Grand Prix Toronto 2007

The Steelback Grand Prix Toronto was held in Toronto, Ontario from July 6 to 8, 2007. This three-day event is more than just the main Champ Car race which was held on Sunday, July 8, 2007 - it also includes entertainment (much of it organized by the Grand Prix Charitable Foundation) and exhibitions such as feature race displays, pit stop challenges and interactive games at Motorfest. The drivers jockey for position during two days of qualifying and those that qualify then meet for the main event. Their position on the track is determined by the time of their best lap.

"Raising funds for local children's charities while revving up the community with exciting fundraising events, is the driving goal of the Grand Prix Charitable Foundation. To generate excitement through community involvement in the Grand Prix of Toronto with an overall commitment resulting in the raising of the profile, and funds, for the cause of children's charities while delivering value to the general public and sponsorship partners."

"Formerly known as the Molson Indy Festival Foundation, established in 1986 by the Board of Trustees under direction of Chairman Paul V. Godfrey, the Grand Prix Charitable Foundation has raised in excess of $5,500,000 for children's charities throughout the Greater Toronto Area." [grandprixtoronto.com]

The major events of the Grand Prix Indy Toronto 2007 were:

The Black and White Driver's Party was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Yorkville area of Toronto. It looked like a night of racing with checkered flags and tires piled high. It was the only formal event for the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto that week. Champ Car driver Alex Tagliani of RSports looked very dapper, while Katherine Legge of Dale Coyne Racing looking stunning in a black gown. They were just some of the drivers joining Charlie Johnstone, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Toronto, along with Steve Johnson, president and CEO of Champ Car World Series in this night of celebration. Funds raised will support local children's charities, such as, Operation Herbie assisting children from around the world with the life saving operations they need. *
The highly anticipated The Driver's Party was held on Friday night at MUZIK which is located very close to track side. Young women with checkered flags directed guests as they arrived to the red carpet. Once inside, you had the choice of several food stations, an open bar or you could party in the newly renovated garden area. Drivers were interviewed on stage about race day and other related aspects of life in the fast lane. Speaking of the fast lane, next up were the delegates of the Miss Universe Regional competition. This was extremely popular as almost 30 ladies took to the stage in evening gowns and oh yes, swimsuits. Suddenly that garden area was empty, at least for a while. *
Other notable events within the Grand Prix Charitable Foundation efforts building up to the race on Sunday July 8th included a golf tournament at Eagle's Nest Golf Course, the Big Bike Ride for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and also the Bike for Tykes event at the TD Centre Courtyard. *
The 22nd Running of the Molson Grand Prix of Toronto took place Sunday July 8, 2007 at the Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario. Toronto favourite Paul Tracy was taken out in the first lap as he had the misfortunate of hitting another driver's fender. The Editor wishing him well at the Driver's party had no effect!! Rain started to fall halfway through the race which saw nine of seventeen cars being knocked out including five in the first lap. The Australian William Power took advantage of the seven caution flags during the race and by concentrating on his re-starts was able to pass Sebastien Bourdais and Ryan Delziel to take first place!

The winners of the 2007 Grand Prix Toronto were: