Track changes at the Honda Indy Toronto

I was hoping that they would run the IndyCar track right through the new hotel, but apparently they do need a lobby. The modifications to the Honda Indy Toronto street course are the third since the race began in 1986 and the big change for 2016 is the re-location of pit lane; like the chicken, it crossed the road. Pit Lane will start on the north side of turn 9 and exit onto Princes' Boulevard past turn 11.

Cars come out of the old pit lane - that is so 2015

Some other changes to the Exhibition Place HIT festival grounds include hospitality suite and grandstand revisions, along with a new pedestrian and wheelchair track crossing at turn 9. As the new urban hotel rose from the parking lot and former marine museum location, it impacted the land available for both the pit and exit lane. Because the hotel was probably embarrassed by the slight takeover of the race track, they called themselves Hotel X. We may never know the real name of the hotel and it should cover itself in a giant mask, much like a Toronto raccoon. Later, someone might see the hotel sneak into a phone booth and change into SuperHotel.

An exclusive ticket sales special was also introduced by the race organizers Green Savoree Racing Promotions for Weekend Grandstand ticket holders from 2015: "Renewal customers will have access to a new program, the Champions Club, offering many exciting benefits, including Paddock Passes, access to the Verizon IndyCar Series pre-race grid walk and an opportunity to sign the start/finish line for the 2016 Honda Indy Toronto. Ticket sales for the general public will begin April 12." 

IndyCar drivers in the old pits (Conor Daly, above). They will probably be better drivers in the new pits

Josef Newgarden

And don't forget free Fan Friday sponsored by Ontario Honda Dealers in support of Make A Wish Foundation. "On Fan Friday, your Ontario Honda Dealers will cover the cost of admission for everyone to check out the spectacle and excitement of the Honda Indy Toronto, in exchange for a donation to Make-A-Wish® Canada. With generous support from fans, Honda Canada and the Ontario Honda Dealers have raised more than $443,000 for Make-A-Wish®, helping to make the wishes of children who are living with a life-threatening medical condition come true."

The weekend motorsports festival runs July 15-17, 2016 and includes several race series from SPEED Stadium Super Trucks, Porche GT3 Cup Challenge, the Mazda Road to Indy and the stock cars of the NASCAR Pinty's Series.

“This year marks the 30th year of racing in Toronto,” said Jeff Atkinson, president of the Honda Indy Toronto. “We are thrilled to be able to provide a double feature to help mark the occasion, with the NASCAR Pinty’s Series headlining on Saturday and the Verizon IndyCar Series on Sunday. Fans are in for an exciting weekend of racing at the Honda Indy Toronto this summer.”

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