Free Admission Tomorrow to the Honda Indy Toronto!

TORONTO, July 15 /CNW/ - Excitement is building for Toronto's top sporting attraction - the Honda Indy Toronto.  To help kick off the race weekend, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) is underwriting the cost for admission to tomorrow's session (July 16) at Exhibition Place. 

"Our goal is for racing fans and those new to the sport to have the opportunity to enjoy the speed, sound and excitement of IndyCar racing," 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 are asking fans to donate their spare change to Make-A-Wish® Canada when they enter the gates to help make dreams and wishes come true for our Canadian children who are faced with life-threatening medical conditions."

Accord to Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of the Honda Indy Toronto, "This is one of the most significant initiatives in the history of the event for the community at large. To have free access to a world-class event is unprecedented."

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 Canada, the charity sponsor of Canadian Paul Tracy and his #15 Make-A-Wish Canada - KV Racing Technology - Honda - Dallara - Firestone car.

Fans can select any available seats on a first-come/first-served basis, even in the Gold and Silver sections around the track.

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 next month.

Information about the Honda Indy Toronto is available at www.HondaIndyToronto.com or 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 416-543-6593