IndyCar Series makes its debut on the streets of Toronto
This weekend marks the IndyCar Series’ debut on the streets of Toronto, one of the oldest temporary street circuit events in North America. Eleven drivers entered have previously competed on the 1.721-mile, 11-turn track under other sanctioning bodies, with four claiming victories (Dario Franchitti, 1999; Paul Tracy, 1999, 2003; Justin Wilson, 2005; Will Power, 2007). How much will experience play a role in determining the winner at Toronto?
Hometown Hero
Scarborough, Ontario-native Paul Tracy will attempt to make his 17th start in Toronto, this time behind the wheel of the No. 15 KV Racing Technology machine, co-owned by his good friend Jimmy Vasser. “The Thrill from West Hill” has two wins (1993 and 2003), eight top-five finishes, five podium performances and one pole in Toronto. After a year absence from competing in Toronto, can Tracy again dominate at his hometown race?
First-time visitor to Toronto
With the championship points battle heating up, Ryan Briscoe finds himself the odd man out when it comes to past experience in Toronto. His closest rivals for the title – Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti – have a combined 12 starts, with Castroneves collecting a pole at the circuit and Franchitti garnering two poles and a win. Can Briscoe acclimate himself quickly to the circuit and keep pace with his championship competitors?
Power returns
After making two starts this season, Will Power returns to competition in Toronto for the first of a five-race stretch with Penske Racing. Power won the last Champ Car race at Toronto, starting from the seventh position and gaining the lead on Lap 56. After a five-race absence, can Power quickly get up to speed on the challenging circuit?
Welcome to Victory Lane
After 25 years in open-wheel racing, Dale Coyne scored his first win as a team owner last weekend at Watkins Glen International. Driver Justin Wilson gave Coyne his first victory in the team’s 558th open-wheel racing starts, holding off the powerhouse teams of Target Chip Ganassi Racing and Team Penske. Can Wilson and Coyne build on the momentum for the win to find themselves in Victory Lane at Toronto?
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