Will Power leads the field into Turn 8 during the Honda Indy Toronto — Photo by: Chris Owens
As reported in February Ric Peterson & James Hinchcliffe of Schmidt peterson Motorsports are still working on bringing an IndyCar race to Calgary for September 2017. Ric Peterson is a Calgary businessman & co-owner of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports & James Hinchcliffe is the only Canadian driver in the IndyCar Series. There is only 1 Canadian IndyCar race in Toronto since the last Edmonton IndyCar Series race in 2012. The Verizon IndyCar Series has been some of the most exciting open wheel racing in the recent years.
James Hinchcliffe addresses the crowd during pre-race festivities for the Honda Indy Toronto — Photo by: Chris Jones
There are lots corporate head offices in Calgary & this would be a big boost to local economy. The timing is good, as it does not interfere with other IndyCar races & the Calgary Stampede. The draw for the race would be from Western Canada the USA. The promoter for the Calgary race is an Indianapolis based company Green-Savoree. If the economy doesn’t recover in time for September 2017 the race, it could be held in 2018.
Since the closing of Race City Motorsport Park the location could be the Stampede Park Grounds or a street venue. I think the best location would be the Stampede Park Grounds as the set-up would be less intrusive. There are many motorsports enthusiasts in Calgary with many people missing Race City. The Calgary Kart Racing Club (CKRC) http://ckrc.com/ was able to build their own track, the North Star Raceway in Strathmore, AB.
So far with the idea has had some interest from city officials thinking of the benefits to the economy with the tourism. This is also a weekend event with 3 days of racing with many support classes.
Ric Peterson & James Hinchcliffe photo by Chris Owens Courtesy of Indycar
Schmidt Peterson Racing meeting in Calgary with the intention of getting an IndyCar race
James Hinchcliffe website: http://www.hinchtown.com/
Schmidt Peterson Racing website: http://www.spmindycar.com/
Verizon IndyCar Series website: http://www.indycar.com/
Photos Courtesy of Indycar.