Before CART goes to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve - named after Jacques' legendary late father - in Montreal the series, that boasts three top-tier Canadian drivers including current championship runner up and holder of most race wins Paul Tracy, 5th place Patrick Carpentier and 10th place Alex Tagliani, will literally run through a 2.82 km (1.75 mile) Toronto street course on the weekend of July 13th.
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| Cristiano da Matta, who won the CART championship last year, will be racing around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal this year in an F1 car. While he has yet to place on the podium, Cristiano is leading his much more experienced teammate in points. (Photo: PlanetF1.com) |
Just like Montreal the Molson Indy Toronto is the city's biggest street party, a Mardi Gras of world famous stars, fabulous entertainment, beautiful people and sensational cars. A similar scenario takes place two weeks later on the July 27th weekend in Vancouver. Streets are closed off, grandstands are erected and makeshift buildings are rolled into place for what has become a yearly vigil for motorsport fans and good-timers alike.
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| Canadian Paul Tracy stops for fuel and tires on his way to winning the Long Beach Grand Prix, his third consecutive CART win of the season. (Photo: Autostock) |
The latter usually make sure and take in the Miss Indy contest at the end of the weekend's festivities, where some of Canada's most beautiful and talented young women vie for the coveted prize of representing the sport.
Truly, each CART weekend, whether in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal, offers a little something for everyone. Even environmentalists can take heart in the knowledge that fuel economy is paramount to winning races, with advancements made benefiting the road cars of the manufacturers who take part.