Fat Lip

My oldest dog Hobbes, got an infection in his lower lip the other day. It swelled up so much, it looked like he was working for the squirrels in the backyard, collecting nuts for the coming winter. Thankfully we spotted it right away and got him to the Vet who determined it wasn't anything to be concerned about and prescribed him some antibiotics for the infection. The swelling is already starting to go down, and he has stopped looking like Rocky, and is starting to look more like his old self.

The Drive-in Returns

One of Toronto's best kept secrets is back. The drive-in movie theatre at Polson Pier (aka the Docks) is up and running again after being closed all last summer. Located on the eastern edge of the Toronto harbour, in the Portland's, the Polson Pier drive-in is just minutes from the downtown core and offers a unique movie going experience that usually isn't found in the city. Polson Pier does this by converting its golf driving range into the drive-in theatre at night, and now has two screens, which both offer double bills that begins at dusk. I love going to the drive-in, because you can enjoy the movie in the comfort of your own car, and not have to worry about stupid people disrupting you by answering their phone or talking. Plus you can bring your own snacks and drinks and even your dogs. A great way to spend a summer's evening.

Where Is This?

A scene right out of a post-apocalyptic zombie movie.

Any idea where this shot was taken?

Lazy Days of Summer

Just your average Thursday afternoon at the beach in the middle of summer. Hard to believe we are already at the end of July; time sure does seem to go by a lot faster when the weather is good.

F1 VS IndyCar

I had the opportunity to watch both the German F1 race and the IndyCar race in Edmonton yesterday. The F1 race was a snoozer right from the start, Alonso went on to win after team mate Massa lets him go by. Team orders are not allowed in F1, but because it was Ferrari no one cares.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

IndyCar in Edmonton, drama from start to controversial finish. Paul Tracy goes from back of the pack to finish P6, proving he still has what it takes to run with the big dogs of IndyCar. Tony Kanaan and Alex Tagliani, on different teams, team up from their start at the back of the field and try to cut their way through traffic, like in the movie Driven. It almost works, until Kanaan hits Tag's and ends his day. Helio Castroneves while leading the race, gets black flagged on the second last lap for blocking, and Scott Dixon who did not lead one lap, sitting in second, ends up winning. After the race, uncharacteristically, Castroneves blows a gasket and tries to fight with Sir. Charles, head of IndyCar security. Hands down one of the most exciting races this year. And they say temporary street courses are boring.

Not up here in Canada.

Ferrari pix courtesy of Racer.com, IndyCar pix courtesy of MSN FoxSports

Honda Indy Toronto: Final Thoughts

Although the Honda Indy Toronto was much better then it was last year, it still has a long way to go to rival the success of the 90's.
Honda Indy Toronto organizers did a great job of listening to the concerns of fans from last year and correcting a lot of those problems this year. Apparently Andretti promotions the owner of this event is working on a five year plan to bring this event back to something that resembles those good old days.
As I mentioned in earlier posts, a lot of things were done this year at the event that I really liked, like free admission on Friday.

It gave the first time visitor a chance to check out the event and the track, and see what all the fuss was about. I know a few people who had never been before, who went on Friday and liked it so much that they bought tickets and came back on Saturday and Sunday. It also gave the paying fan a chance to try out other seats and area's that they may of not seen before.I also liked where they placed the winner's circle. It gave fans the chance to get up close and personal with their favorite drivers for driver introductions as well as the victory celebrations. You don't see this in F1. Why doesn't Paul Tracy have a full time ride? He is exactly the type of personality this series needs. He may be coming to the end of his career, but this guy can still bring it and proves it every with every opportunity he gets. How many other guys out their in this series can get into mediocre car after not driving a race car for a year and then run with the big boys and bring it home in the top 10. Not many. Paul Tracy can drive the wheels off of just about any car he is given. He tells it like it is and pulls no punches, and isn't afraid to take pot-shots at himself. Something is wrong with the state of racing when this guy can't find a full time ride. The princess is so popular, she even has her own version of the Pope-mobile. I love this track because it is a temporary street course. With just a general admissions ticket you can watch the race from tons of places around the track. The thunder alley grandstands along the Lakeshore blvd backstretch is even open to general admission ticket holders which is pretty cool.It is however, not a great place to take pictures of the on track action. Honda Indy Toronto needs to bring back the super-photo pass for die-hard gear heads like myself. Until they do, I guess I will have to keep on figuring out ways to take pictures that look like there are no fences.A final comment about this year's race. The convention centre was empty, save for one lonely vendor selling sports merchandise. More vendors in the convention centre, and more vendors on thunder alley are need for next year. The on track action was great, but we needed more stuff to do around the track when there wasn't racing going on. We know we live in Toronto and things are expensive. For the love of God, we bought your over priced tickets and paid for your over priced beer, let us bring in a damn bottle of water for crying out loud! There is always room for improvement. This year was pretty good, but I know next year will be even better.

Honda Indy Toronto: Winner's Circle

Another cool thing I liked about this years Honda Indy Toronto was the placement of the victory circle. Usually it is placed in an out of the way place that fans can't get to or the view is blocked by the track fencing and fans miss out on the victory celebration.
Well not this year.
This year the victory circle was placed right in the middle of the track where you couldn't miss it. When you stepped off the Honda bridge into the infield area, there it was. You couldn't miss it and had to walk past it to get to the paddock area. It was also strategically placed right by the pit entrance on the track , which allowed for the winning driver to actually drive his car right into the winner circle area before getting out. It really gave the fans a chance to enjoy in the celebration with the driver, his team and supporters.
Kudos to Honda Indy Toronto for making the change to this years track layout. Another great addition to the fan experience.
Race winner, Will Power drives his car into the winners circle. Dario Franchitti who thought he had this race won until the dying laps still can't believe he came in second. But the thoughts of what could of been are quickly doused by the victory celebrations.As you may be able to tell from his hand gestures, this is Will Power's fourth win this season and he isn't afraid to show it.Here comes the champagne shower..Congratulations to Will Power, this years Honda Indy Toronto winner. Dario Franchitti, was second and Ryan Hunter-Reay third.
Power and his crew pose for a team photo in victory circle.
The victory circle girls and the Firestone Hawk await the winner of the Firestone Indy Lights Series Toronto 100 race.
JK Vernay pulls into winner circle.
JK Vernay, 1st, Dan Clark, 2nd and Gastavo Yacaman 3rd.