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Toronto's Roar

An in-depth exploration of the historic Grand Prix of Toronto street circuit race, tracing its evolution from CART origins to its enduring legacy in Canadian motorsport.

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The Grand Prix of Toronto

Event Overview

The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto, commonly known as the Grand Prix of Toronto, is an annual IndyCar Series race held on a temporary street circuit through Exhibition Place and along Lake Shore Boulevard in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1986, it has become a cornerstone of Canadian motorsport, renowned for its challenging layout and passionate crowds.

Circuit Details

The race utilizes a 2.874 km (1.786 mi) circuit featuring 11 turns. This temporary street circuit, classified as an FIA Grade Two circuit, demands precision and bravery from drivers navigating its tight corners and fast straights, offering a unique test of skill against the backdrop of the city.

Series Affiliation

The event has a rich history, initially part of the CART series from 1986 to 2003, followed by the Champ Car World Series (2004-2007). After a hiatus, it rejoined the unified IndyCar Series schedule in 2009, solidifying its place as a premier fixture in North American open-wheel racing.

The Genesis of Toronto Racing

Exhibition Place Heritage

Motorsport has a century-long history at Exhibition Place, with automotive demonstrations and races dating back to the early 20th century. This venue has consistently hosted significant automotive events, including the appearance of a 1916 Indianapolis 500 winning Peugeot during the 1918 Canadian National Exhibition, hinting at the potential for major racing events.

From Formula One to CART

Following the 1977 Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, efforts were made to bring top-tier racing to Exhibition Place. Although an initial proposal to move the F1 race from Mosport to Toronto was rejected by city council, the groundwork was laid. Later, Molson Breweries acquired the rights for CART-sanctioned races in Canada, and after an initial unpopular stint at Sanair Speedway, the focus shifted back to Exhibition Place, leading to the race's establishment in 1986.

Securing the Event

In 1984, Molstar Sports & Entertainment secured the rights for CART races in Canada. After the challenging experience at Sanair, Molson revived the street circuit concept for Exhibition Place. Toronto City Council's approval in July 1985 paved the way for the inaugural Molson Indy Toronto in 1986, marking the beginning of a new era for motorsport in the city.

Evolution of the Grand Prix

Growth and Renaming

The first Molson Indy Toronto in 1986 was won by Bobby Rahal. The event quickly grew to become Canada's second-largest annual sporting event, attracting crowds of around 170,000 over three days. The race saw several title sponsor changes, including Molson, Steelback Brewery, and eventually Honda, reflecting its commercial appeal and evolving landscape.

Series Unification and Resilience

The unification of Champ Car and the Indy Racing League in 2008 initially cast doubt on the race's future. However, Andretti Green Racing (now Andretti Autosport) purchased the assets of the former Grand Prix of Toronto, ensuring its return in 2009 under the Honda Indy Toronto banner. This demonstrated the event's resilience and importance to the sport.

Format Changes and Challenges

The race has adapted over the years, including a brief experiment with a two-race weekend format in 2013, which proved logistically challenging. Track layout modifications, such as the 2016 pit lane relocation, have also occurred. The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 editions, but a new agreement secured its future through 2023.

Champions of Toronto

Dominant Drivers and Teams

Michael Andretti holds the record for the most driver victories with seven wins. Newman/Haas Racing has also been a dominant force, securing seven team victories. The table below details the winners across various eras of the Grand Prix of Toronto.

The following table summarizes the race winners, teams, chassis, and engines from the inception of the Grand Prix of Toronto.

Season Driver Team Chassis Engine Laps Miles (km) Race Time Avg Speed (mph)
1986Bobby RahalTruesportsMarchCosworth103183.34 (295.057)2:05:5087.414
1987Emerson FittipaldiPatrick RacingMarchChevrolet-Ilmor103183.34 (295.057)1:54:3595.991
1988Al Unser Jr.Galles RacingMarchChevrolet-Ilmor103183.34 (295.057)1:59:3491.994
1989Michael AndrettiNewman/Haas RacingLolaChevrolet-Ilmor103183.34 (295.057)2:01:0090.9
1990Al Unser Jr.Galles/KRACO RacingLolaChevrolet-Ilmor94*167.32 (269.275)2:13:2675.997
1991Michael AndrettiNewman/Haas RacingLolaChevrolet-Ilmor103183.34 (295.057)1:50:5799.143
1992Michael AndrettiNewman/Haas RacingLolaFord-Cosworth103183.34 (295.057)1:52:2197.898
1993Paul TracyPenske RacingPenskeChevrolet-Ilmor103183.34 (295.057)1:53:5896.51
1994Michael AndrettiChip Ganassi RacingReynardFord-Cosworth98174.44 (280.733)1:48:1596.673
1995Michael AndrettiNewman/Haas RacingLolaFord-Cosworth98174.44 (280.733)1:50:2594.787
1996Adrian FernandezTasman MotorsportsLolaHonda93*167.009 (268.766)1:41:5997.548
1997Mark BlundellPacWest RacingReynardMercedes-Benz95163.495 (263.119)1:45:4392.779
1998Alex ZanardiChip Ganassi RacingReynardHonda95163.495 (263.119)1:52:2487.274
1999Dario FranchittiTeam GreenReynardHonda95166.725 (268.317)1:56:2785.897
2000Michael AndrettiNewman/Haas RacingLolaFord-Cosworth112196.56 (316.332)2:00:0298.248
2001Michael AndrettiTeam GreenReynardHonda95166.725 (268.317)1:59:5883.375
2002Cristiano da MattaNewman/Haas RacingLolaToyota112196.56 (316.332)2:06:1993.361
2003Paul TracyForsythe RacingLolaFord-Cosworth112196.56 (316.332)2:02:3696.189
2004Sébastien BourdaisNewman/Haas RacingLolaFord-Cosworth84147.42 (237.249)1:45:3683.749
2005Justin WilsonRuSPORTLolaFord-Cosworth86150.93 (242.898)1:46:1085.296
2006A. J. AllmendingerForsythe RacingLolaFord-Cosworth86150.93 (242.898)1:38:0192.386
2007Will PowerWalker RacingPanozCosworth73128.115 (206.181)1:45:5872.534
2009Dario FranchittiChip Ganassi RacingDallaraHonda85149.175 (240.073)1:43:4786.24
2010Will PowerPenske RacingDallaraHonda85149.175 (240.073)1:47:1583.451
2011Dario FranchittiChip Ganassi RacingDallaraHonda85149.175 (240.073)1:56:3276.805
2012Ryan Hunter-ReayAndretti AutosportDallaraChevrolet85149.175 (240.073)1:33:2795.787
2013 (Race 1)Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraHonda85149.175 (240.073)1:41:1788.37
2013 (Race 2)Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraHonda85149.175 (240.073)1:35:0294.177
2014 (Race 1)Sébastien BourdaisKV Racing TechnologyDallaraChevrolet65*114.075 (183.585)1:15:4490.37
2014 (Race 2)Mike ConwayEd Carpenter RacingDallaraChevrolet56*98.28 (158.166)1:20:3673.168
2015Josef NewgardenCFH RacingDallaraChevrolet85149.175 (240.073)1:39:0090.41
2016Will PowerTeam PenskeDallaraChevrolet85151.81 (244.314)1:42:3988.739
2017Josef NewgardenTeam PenskeDallaraChevrolet85151.81 (244.314)1:35:0595.79
2018Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraHonda85151.81 (244.314)1:37:0093.898
2019Simon PagenaudTeam PenskeDallaraChevrolet85151.81 (244.314)1:30:16100.9
2022Scott DixonChip Ganassi RacingDallaraHonda85151.81 (244.314)1:38:4592.234
2023Christian LundgaardRahal Letterman Lanigan RacingDallaraHonda85151.81 (244.31)1:41:5589.361
2024Colton HertaAndretti Global with Curb AgajanianDallaraHonda85151.81 (244.31)1:39:2891.568
2025Pato O'WardArrow McLarenDallaraChevrolet90160.72 (258.65)1:48:2388.972

* Race shortened due to rain or incident.

Supporting Series

Indy Lights & Formula Ford

The Grand Prix of Toronto has historically served as a platform for feeder series, showcasing emerging talent. The Indy Lights (formerly CART/Champ Car Lights, Infiniti Pro Series, Star Mazda, Pro Mazda, USF2000) and Formula Ford 2000 series have frequently featured on the undercard, providing thrilling support races.

Winners from various junior open-wheel categories that have raced in Toronto:

SeriesSeasonWinner
CART American Racing Series1986Fabrizio Barbazza
CART American Racing Series1987Tommy Byrne
CART American Racing Series1988Calvin Fish
CART American Racing Series1989Gary Rubio
CART American Racing Series1990Paul Tracy
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1991P. J. Jones
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1992Bryan Herta
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1993Bryan Herta
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1994Steve Robertson
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1995Greg Moore
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1996Gualter Salles
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1997Hélio Castro-Neves
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1998Guy Smith
CART Firestone/PPG/Dayton Indy Lights Series1999Geoff Boss
IndyCar Indy Lights2001Townsend Bell
Indy Lights2009Sebastián Saavedra
Indy Lights2010Jean-Karl Vernay
Indy Lights2011Stefan Wilson
Indy Lights2012Gustavo Yacamán
Indy Lights2013Jack Hawksworth
Indy Lights2014Alexandre Baron
Indy Lights2015Spencer Pigot
Indy Lights2015Spencer Pigot
Indy Lights2016Felix Rosenqvist
Indy Lights2016Felix Rosenqvist
Indy Lights2017Kyle Kaiser
Indy Lights2017Kyle Kaiser
Indy Lights2018Patricio O'Ward
Indy Lights2018Santiago Urrutia
Indy Lights2019Aaron Telitz
Indy Lights2019Oliver Askew
Star Mazda Championship2007Dane Cameron
Pro Mazda Championship2013Matthew Brabham
Pro Mazda Championship2013Matthew Brabham
Pro Mazda Championship2015Florian Latorre
Pro Mazda Championship2015Garett Grist
Pro Mazda Championship2016Aaron Telitz
Pro Mazda Championship2016Aaron Telitz
Pro Mazda Championship2018Rinus VeeKay
Pro Mazda Championship2018Rinus VeeKay
Indy Pro 2000 Championship2019Danial Frost
Indy Pro 2000 Championship2019Kyle Kirkwood
USF Pro 2000 Championship2022Myles Rowe
USF Pro 2000 Championship2022Jace Denmark
USF Pro 2000 Championship2023Simon Sikes
USF Pro 2000 Championship2023Nico Christodoulou
USF2000 Championship2013Neil Alberico
USF2000 Championship2013Danilo Estrela
USF2000 Championship2014Jake Eidson
USF2000 Championship2014Florian Latorre
USF2000 Championship2015Jake Eidson
USF2000 Championship2015Nico Jamin
USF2000 Championship2016Victor Franzoni
USF2000 Championship2016Parker Thompson
USF2000 Championship2017Parker Thompson
USF2000 Championship2017Parker Thompson
USF2000 Championship2018Kyle Kirkwood
USF2000 Championship2018Kyle Kirkwood
USF2000 Championship2019Darren Keane
USF2000 Championship2019Christian Rasmussen
USF2000 Championship2024Sam Corry
USF2000 Championship2024Lochie Hughes

NASCAR & Truck Series

The event has also hosted NASCAR series, including the NASCAR Pinty's Series and the historical NASCAR Grand National Series race in 1958. Stadium Super Trucks have also provided high-flying entertainment on the Toronto circuit, adding another dimension to the race weekend.

Winners from NASCAR and Stadium Super Trucks events held in Toronto:

SeriesYearWinnerCar
CASCAR Super Series1999Robin BuckPontiac
CASCAR Super Series2000Kevin DowlerFord
CASCAR Super Series2001Robin BuckPontiac
CASCAR Super Series2002Kevin DowlerFord
CASCAR Super Series2003Jeff LapcevichChevrolet
CASCAR Super Series2004Jeff LapcevichChevrolet
CASCAR Super Series2005Kerry MicksFord
NASCAR Pinty's Series2010Andrew RangerDodge
NASCAR Pinty's Series2011Andrew RangerDodge
NASCAR Pinty's Series2016Alex TaglianiChevrolet
NASCAR Pinty's Series2017Kevin LacroixDodge
NASCAR Pinty's Series2018Andrew RangerDodge
NASCAR Pinty's Series2019Alex TaglianiChevrolet
NASCAR Pinty's Series2022Kevin LacroixDodge
NASCAR Pinty's Series2023Alex TaglianiChevrolet
Stadium Super Trucks2013Justin Lofton
Stadium Super Trucks2013Sheldon Creed
Stadium Super Trucks2014Sheldon Creed
Stadium Super Trucks2014Sheldon Creed
Stadium Super Trucks2015Scotty Steele
Stadium Super Trucks2015Keegan Kincaid
Stadium Super Trucks2016Matthew Brabham
Stadium Super Trucks2016Sheldon Creed
Stadium Super Trucks2019Cole Potts
Stadium Super Trucks2019Gavin Harlien

References

Sources

The information presented on this page is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on the Grand Prix of Toronto.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Grand Prix of Toronto Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It is not intended to provide professional advice.

This is not professional motorsport advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official race regulations, historical archives, or seeking advice from qualified motorsport professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most current and accurate information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.