Indy in Toronto A look at whats coming up in our neighborhood

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It is a dangerous mix of asphalt and concrete surfaces, melded together in bumpy, truncated, random approaches that Toronto motorists know all too properly. It's a series of tight turns where vehicles will make harmful passes. It's driving on Lake Shore Blvd. in downtown Toronto, and starting Friday, some of the world's greatest drivers are going to give it a try as the Honda Indy Toronto returns to Exhibition Location.

"That is where most of the action is going to happen," said Australian driver Ryan Briscoe of Team Penske, pointing to Turn three, where the Lake Shore intersects Ontario Dr. "It is great, a superb component of the track.

"It is a long enough straightaway that you can get a pretty wonderful slipstream as nicely."

Then, sounding pretty much like a haggard motorist moaning about rush hour on the 401, Briscoe talks about the strategy of passing and defending at that turn.

"Everybody goes to the perfect side of the track. It's not blocking, but kind of defending your line," mentioned Briscoe. "You have to open up going into the brake zone (the turn), so you have to do some late braking to let the pass take place."

Crazy drivers on Toronto streets. Go figure.390wheels.ca

Regardless, the IndyCar drivers have all descended upon Toronto, a city they say is one of their favourites, for an event they know is desperately trying to regain the glamour status it when held.

Admission for Friday's practice, for example, is totally free. Organizers are asking for a donation to the Make-A -Wish Foundation, but the thought is to remind Torontonians of the fun they as soon as had at the Indy, and to draw new fans to the sport.

"Anything we can do to get the fans here is wonderful," said Briscoe. "It is about letting people today know that we're here and we're racing. When they're here and see what it's all about, they'll fall in love with it."

Briscoe, who finished second here last year, even related a personal story of how far the race has fallen in the city's consciousness.

"Last year, at the hotel, the Four Seasons, I asked for directions to the track and they didn't even know what I was talking about. I was like, ‘The IndyCar race.' And they were like, "What's that?'

"Inviting men and women for free of charge and promoting it a lot more, that's what we need to have to do."

The IndyCar drivers will practise twice Friday, for an hour every single time, at 9:55 a.m. and 1:50 p.m. Canadian Touring Cars kick issues off with a practice at 7:45. All five series participating this weekend will be on the track at some point Friday, which includes Trans-Am, Indy Lights and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

The IndyCar drivers see Toronto as a pivotal event, the 11th race of an 18-event series. It is a opportunity for drivers in the hunt for the series championship to make some noise, and for others in the back of the pack to turn their seasons around.

Scotland's Dario Franchitti of the Target Chip Ganassi team won the event last year, but Australia's Will Energy of Verizon Team Penske, who finished third last year, is dominating the series. Briscoe, who's sitting fourth, desires to catch his Penske teammate.

"We're at an essential point in the season," mentioned Briscoe. "Will Energy has got a bit of a lead and he's in all probability the favourite on these street circuits. He's the guy we've got to beat to stay in contention."

Brazil's Raphael Matos, last season's rookie of the year, is effectively back in 12th location in the drivers' standings. But he believes adjustments made to his de Ferran Dragon Racing team automobile will put him in contention the rest of the way.

"We've felt a large improvement in the last couple of weeks," said Matos. "My vehicle has improved a lot. I felt we're receiving closer to get a podium. If we can position ourselves in the leading five often, it will be substantially simpler to get a podium and perhaps a victory."

There's a fair bit of Canadian talent in the major race. Alex Tagliani of Lachanaie, Que., and Scarborough's Paul Tracy will both take portion. Both have a bit of an benefit in getting raced a fair deal at the Toronto web site, which hasn't changed that substantially since the race's inception in 1986.

But it does not take considerably for a driver to get used to the twists and turns of the 11-turn temporary street circuit, stated Briscoe.

"Last year, Franchitti was especially fast. He had the pole. He was lucky in the pits. Yellow came out and he got away with when the yellow fell," mentioned Briscoe. "I came second and Will (Power) came third and we each produced initially-lap pit stops. I had a flat tire and ended up on the podium. You just never know.

"You've got to approach it like you want to qualify as far in the front as you can. It constantly assists in a street course. Just try to remain clean. It is a track where there's attrition. Accidents typically happen and if you can come via clean, it is going to support your chances."

Besides, Briscoe already knows what it is like to drive the clogged streets of Toronto.

So lets all have enjoyable with this and thank you from 390wheels.ca