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.
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