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Indy racing returns to Toronto in 2009
Canadian Press
Jul 30, 2008
Michael Andretti has another triumph in Toronto.
Andretti has helped bring open-wheel racing back to the city where he posted seven victories of his own as a driver. The Toronto Indy was one of 18 races on next year’s IndyCar series schedule, announced Wednesday.
The race had been trimmed when Champ Car and IndyCar unified earlier this year. Then Andretti Green Promotions, of which Andretti is a co-owner, bought the assets of the Grand Prix Association of Toronto in May and was instrumental in bringing the race back for next year.
“Obviously, I do think it holds a really special place in his heart,†said Andretti Green Racing co-owner Kevin Savoree in a conference call. “From the first time the opportunity became available, Michael ... felt like we had to put a deal together and make a deal happen.
“He’s been very, very actively involved.â€
Toronto’s race, on an 11-turn, 1.721-mile street-course at Exhibition Stadium, will take place July 12, followed by Edmonton on July 26.
IndyCar has also added Long Beach on April 19, while dropping IRL’s Nashville race from the schedule.
Savoree said Toronto’s race, which debuted in 1986, has a celebrated past.
“There’s much history, just so much history here,†he said. ``So many great champions and I think in a way, that feeds into the heritage of open-wheel racing and IndyCar racing.â€
He added that the reception has been strong in the city, despite the fact that no official announcement had been made about the future of the race.
“I know the Indy Toronto event is going to be very special for fans here in Canada, and especially here in Toronto, they love their open-wheel racing,†he said. “Everyone we’ve visited, they’ve just been so excited to know we’re going to be back.
“The reception that we had here in Toronto with the province, with city officials, with tourism, with the officials at Exhibition Place, it’s such an attitude of can-do. I think next July people will really see that and we’re looking forward to that.â€
Organizers are still looking for a title sponsor, though Savoree said a deal could be done soon.
“We want somebody who just wants to really get out there, get their name out there, work with us in the market, and we’re pretty close.†he said. “We’re actually in draft stage in a contract with a title partner.
“We’ve got a lot of those building blocks in place, and I think we’re pretty close to having that last building block there. We’re going to very proud of this event next year, I can promise you that.â€
Other minor changes have been made for next year’s schedule.
The opener will be a road race in St. Petersburg, Fla., on April 5. The finale will be Oct. 11 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where this season began.
The 2009 schedule features 10 oval races, three permanent road courses and five temporary circuits.
The Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan is shifting to Sept. 19 after running in April since 2003. This season, Danica Patrick won her only race there.
The 93rd Indianapolis 500 will be May 24.
2009 IRL IndyCar Series schedule
Sunday, April 5: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Sunday, April 19: Long Beach, Calif.
Sunday, April 26: Kansas
Sunday, May 24: Indianapolis
Sunday, May 31: Milwaukee
Sunday, June 6: Texas
Sunday, June 21: Iowa
Sunday, June 27: Richmond, Va.
Sunday, July 5: Watkins Glen (New York)
Sunday, July 12: Toronto
Sunday, July 26: Edmonton
Saturday, Aug. 1: Kentucky
Sunday, Aut. 9: Ohio
Sunday, Aug. 23: Infineon (California)
Saturday, Aug. 29: Chicago
Sunday, Sept. 6: Belle Isle Park (Detroit)
Saturday, Sept. 19: Japan
Sunday, Oct. 11:Miami