TORONTO, July 8 /CNW/ - As fans braved the wet and rainy weather, it was
the driver from sunny Australia, Will Power of Team Australia that captured
the checkered flag to conclude the 22nd running of the Steelback Grand Prix of
Toronto. Neel Jani, a Swiss driver for PKV Racing and Brit Justin Wilson of
RSPORTS and winner of the 2005 event, claimed the second and third podium
spots. Despite soggy conditions, this year's event still had a 12 per cent
increase in attendance over 2006.
"This was a fantastic year for the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto," said
Johnstone. "We welcomed a new title sponsor, introduced new support series
races and for the first time at the Toronto event the cars of the Champ Car
World Series took off from a standing start. Working with Steelback has been a
great pleasure and they were an important part in making this event the
success that it was and clearly it was all a winning combination judging by
the crowd's enthusiasm."
Week long festival of speed
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Since it first took to the streets of Toronto in 1986, the Steelback
Grand Prix of Toronto has become known as more than just a race with a week of
community events leading up to race weekend and exciting off-track
attractions.
This year, visitors experienced non-stop entertainment in Thunder Alley
with live bands covering the music of The Police, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones,
ZZ Top and more. For those looking for a little more action, the popular
outdoor playland also featured stunt bikers, acrobats and a Canadian Forces
interactive display. In the GPT Auto Expo, race-goers were able to get up
close to more than 180 cars that competed in the support series races.
During the week, Torontonians, race fans, race car drivers and teams came
out to support the Grand Prix Charitable Foundation at a variety of free
community events and some of the hottest parties of the summer. This year, the
Foundation raised more than $200,000 for local children's charities.
"From start to finish, fans were rewarded with great on-track action
throughout race weekend," said Charlie Johnstone, president and CEO, Grand
Prix Association of Toronto. "We congratulate Will Power and Team Australia
and look forward to welcoming them back to Exhibition Place next year."
About the Grand Prix Association of Toronto
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The Grand Prix Association of Toronto is the owner and promoter of the
Grand Prix of Toronto. For the past 21 years, Torontonians have celebrated a
long-weekend of world-class racing on their streets. For more information
visit www.grandprixtoronto.com
For further information: please contact Andrea Hynes, Manager,
Communications for the Grand Prix Association of Toronto. Tel: (416) 588-RACE
(7223) x. 240, Cell: (647) 388-4238, Email: ahynes@grandprixtoronto.com
