Honda Indy Toronto

The Honda Indy Toronto is a cherished annual IndyCar race held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Originally known as the Molson Indy Toronto, this event boasts a rich history and has become a staple in the racing calendar. It was part of the Champ Car World Series from 1986 to 2007 and joined the NTT IndyCar Series schedule in 2009.

The race takes place on a temporary street circuit that winds through Exhibition Place and along Lake Shore Boulevard. The track is 2.874 kilometers long and features 11 challenging turns.

Motorsport's roots in this area run deep, with car demonstrations and races at Exhibition Place dating back over a century. The very first major race in Canada, the Telegram Trophy 200, took place at Mosport Park in 1967. The idea to move the race to Exhibition Place was proposed several times before finally receiving approval from the Toronto City Council in 1985.

Over the years, the race has undergone several name changes due to different sponsors and organizational shifts. It became the Honda Indy Toronto in 2009 when Andretti Green Racing took over. The event has also experimented with various formats, including a two-race weekend in 2013 and some adjustments to the track layout in 2016.

Michael Andretti holds the record for the most wins at this event, with seven victories. However, the race has not been without its challenges. The 2020 event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Honda Indy Toronto is not solely about the main race. It also features support races from series like Indy Lights and the NASCAR Pinty's Series. The event is known for its charitable efforts, such as the Molson Indy Festival Foundation and Fan Fridays, which have raised funds for community groups and organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation.