Honda World and Honda SpeedZone will offer new festival features
TORONTO (June 27, 2019) – As Honda celebrates 50 years in Canada, one of its newer traditions is the support of Honda Fan Friday at the Honda Indy Toronto. Thanks to the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, spectators can make a voluntary donation to Make-A-Wish® Canada and receive free general admission on Friday, July 12 to experience the thrilling sights and sounds of the racing and festival event. Nearly $700,000 has been raised during Fan Friday and race weekend festivities over the years thanks to generous race fans.
Honda Canada will present an array of activations and new features near the Turn 11 Honda pedestrian bridge during the July 12th-14th weekend at Exhibition Place. Honda World, Honda SpeedZone and the Honda Junior Red Riders program are cornerstones of the festival experience creating an unforgettable weekend for the whole family.
“We’re honoured to support the Honda Indy Toronto for the eleventh year, as the premier sporting event brings the excitement of racing to the streets of Toronto,” says Jean Marc Leclerc, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada Inc. “Racing is in Honda’s DNA and we’re extremely proud to share that heritage as we drive race fan’s adrenaline to the redline throughout race weekend, both on and off the track.”
Honda World features unique and interactive exhibits for the entire family, both indoors and outdoors. Inside, visitors will be able to test their skills on the Acura NSX Virtual Reality Race or the Honda Virtual Reality Hockey Shootout. There is the Honda 50th anniversay museum, the Honda Passport scavenger hunt for a chance to win a unique prize, and a video wall to take a break from the heat and watch the race. Take a picture with James Hinchcliffe’s No. 5 IndyCar show car replica or the all-new Honda Talon. Honda World is also the place to donate to Make-A-Wish Canada for a chance to win incredible prizes. For the first time, donations can be made online at www.HondaWishes.com.
Additionally, Honda Indy Toronto will host a pancake breakfast on Honda Fan Friday at the Pinty’s Pub & Grill located at Turn 1. With a suggested $5 donation to Make-A-Wish Canada, the breakfast will begin when gates open at 8 a.m. and last until the pancakes are gone.
“Honda Canada is a tremendous partner of this annual summer festival, and the interactive exhibits that it brings to the event are exceptional. We are especially thrilled with the impact Honda Fan Friday continues to have on our community and Make-A-Wish Canada,” said Jeff Atkinson, Honda Indy Toronto President. “Every donation made by festival-goers at the Honda Indy Toronto is matched dollar for dollar by the Honda Canada Foundation. We encourage everyone to get involved in this worthy cause whether attending in person or not.”
Outside of Honda World will be the Acura NSX and Acura GT3, plus the latest Honda ATVs, SxS, Motorcycles and Power Equipment all on display. Children aged 6-12 years can suit up and jump into the always popular complimentary Junior Red Riders program, a safe and fun introduction to the world of dirt bike riding. Then, there is the chance to win a Honda Civic, Honda Power Equipment prize bundle or an Acura Track Day Experience.
In the Honda SpeedZone located within Honda Indy Toronto’s Thunder Alley, fans can refuel with free popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones for all, compliments of Honda Canada. Seating areas allow families to take a break and cool off in the Honda “Fan Zone” misting tent. The Honda Winner’s Circle features a podium to accept a championship trophy as a photo opportunity to remember the weekend. Children under five years old can participate in the Strider’s balance bike activity. Kids and adults alike can test their batting skills at the baseball virtual reality activation.
All spectators are encouraged to use Toronto’s GO Lakeshore West Train to Exhibition Station for the easiest commute without the worry of traffic or parking at the Honda Indy Toronto. Go Transit has a special offer of general admission plus round trip fare at hondaindy.com/GO. Children 12 and under are admitted free throughout the event when attending with a ticketed adult and can also ride Go Transit for free. For complete ticket pricing and event information, visit hondaindy.com.
ABOUT HONDA INDY TORONTO
Honda Indy Toronto is a world-class motorsports festival which takes place annually on a 2.89-kilometer, 11-turn temporary circuit using the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto. The event features many attractions, food trucks, interactive displays and activities, and supports local charities. Fan Friday offers general admission courtesy of the Ontario Honda Dealers Association through a voluntary donation. Over $690,000 has been raised in nine years for Make-A-Wish® Canada. As one of Ontario's largest annual sporting events with the first race held in 1986, it has become a prestigious meeting place for some of the world’s fastest race car drivers including past champions like Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, and Will Power as well as Canadian racing greats Scott Goodyear, James Hinchcliffe, Greg Moore, Alex Tagliani, Paul Tracy, Jacques Villeneuve, Robert Wickens, and more. Honda Indy Toronto is owned and operated by Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which also promotes three additional IndyCar races, Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (March 8-10, 2019), The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 26-28, 2019) and Grand Prix of Portland (August 30-September 1, 2019).
For more information, visit hondaindy.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @HondaIndyToronto or follow the event on Twitter @HondaIndy and Instagram @HondaIndy using #indyTO.
