Edmonton race expecting to top 175,000
"He is a special guest of Ford and he is definitely going to be here," said Greg Macdonald, president and GM of the Grand Prix of Edmonton. Gretzky is expected to arrive on either July 16 or 17.
Gretzky's most recent visits here outside of hockey were for the 2001 world championships in athletics as well as in June 2000, when he received an honorary doctor of laws from the University of Alberta.
Macdonald would not hint at who else is expected to be on the Grand Prix A-list of guests, although Oscar-winning actor Paul Newman is virtually a lock.
Newman is the co-owner of the Newman/Haas racing team, which features defending Champ Car World Series champion Sebastien Bourdais and Oriol Servia. Newman's own racing credits include a victory in the 1995 24 Hours of Daytona in the IMSA GTS class as well as a 1982 Trans Am win in Minnesota. Newman is no stranger to Edmonton, having raced here 25 years ago in the Can-Am series.
"I'm sure the drivers will get some pointers from him," laughed Kathi Lauterbach, spokesman for Newman/Haas.
"You never know until the weekend comes, but it is very rare that he misses a North American event. I can't guarantee that he will be there, but he will obviously be making every attempt."
All of the luxury suites have sold and race organizers are expecting to top the 175,000 mark in total attendance during the three-day event at the City Centre Airport track. Grand Prix officials will make 20,000 general admission tickets available on-site from July 15-17, and while they are in essence standing-room only access, the vantage points will be some of the best of anywhere along the 3.15-km, 14-turn course. Edmonton Sun