Special Motorsports Event - Honda Indy Toronto Presents Canadian Debut Of 2012 Dallara DW12 At Canadian Motorsports Expo

Toronto, January 18, 2012: Race fans attending the Canadian Motorsports Expo presented by Inside Track will have an exclusive opportunity to have an up-close look at the new 2012 Dallara DW12 IndyCar. This is the first time Canadian race fans and journalists in Canada will have the chance to view the long awaited car.

The CME takes place February 10, 11 and 12 at the International Centre near Pearson International Airport. The new vehicle has been designated the DW12 in honour of the late Dan Wheldon, who was a series champion and two-time winner of the Indy 500.

“Canadian Motorsports Expo visitors are going to be the first in Canada to get a firsthand look at the new road course version of the Dallara DW12 IZOD IndyCar Series car, identical to the ones that will be in action on the streets of Toronto in July,” said the CME’s David Weber. “The Honda Indy Toronto is one of Canada’s biggest sports and entertainment events and we’re excited to be working the organizers to promote both the event and Canadian motorsports at the CME.”

Located at the core of the CME’s 80,000 square-foot floor, the Honda Indy Toronto booth will be hosted by event representatives who will be available to discuss the 2012 event and the new Dallara DW12 car.

“The Honda Indy Toronto is the highlight of the year for many motorsports fans and car aficionados,” said Charlie Johnstone, Vice President and General Manager of the Honda Indy Toronto. “Motorsports has much more to offer than one single weekend of spectacular racing and excitement. IndyCar and other racing series can offer great entertainment all year long, which is something we will also offer at the CME.”

Having one of the country’s most prestigious motorsport events and festivals represented at the motorsports show is great news for readers of Inside Track Motorsport News and CME attendees.

“At the CME, we can speak directly to the motorsport enthusiast who will definitely appreciate seeing the new car up-close and in-person six months before it hits the track,” continued Johnstone.

Fellow Canadian and 2011 IndyCar Rookie of the Year James Hinchcliffe – a former Inside Track Readers’ Choice Award (RCA) winner and current RCA nominee – will be vying for a victory on the streets of Toronto after recently signing with Andretti Autosport. Another Canadian – 2011 Indy 500 pole-winner Alex Tagliani of Quebec – will also be in action in Toronto, having recently signed a deal to race for Bryan Herta Autosport. Canadian racing veteran Paul Tracy is reportedly still in discussions to contest the full 2012 IZOD IndyCar series schedule, but nothing has been confirmed yet for ‘The Thrill from West Hill.’

“We have some solid Canadian talents participating this year and driving at the highest level,” said Johnstone. “Having Canadian IndyCar drivers is very important for us and for our fans. We always want to see local heroes on-track and to have them succeed. We can’t wait to see how they perform in Toronto this July and what the season holds for our Canadian drivers.”