Free Friday kicks off Honda Indy Toronto

The Honda Indy Toronto is celebrating 25 years of Indy car racing in the city, and there's a multitude of activities for fans throughout the weekend.

July 8 is Free Friday at the circuit, courtesy of the Ontario Honda Dealers Association. All grandstands and paddocks will be open to the public free of charge.

"Part of the idea is to let people come down and experience the Toronto Honda Indy, maybe for the first time, maybe bring the entire family down," Honda Indy Toronto general manager and vice president Charlie Johnstone said. "When we say free, we literally mean free. It's free grandstands, free admission, it's free paddocks … come down and see what is the hype and excitement."

Free Friday spectators can take in IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights practice on the 1.721-mile, 11-turn circuit. At 4:30 p.m. at the INDYCAR Fan Village behind the pit lane grandstand, spectators can meet IZOD IndyCar Series drivers (half the field) during an autograph session.

On July 9 at the INDYCAR Fan Village, Firestone Indy Lights drivers will sign autographs starting at 10:15 a.m. There are "Tech Talk" features with Firestone (10:15) and Honda (2:45 p.m.) representatives, and Quebec native Alex Tagliani will drop by at 2:45 p.m. to meet ticket-holders.

A second IZOD IndyCar Series driver autograph session (half the field) commences at 3:15. Spectators also can redeem their tickets for a free general admission ticket to the IZOD INDYCAR World Championship on Oct. 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd will serve as grand marshal of the 85-lap race.