The annual IndyCar race in Toronto is a tradition. The Demaras family has been attending the race for almost two decades.
This year was a little different, as we had friends competing and working at the event. Peter Hansen from last year’s F1200 series was in a Radical race, and Darryl Timmers from PRO was in a Pinty’s Series Car. Plus, John Venditti from HIP had a booth set up, as did our friends & long-time sponsors K1 Speed.
Paddock passes gave the family ‘behind the scenes’ of the IndyCar world. Team Penske has the most professional looking setup, with massive car haulers in black and chrome, and a paddock that’s clean enough to eat off the floor.
While walking past the trailers, the Demaras family even saw their favourite driver Will Power and Chris took the opportunity to shout a ‘GOOD LUCK WILL!’ in his always too loud voice. Will smiled and gave a Fonzie-style thumbs up in appreciation before heading into his trailer.
There were other stars around the paddock, including the FIREHAWK the mascot of the Firestone tire company. Michelle got a thrill out of finally meeting him!
There was a really messy start to the on-track action, as with several cars taken out of commission in a first-lap, first-corner incident. Danish driver Christian Lundgard started on pole and pulled away, while Will Power made his way through the field as the laps ticked by.
Between spins and safety cars, the race was far more exciting than the ‘green to checkers’ victory for Lundgard! He even made an outside pass at treacherous Turn 3 to take the lead after pit stops. Amazing!
This was RLL’s first win since Takuma Sato’s Indy 500 win for the team back in 2020, and was the maiden victory for former Formula 2 driver Lundgard, who has made a home for himself in IndyCar.
After the podium celebration, crowds converged on the RLL paddock to catch a glimpse of the winning team, and Chris even managed to snap a selfie with team owner (and 1986 Molson Indy winner) Bobby Rahal on his way to a media appearance.
Once the confetti settled, and the racer cars were safely tucked away in their haulers, heading to Iowa Speedway for the next race, the Demaras family headed home as visions of race cars danced through their heads.