Free Admission Announced to Honda Indy Toronto on Friday

Ontario Honda Dealers Association Sponsoring 'Free Friday'

TORONTO, June 3 /CNW/ - To help racing fans and those new to the sport enjoy the speed, sound and excitement of IndyCar racing, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) is underwriting the cost for admission to the Friday session (July 16) for the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place.

"We are very pleased to make this opportunity available to everyone in Ontario and beyond," said Jim Proskos, owner of Cobourg Honda, speaking on behalf of the OHDA. "For anyone who has never seen open wheel racing up close and personal, we encourage them to take advantage of this no-cost opportunity to see some of the world's top race drivers tackling the streets of Toronto. We will be asking fans to donate their spare change when they enter the gates to help make the wishes come true for our Canadian children who are faced with life-threatening medical conditions."

"This is one of the most significant initiatives in the history of the event for the community at large," said Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of the Honda Indy Toronto. "To have free access to a world class event is unprecedented and wouldn't be possible without the generous support of the Ontario Honda Dealers Association. For this we are truly grateful."

The OHDA-sponsored "Free Friday" on July 16 is designed to expose the thrill of open wheel racing to anyone interested. The Friday cash donations at the gates will support of Make-A-Wish(R) Canada, the charity sponsor of Canadian Paul Tracy and his No.15 Make-A-Wish(R) Canada/KV Racing Technology/Honda/Dallara/Firestone car.

There will be no reserved seats on Friday (except for designated corporate suites), so fans can select any seats on a first-come/first-served basis, even in the Gold and Silver sections around the track.

The racing series that will be competing during the Honda Indy Toronto race weekend include the IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, Acura Sports Car Challenge, Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship, and the SCCA Pro Racing Trans-Am Series.

In addition to the open wheel and stock car racing series, there will be numerous activities including the 'Auto Expo' featuring fine cars and a variety of racecars, Budweiser Beer Gardens, driver and celebrity autograph sessions, Pizza Pizza 'Family Zone, the race paddock, interactive games and exhibits, live music, stunt teams, 'Thunder Alley,' and a variety of displays and merchandise.

Honda Canada will again feature its unique Honda World in the Direct Energy Centre with racing simulators and a full complement of cars and trucks, including the all-new Honda CR-Z two-seat sports hybrid coming to Canada late this summer.

The Honda Indy Toronto, scheduled for July 16-18. It will be the second IndyCar Series race run in Toronto and marks the 10th race of the 2010 IndyCar Series season. Tickets for the Honda Indy Toronto are available at www.HondaIndyToronto.com. Ticket information is also available by calling 877.503.6869.

About the Ontario Honda Dealers Association:

The Ontario Honda Dealers Association, which was founded in 1989, represents 78 Honda dealers located in 62 communities throughout Ontario, which is home to the two Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plants that produce Civic, Canada's number one selling car, in addition to the Acura MDX, ZDX and CSX. The 78 Honda dealerships in Ontario, which have a proven track record for providing maximum customer satisfaction, employ approximately 3,000 associates.

About Honda Indy Toronto:

The Honda Indy Toronto takes place from July 16 to 18 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With more than two decades of open wheel racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and features a festival-like atmosphere that includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes and three action-packed days of live entertainment and interactive activities.

For further information: Richard Jacobs, [phone]