Fans will experience unprecedented paddock access with opportunities to meet drivers. You can snap photos of your favourite driver and take home autographs while experiencing a behind-the-scenes look at the paddocks. Access is free, with the exception of the Verizon IndyCar Series. Guests get to see the engineers and mechanics work their magic in making adjustments to the cars at lightning speed.
4. The brand new Speed Zone
A new spot at the Honda Indy Toronto this year, the Speed Zone will be jam-packed with everything from food to fun, including delicious treats like popcorn, cotton candy and snocones, as well as an array of activities. Thrill-seekers of all ages will be able to take a turn at the Skills Challenge by the National Hockey League or can try their hand in the Blue Jays pitching cage. Additional activities include the Boom Room from Golf Canada, Hot Wheels and interactive displays from Toronto Police, Toronto Fire, and Canadian Armed Forces.
5. The return of Thunder Alley
Thunder Alley is back and will feature activities for the whole family including food and drink samples from a variety of vendors. Eats from Pinty’s, Pizza Pizza, Johnsonville’s Big Taste Grill and a variety of gourmet food trucks will also be on site. Tim Hortons will be selling coffee and frozen lemonade for $2 in support of Make-A-Wish Canada. Guests will be able to enjoy live entertainment and meet their favourite race car drivers during autograph sessions. There will also be many interactive exhibits to enjoy.
6. Take part in the Smoke’s Poutine eating contest and the Hinchtown Signature Poutine
Smoke’s Poutinerie will host a poutine eating contest where fans will have the opportunity to win a spot in the world poutine eating championship. The Mayor of Hinchtown presents the “Hinchtown Signature Poutine,” designed by Canadian Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe.
7. Opening ceremonies for the Verizon IndyCar Series race on Sunday
Before the waving of the green flag, fans can enjoy ceremonial activities that mark the start of Sunday’s race. CF-18 Hornets will do a flyover and should not be missed. Over 300 military reservists will march the track and salute fans before the Verizon IndyCar Series race. Additionally, the national anthems will be sung by special guests, followed by the Grand Marshal making the call for drivers to start their engines.
8. The return of NASCAR to the streets of Toronto
NASCAR Pinty’s Series returns to the streets of Toronto for the Honda Indy Toronto for the first time in five years. The race will headline track activity on Saturday with the Pinty’s Grand Prix of Toronto. Fans can visit the NASCAR paddock free and get up close to the behind-the-scenes action.
9. Celebrate with the winners in the Victory Circle
Following each race, fans are invited to share in the driver triumphs at the Victory Circle. Located behind grandstand 10 next to the Enercare Centre, the excitement and post-race Champagne celebrations in the Victory Circle are an unforgettable experience!
10. Family-friendly fun in Honda World
The Honda Indy Toronto is a familyfriendly festival, with interactive activities throughout the grounds. At Honda World, kids between 6 and 12 can partake in the Junior Red Riders program and learn the ins and outs of off-road riding. Face-painting is on offer for younger children as well as the opportunity to sign James Hinchcliffe’s fire suit, in support of Make-AWish Canada.