This weekend will make the 30th anniversary of IndyCar racing on the streets of Toronto at Exhibition Place.
I haven’t attended every race in Toronto because of other commitments, but I’ve watched them all and also had the privilege of working a bunch of them too. It’s my home race, my first racing love if you will, and I still get just as worked up with excitement as I did when I came through the gates for the first time. Maybe even more now that I live far away and travel back to Toronto each year.
There are a million memories that flood my mind when I think of IndyCar racing in Toronto. Watching Bobby Rahal holding the trophy up high after winning the first race in 1986. Al Unser Jr. winning in rain so heavy they stopped the race early in 1990. Heavy showers again in 2014 that water logged the course on Saturday forcing both ends of the double-header weekend to be run on the Sunday. Interviewing Michael Andretti in 2001 after his seventh win or Justin Wilson after his first series victory in 2005. Gushing with pride as Paul Tracy waved the giant Canadian flag on the podium in 1993 and winning again in Toronto during his championship season of 2003.
The 11-turn track has undergone some modifications over the years when Exhibition Stadium came down and the Convention Center went up. This year sees its most dramatic adjustment with the new hotel onsite. Pit lane has been relocated on the opposite side of the track and several corners have been altered that will present a significant adjustment for drivers.
With only six races remaining in the championship, it’s time for anyone serious about cutting into Simon Pagenaud’s huge points lead to make a dent on that margin or the Frenchman will be taking home his first championship trophy.
Josef Newgarden and Will Power, who run second and third overall respectively, have the best chance to catch Pagenaud. But this weekend they along with the rest of the field, will all take a backseat to Oakville, Ontario’s James Hinchcliffe.
This weekend will mark his triumphant return to compete in his hometown race this year after barely being able to make an appearance a last season following his Indianapolis crash.
From the moment he appears on any race weekend James Hinchcliffe is one of the most popular drivers on the IndyCar circuit. In Toronto he is almost run ragged by sponsor and media obligations but still finds time to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans, smiling and enjoying every moment.
As is often the case when looking at the history of an event, along with triumph there is tragedy. It was a gut-wrenching day in 1996 when late in the race rookie driver Jeff Krosnoff’s car became airborne in a horrific crash that took his life along with that of track worker Gary Avrin.
Hinch’s return this year counters that with an uplifting and emotional story as his Canadian fans get to see him in action, in person for the first time in two years. Maybe that positive karma along with his good feeling from charging forward 13 spots in last weeks race at Iowa will help him finish higher than eighth, his best finishing result in Toronto.
Even if it doesn’t, it’s good to be home.