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INDIANAPOLIS — Michael Andretti is hoping to bring open-wheel racing back to the city where he posted seven victories of his own.
Andretti Green Promotions announced Thursday that it has formed a wholly-owned Canadian company, Andretti Green Toronto, and completed the purchase of the assets of the Grand Prix Association of Toronto, which owned and operated the race left off the 2008 schedule after Champ Car was absorbed into the IRL.
In a release, Andretti Green Toronto said it is operating out of a local office and plans to run its first IndyCar series event in 2009.
“We are very excited to be coming to Toronto,” Andretti said. “It is a terrific city and a great venue for Andretti Green to host another event. As a driver, Toronto was always my favourite race of the year and it will be no different as a promoter.
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“The fans are some of the most enthusiastic you'll ever be around and we're looking forward to building on the great history of this event.”
Terms were not disclosed. Andretti, who co-owns Andretti Green Racing and Andretti Green Promotions with Kim Green and Kevin Savoree, won 42 races before ending his driving career last year.
“To have Indy car racing return to the streets of Toronto is very exciting for the city, the community and our partners,” said Andretti Green Toronto GM Charlie Johnstone. “Michael, Kim, Kevin and everyone at Andretti Green share great passion for this event, which will certainly ensure the continuation of an outstanding racing tradition for years to come.
“We look forward to once again putting Toronto on the world stage and delivering an epic event.”
There was no word from IndyCar on a possible date for next season if the race is added to the schedule. The Toronto race, which debuted in 1986, was one of the more popular stops on the circuit before it was trimmed along with the race in Mont-Tremblant, Que.
Edmonton was the only other Canadian stop on the old Champ Car circuit. While it has not been officially added to the 2008 IndyCar schedule, the city is expected to host a race on July 26.
Savoree, the president of Andretti Green Racing and Andretti Green Toronto, said he's thrilled with the developments.
“It's an event with so much heritage and we look forward to continuing that,” he said. “As a market, Toronto is among the elite in North America with a huge fan base and a great business climate. So many people invested a lot of effort to make this a reality and we are very appreciative of that.
“This begins a new chapter for IndyCar racing in Toronto and the future is very bright.”
