NASCAR Pinty's Series 2019 Schedule

2018 Champion L.P. Dumoulin will have his hands full defending his title as there are a lot of drivers that have been champions in the stock car series ready to take the top spot once again. L.P. won the 2018 title with only a 7 point margin over Alex Tagliani, not enough to slack off and enjoy life on the track. Twenty one drivers are listed for competition in 2019 and there might be one or two more that join in on the fun part time, if the opportunity allows. Photos by Joe Hamilton.

Tradition continues and this year's NASCAR Pinty's Series will start once again at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on the Victoria Day holiday weekend and end at the Jukusa Motor Speedway in September. In between races include the Honda Indy Toronto street course and a slight detour into the United States in New Hampshire.

Here is the 2019 schedule (subject to change)

May 19
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Bowmanville, Ontario

June 1
Jukasa Motor Speedway
Hamilton, Ontario

June 29
Autodrome Chaudiere
Chaudiere, Quebec

July 13, 2019

Honda Indy Toronto
Exhibition Place
Toronto, Ontario

Budweiser Grid Girls

The 125-lap twin features
Jul 24
Wyant Group Raceway
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Jul 27
Edmonton International Raceway
Wetaskiwin, Alberta

Aug 11
Circuit de Trois-Rivieres
Trois-Rivieres, Quebec

Aug 17
Riverside International Speedway
Antigonish, Nova Scotia

Aug 25
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Bowmanville, Ontario

Sep 7
Autodrome St-Eustache
St-Eustache, Quebec

Sep 21
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
London, New Hampshire

Sep 28 - Pinty's Fall Brawl
Jukusa Motor Speedway (formerly Cayuga)
Hamilton, Ontario

Change is Good at Union Station

A & W has created an art installation made of their last plastic straws and placed it in front of Toronto's busiest commuter hub.

The red straws spell out 'change is good' and most times it is, but often it drags out far too long, like the Union Station construction project.

#IDS The Interior Design Show 2019 is coming

 

Canada's Design Fair is coming back to Toronto starting with Professional Trade Days and an Opening Night Party on Thursday, January 17th and ending with House and Home Sunday on the 20th. The Interior Design Show brings world class designers, architects, trade construction and speakers alongside design exhibits providing inspiration and knowledge for both professionals and homeowners.

"The Interior Design Show is Canada’s design fair. Since the doors first opened in 1999, IDS has been visited by over 700,000 design professionals, design-savvy consumers and media; it has served as a design industry hub providing a unique and unrivalled business opportunity for thousands of design-driven businesses. Each year, world-renowned designers and architects participate as keynote speakers and create inspiring feature exhibits. Located in the city of Toronto, Canada’s economic engine, IDS provides an annual catalyst for millions of dollars spent on design, and has positioned Toronto as a frontrunner in the global design scene."

IDS will be held in the South Building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with the following hours.

Professional Trade Days, presented by Miele: Thursday, January 17, 9am-5pm.
Opening Night Party, presented by PurParket: Thursday, January 17, 7pm-11pm.
Professional Trade Days, presented by Miele: Friday, January 18, 9am-5pm.
The Globe & Mail Saturday: Saturday, January 19, 10am-6pm.
House & Home Sunday: Sunday, January 20, 10am-6pm.

On Saturday from 11am-12pm you can watch Questlove and Adam Sandow in conversation with Maryam Siddiqi, Lifestyle Editor. Questlove is a well known drummer from the band Roots and also the Musical Director for the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. "Questlove recently launched a new venture in partnership with Adam Sandow, CEO of SANDOW, that will bring new and inspired brands and products to market: CREATIVE HOUSE will unite a diverse mix of artists, designers, inventors to inspire, connect, and ideate. This new venture will use a plurality of means to engage innovative solutions and gather inspiring individuals from across platforms such as a printed publication, fireside chats, conferences and an agency for product development."

Features of the show also include Seeds by Dutch designer Marije Vogelzang and presented by Caesarstone which has a honeycomb-like layout to portray the journey of a seed inside a forest of ribbons and Haven, a popup inspired by billowing clouds by Tangible.

North American International Motorcycle Supershow 2018

The big one by the airport is back once again to make Toronto forget all about winter. It's time to buy a new bike and plan your tours - or just dream about your perfect motorcycle if you did actually ride. The North American International Motorcycle Supershow is full of biking enthusiasts checking out over 1,000 motorcycles and 500 exhibitors contained within 425,000 square feet of Halls 1 to 5 of the International Centre.

"A true shopping extravaganza, the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW hosts hundreds of exhibits. In addition to the unveiling of the new Motorcycles the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW has the largest display of Motorcycles, Non-current and Pre-owned Bikes, Aftermarket Parts and Accessories, Rider Apparel and Helmets, Performance Equipment, Trailers, Travel Destinations, Custom Bike Builders, and a full range of Leather Fashions. The Motorcycle SUPERSHOW offers the largest marketplace in North America for Everything in Motorcycling."

The Purrfect Angelz perform in Hall 5

Special guest stars including Danielle Colby, live music from Freedom Train and the Bayou Boys along with live stunt shows and the Purrfect Angelz bring great entertainment to the Centre. The Angelz are based in Hollywood, the finalists on 'America's Got Talent' and are accomplished dancers, gymnasts, aerial artists and fire performers. Shows are on the Hall 5 stage and they will also be there on Sunday at 11am, 1:30pm and 3pm.

There is everything you could desire relating to motorcycles at the show and it runs from January 4 to 6, 2019 at the International Centre.

You also have time to meet Danielle Colby, the real star behind the hit TV series American Pickers. Her last appearance is at 5pm on Saturday.

It's busy in the International Centre so enjoy the free parking with additional parking at the nearby GO Transit parking lot. They are open until 9pm tonight and from 10am till 5pm on Sunday.

See more photos after the jump.

Toronto Car Shows and Races 2019

It is hard to believe that the roads many thousands of people take on a daily basis, with regular speed limits up to 60 kph, are taken over by high performance IndyCars as Toronto becomes a racetrack in and around Exhibition Place. The annual Honda Indy Toronto is now the second longest running street course in the IndyCar Series and it is back in the city in mid-July. You will also be able to see plenty of automotive shows and access to nearby racetracks to get you motor-fueled adrenaline rush.

The 5th annual Toronto Motorama Custom Car and Motorsports Expo Fri to Sun, March 8-10 returns to the International Centre. "Canada's biggest indoor Custom Car, Hot Rod & Motorsports Show. Over 300,000 square feet featuring mostly first-time-shown vehicles, automotive & racing celebrities, race tracks & series, car clubs, equipment & collectibles vendors, and more." There is no separate MegaSpeed Car Custom Car and Truck Show anymore. I do miss the abundance of entertainment that they used to have such as a bikini contest and a best bottom contest.

Honda Indy Toronto 2019 roars into town July 12-14 and includes off-track entertainment along with some of the top racing series in the world. Thunder Alley, Pinty's Beer Garden, several paddocks and Honda Town are just some of the attractions that will keep you occupied during race weekend. In addition to the IndyCar race series the Mazda Road to Indy, NASCAR Pinty's Series, Porche GT3 Cup.

Tickets to the Honda Indy Toronto are on sale now and the website says; "As announced earlier, ticket prices remain unchanged for Honda Indy Toronto run on the 2.89-kilometer, 11-turn temporary street circuit. Pricing starts at $85 for Bronze-level 2-Day Grandstand seating, $130 for Silver, and $185 for Gold. 2-Day Weekend General Admission is $55, and children 12 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult providing an exceptional family value. Single-day tickets will be released for sale closer to the event.

Additional items now on sale to enhance the festival-goer experience are the Meridian Champions Club, Pit and IndyCar Paddock Passes. The Meridian Champions Club is available for a limited time for $75 offering unprecedented access. The benefits include a complimentary IndyCar Series Paddock Pass which provides entrance into “the locker room of motorsports”, the pre-race grid walk, a souvenir credential with lanyard, signing the start finish line, an opportunity to win a two-seater Indy car ride on the track, and other exclusive at-event experiences to be announced.

“The countdown is officially on to summer and the Honda Indy Toronto! Now is the time to secure some of the best seats or pick up the ultimate gift for someone on your holiday list,” said Honda Indy Toronto President, Jeff Atkinson. “This summer Toronto tradition continues to gain momentum, but we are most proud of the positive impact that the event and Fan Friday is having on the community thanks to the great support of the Ontario Honda Dealers and the generous donations of our spectators.”

Fan Friday returns for the 10th year offering general admission on Friday, July 12, courtesy of the Ontario Honda Dealers Association through a voluntary donation by festival-goers. Honda Canada Foundation matches dollar for dollar the contributions received on the event weekend. Over $690,000 has been raised in nine years for Make-A-Wish® Canada.

The Honda Indy Toronto is an event for the whole family. The Honda Indy Toronto Rookie Racers Club immerses the youngest attendees into the sport with fun experiences. Thunder Alley will be filled with numerous activities and interactive displays including the Honda SpeedZone. New and diverse food options and upgrades to the experience providing additional festival gathering points will continue for 2019."

Importfest, Canada's largest modified car show, is happening Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Cars and competitions take place with the help of some gorgeous models at "Canada's Biggest and Baddest."

Wheels on the Danforth takes place on the streets of Toronto in August 16-17, 2019. The street festival features a large collection of antique, classic and tuner automobiles at the crossroads of the Danforth.

NASCAR Pinty's Series stock car races are Canada's only national racing series with about a dozen races starting from the Victoria Day Speedfest to the last race at Jukasa Motor Speedway in September for the Pinty's Fall Brawl. Canada's premier racing series also headlines Saturday's card at the Honda Indy Toronto. L.P. Dumoulin will be the the defending series champion. See the 2019 race schedule on my post here.

If you want to watch some more racing you can travel to a number of tracks around Ontario, some just hundreds of minutes away from Toronto. For bang for your buck value, the journey to the tracks provide a day or weekend of excitement and entertainment that is hard to beat. Here are the tracks with the approximate distance and direction from Toronto City Hall.

North

Sunset Speedway (1.25 hours north)
Full Throttle Varney Speedway (2 hours northwest)
Sauble Speedway (2.75 hours northwest)

Southwest

Oshweken Speedway (1.25 hours southwest)
Jukasa Motor Speedway (formerly Cayuga Speedway) (1.5 hours southwest)
Merrittville Speedway (1.5 hours southwest)
The New Humberstone Speedway (1.75 hours southwest)
Canadian Motor Speedway (under construction, 2.75 hours southwest)

West

Flamboro Speedway (1 hour west)
Delaware Speedway (2.25 hours west)
Grand Bend Motorplex (2.5 hours west)

East

Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (1.25 hours east)
Kawartha Downs and Speedway (1.5 hours east)
Peterborough Speedway (1.5 hours east)
Brighton Speedway Park (1.75 hours east)
Shannonville Motorsport Park (2 hours east)
Brockville Ontario Speedway (3.25 hours east)
Cornwall Motor Speedway (4 hours east)
Calabogie Motorsports Park (4 hours east)


For those that like racing but enjoy the two wheeled variety more, you can check out my motorcycle show post here or hit Canadian Tire Motorsports Park for the Canadian Superbike Doubleheader Weekend August 9-11, 2019. "Canada’s top motorcycle riders compete in a doubleheader points race for the national Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship. This is the premier stop of the season for the Superbikes, along with other national classes including Pro Sport Bike, Amateur Superbike, Amateur Sport Bike and the Ninja 300 Racing Series."

Art along the Lower Don Valley Trail

Toronto's central river, I understand, was named hundreds of years ago after the adjacent Don Valley Parkway, a highway which brought early settlers from Buffalo through to North York. Even then the river would occasionally flood the highway, bringing a halt to the caravans of settlers led by teams of hardy oxen, which would barely be moving during rush hour anyways - those animals were pretty slow even at the best of times.

'Look both ways' more of a warning than art

The winding trail is a great multi-use path full of bikers, walkers and joggers and nature is a lot safer that biking along the City's hectic streets. There are also many attractions just off the path like the Evergreen Brickworks, Science Centre and the Riverdale Park and Farm.

The park has a program installing temporary art, from the park's website; "The series of temporary public artworks along the Don River creates a new hub for art in Toronto. Local, national and international artists have created projects that speak to the many histories and present-day realities of the ravine and its surrounding communities - looking at the land from ecological, cultural, industrial and Indigenous perspectives." One long-term project is Monsters for Beauty, Permanence and Individuality by Duane Linklater with concrete sculptures near the Bloor Street Viaduct.

Monsters for Beauty, Permanence and Individuality by Duane Linklater

"Artist Duane Linklater initiated the Don River Valley Park Art Program with a striking installation of cast concrete gargoyles on the Lower Don Trail. The sculptures are cast replicas of gargoyles adorning prominent buildings in downtown Toronto. Linklater’s project stems from an interest in the structural changes made to the Lower Don River as it became an industrial hub in colonial Toronto."

Other art include the permanent Elevated Wetlands sculptures by Noel Harding, located on both sides of the highway. The functional structures purify water from the Don River, supplied by solar power, into the giant plastic planters which empty into a natural wetland. The shapes remind me of elephants, but others think they look like teeth - go make up your own mind.

You also cannot escape the graffiti that finds a home along any available facade.

See more art after the jump.

Toronto Graffiti Alley and other murals

Like grains of sand in a desert always shifting in the wind, so to are the splashes of paint that fill so many walls in Graffiti Alley and many other locations within the city. Murals and tags do not last long in the open air art museum before they are covered over with more paint.

Graffiti Alley street sign

Popular spot for tourists

Graffiti alley is not just a concept, it is a physical location running west of Spadina Avenue, parallel to Queen St West, on the south side, and slowly shrinking each year as the old commercial buildings are replaced with new, expensive condo buildings and the alleys become closed off.

Murals are not limited to this section of laneway, if there is a wall, especially in the many downtown alleys, there will be graffiti. The City of Toronto tries to control illegal tagging while encouraging artist murals and developing local talent through the Graffiti Management Plan. Unfortunately for owners, they become responsible to remove the graffiti vandalism on their property.

See more graffiti after the jump.

North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2019 this weekend

The holidays are over, now winter really starts to set in so it is time to take your mind off the cold, white snow - head to the International Centre for the Motorcycle SUPERSHOW from January 4th to the 6th. The 43rd annual 'Big One by the Airport' is Canada's largest motorcycle show and will feature Danielle Colby (picture at top, provided) from the TV series American Pickers this year - she can be found in Hall 3 on Friday, Jan 4 (2pm and 6pm) and Saturday June 5 (10:30am, 1:30pm and 5pm). You can find my post on the Supershow here.

Purrfect Angelz on stage

"Danielle Colby has starred in the hit History reality TV series American Pickers with Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz from 2010-2019. Turning into a fan favorite with the broad viewership of the hit TV show, her role on American Pickers is to not only find and research collectibles, and to point the guys in the right direction, but to also hit the road as well and unearth hidden treasures. "

Come to meet other riders and enthusiasts, see dealer and manufacturer displays and look for bargains in the bike markets and parts accessories booths. There will be over 100 clubs, and rides/rallies representatives along with other industry celebrities, live music and other entertainment including the stunt shows by Team Empire. Bike builders will also be competing for $50,000 in cash and prizes during the Canada Cup Championship Custom Bike Competition.

Parking is free, both at the Toronto International Centre and the nearby GO station across the tracks,
and you can also find online tickets and a $3 off coupon on their website.