Expect to hear engines roaring this weekend for The Honda Indy Toronto, taking place Friday, July 6th through Sunday, July 8th around Exhibition and Ontario Place. This week-long festival includes world auto racing, motorcycle demonstrations and vintage car racing. If you are a car-fanatic like most men out there (and even some of you ladies), you should get your tickets now for a front row seat to the fastest racing series in North America…Honda Indy Toronto! (That is, before it very quickly passes you by.) Don’t forget to check out these events…
Meet and Greet with Alex Tagliani
Thursday July 5th, 4 to 7 pm | Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws Store
A Canadian auto racing legend, Alex Tagliani will be signing autographs and greeting fans at the Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws. He will also be launching “Tag on The Go,” a new peanut-free cookie option for those allergic.
YMCA Relay for Strong Kids
Thursday, July 5th, 7pm | Honda Indy Toronto, Exhibition
For the 32nd year in a row, YMCA will be taking over 2.9 km of the Honda Indy track in support of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. Whether you decide to walk or run this relay, teams will commence down the track and raise money for kids in the community to get healthy and become active.
Bay Street Grand Prix Party during Honda Indy Toronto
Thursday, July 5th, 8:30 pm | Honda Indy Toronto, Exhibition Place
Ever wanted to dine with the speed celebs? Here, you have a chance to experience the red carpet treatment and enjoy an evening of dinner with the drivers! For the exclusive ticket price of $150 each or $4,000 for a table of eight, you will dine with the finest and party with musical guests Flo Rida and Mia Martina. All proceeds raised from this event will go to Sunnybrook’s Woman & Babies Program.
FREE Friday at The Honda Indy Toronto Track
Friday, July 6th, all day | Honda Indy Toronto, Exhibition Place
Thankfully, for the third year in a row, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association is supporting the cost of admission and giving everyone a free chance to speculate and enjoy the rush of the 2012 Honda Indy Toronto. There is no excuse to miss this free event! Also, donations are being accepted for the Make-a-Wish Foundation in support of children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Honda Indy Launch Party
Friday, July 6th, 10pm | Tyrst Nightclub
To launch this year’s event, Tyrst Nightclub (82 Peter Street, Toronto) will be the party opener for the Honda Indy. There is also a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets to the 2012 Honda Indy. Featuring DJ Aadil in the main room and ladies free before 11:30 p.m.
Craft Beer House
Friday, July 6th to Sunday, July 8th | Honda Indy Toronto, Exhibition Place
Local craft brewers Muskoka Brewery and Amsterdram Brewery will serve up their finest pints and samples to the public. This tasty brew collaboration will be a refreshing delight in this weekend’s hot weather. Don’t forget to try Amsterdam’s “Big Wheel” if you can, one of the top local picks in our opinion!
Autograph Signing with Ed Carpenter
Saturday, July 7th, 4:15-5:15pm | Honda Indy Toronto, Exhibition Place
Legendary racer Ed Carpenter will host a meet and greet with fans for an autograph session on the grounds. If you don’t know already, he is the stepson of Racing League founder Tony George.
The 7th Annual Hinch Town Party
Sunday, July 8th, 10pm | Maison Mercer
The official after-party venue of the Honda Indy, Maison Mercer (15 Mercer St.) will house hundreds of IZOD IndyCar Series racers and fans. Toronto’s James Hinchcliffe will also be hosting the event. Guest DJs include MC Flipside and DJ Tiggur. Tickets are for $20.
Check out the race times and events schedule for ticket holders here.
Restaurants to get to check out during Honda Indy Toronto 2012…
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament at 10 Dufferin Street
Gossip Restaurant at 50 Prince Edward Island Crescent
Gladstone Hotel at 1214 Queen Street West
Locus 144 at 171 East Liberty Street
Watermark Irish Pub at 207 Queen Quay West
Arriba Restaurant at 1 Blue Jays Way
Pearl Harbourfront at 207 Queens Quay West (Suite 200)
Pier 4 Storehouse Restaurant at 245 Queens Quay West