Honda Indy Toronto improves safety measures

Honda Indy Toronto on track with new infrastructure, safety measures and regional investments for 2011

Honda Indy Toronto will attain a new level of international profile, safety and economic impact for the 2011 race thanks to the roll out of new track infrastructure and a major investment campaign led by owners Green Savoree Toronto. The campaign, which includes new block and fencing, has received financial support from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and will be 40 percent complete at the end of the month.

"Safety for drivers, teams and race fans is our top priority,"said Kevin Savoree, co-owner of Green Savoree Toronto, ULC. "This investment, which coincides with the 25th year of racing on the streets of Toronto, is essential to ensuring that we remain among the top venues in international motorsport."

The Federal Government, through the Southern Ontario Development Program, committed up to $772,000 specifically for the track enhancement project. The walls and fencing of the track will be redesigned to meet FIA specifications for height, thickness and weight, leading to a safer environment for drivers, fans and race officials as well as to the protection of jobs in the
region.

"From a track and site perspective, the enhancements made by Green Savoree Toronto help elevate the Honda Indy Toronto to a new level that is in line with the world’s top motorsports events,"said Roger Peart, president of ASN Canada FIA and the person responsible for inspecting the project. "The Honda Indy Toronto is one of the most popular events in Canadian motorsport. We are grateful to the government for making funding available and to the owners for their investment in the future of the race."

The Honda Indy Toronto generates more than $50 million annually in economic revenue for the GTA through ticket sales, job creation, and related tourism activities.