Edmonton could be most exciting race of year

Having wheeled around the old track in a Champ Car, a NASCAR, and an Indy car, Alex Tagliani knew the layout as well as anyone.

And he certainly won't miss it now that he's seen the redesigned course at Edmonton's City Centre Airport.

"This could be the most exciting race of the year for the series," he proclaimed after sneaking a peek at the course that will play host to the Edmonton Indy July 22-24.

Tagliani was in Edmonton on Tuesday for one of the many promotional tours the 38-year-old driver always has on his calendar and in between appearances, he was out on the track.

He said the course has enough long straightaways to stretch the legs of the cars with plenty of spots that are wide enough for passing opportunities. He predicted that there may be more passing in the Edmonton race than any other event.

With two hairpins, tight turns, and 26 cars on the grid, there will also be some contact -not unlike the banging and crashing that took place at last weekend's Toronto Indy. Factor in the double restarts, which are new to the series this season, and there will be plenty to see. The 90-degree Turn 1 will be a real trouble spot.

"I expect a lot of wrecks," said Tagliani.

Currently parked in 10th place in the driver's standings, Tagliani will be one of three Canadians racing in Edmonton. Paul Tracy and James Hinchcliffe are the others.

"There's no comparison to the old track," continued Tagliani, who has made some real inroads on the results sheet this season. He's had three top-10 finishes and he's claimed two poles, including a prestigious front row spot at the Indianapolis 500. Edmonton Journal