Honda Toronto Indy

Start your engines!  It’s that time of year again, when race fans brace the hot and sticky weather of the GTA and head to the Honda Indy Toronto – but this year will be different.  For the first time ever, Honda Indy Toronto achieves full summer festival status, July 18-20. “The festival aspect of Honda Indy Toronto continues to grow”, said Charlie Johnstone, president of the event.  There are several newcomers to the festival including the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series for its Canadian Championships.  Fans will have the opportunity to see top professional logger sport athletes compete in several events, such as the Standing Block Chop.  Also making a repeat appearance is the Honda Canada Junior Red Rider program and the Honda World exhibit.

Honda World has numerous interactive activities that fans can engage in, as well as games for both children and adults. If you’re up for a challenge, you can participate in the Honda Pit Stop Challenge held each day at Honda world.  This gives you the opportunity to test your skills like the pros and change a tire on a real race car.  Prizes will be awarded each day to the individual who has the fastest recorded time.

FAN FRIDAY in support of Make-a-Wish Canada

Your Ontario Honda Dealer will cover your cost of admission in lieu of a donation for Make-a-Wish Canada.  Honda Canada is a loyal partner of Make-a-Wish Canada and have raised more than $200,000 during the 2 previous Fan Friday’s!  Participate in contests, autograph sessions, stunt shows and even watch the Indy Car series qualifying for Saturday’s race!

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More than $57,000 Raised for Make-A-Wish Canada at Honda Indy Toronto

It was another successful year for Honda Canada and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, who hosted the 4th annual Fan Friday last week at the Honda Indy Toronto.  Thanks to the charity of Toronto race fans, more than $57,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Canada this year.  Since Fan Friday started 4 years ago, a total of $308,000 has been raised. Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada expressed her gratitude. “On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish Canada, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Honda Canada, its dealers, and of course the fans.  This level of commitment and support is a huge part of how we can continue to grant wishes and bring happiness and strength to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”

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How Fan Friday works:

Each year, on the Friday of the Honda Indy Toronto, race fans are encouraged to make a donation to the Make-A-Wish foundation rather than pay an admission fee.  Additionally, all activities at the race accept donations including: the Blue Jays batting cages and all-new Honda Pit Stop Challenge and racing simulators.  Then, at the end of the race weekend, Honda Canada matches the combined contributions dollar for dollar.

Honda Canada would like to let everyone know that just because “Race” weekend is over, doesn’t mean the donations have to stop.  You can make a five dollar donation to Make-A-Wish anytime, by texting the word “DREAM” to 41010 from any mobile phone.

Please remember to visit www.imagehonda.com for details on current programs and events.

By: Amy Cochren

Credit: Honda Canada