Andretti Green Promotions, an off-shoot of the successful Andretti Green Racing operation, has announced that it has finally completed the purchase of the assets of the Grand Prix Association of Toronto Corporation.
AGP has also formed a wholly-owned Canadian company, Andretti Green Toronto, which will operate out of a Toronto-based office and will run its first IndyCar Series event in 2009.
"We are very excited to be coming to Toronto," said AGR chairman Michael Andretti. "It is a terrific city and a great venue for Andretti Green to host another event.
"As a driver, Toronto was always my favourite race of the year and it will be no different as a promoter. The fans are some of the most enthusiastic you'll ever be around and we're looking forward to building on the great history of this event."
The Grand Prix of Toronto was a regular on the Champ Car World Series calendar and this deal with Andretti Green - which already promotes the IRL/ALMS St Petersburg street event - will ensure its future.
Although not included on the amalgamated 2008 IndyCar calendar - which is only likely to accept, but has yet to confirm, three former Champ Car events in Long Beach, Edmonton and Surfers Paradise - Toronto was always ear-marked as a probable inclusion in a heavily-revised 2009 schedule, especially as it proved willing to accept a year out of the limelight.
AGP's acquisition of the event's assets now appears to confirm that Toronto
will be back on the calendar in 2009. The terms of the purchase agreements will not be disclosed.
"Andretti Green is thrilled to bring Indy car racing back to Toronto," continued Kevin Savoree, AGR president and chief operating officer, "It's an event with so much heritage and we look forward to continuing that.
