New circuit, grandstands highlight changes at Edmonton Indy
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| New Edmonton track layout |
A new 2.256-mile, 13-turn race course, a reduction in some prime ticket prices and grandstands that will be closer to the action on the track were details for the Edmonton Indy unveiled at a news conference Feb. 8 in Edmonton, Alberta, for the fourth annual event at City Centre Airport on July 22-24 that features the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights.
A twist is the change in the circuit location at the downtown airport following the closure of one of the two runways two weeks after the 2010 event. But, according to Tony Cotman – president of NZR Consulting Inc. – the move was welcome.
The circuit, which incorporates the closed East runway, will present challenges to drivers and action all around for spectators. There's a 90-degree first turn, hairpin turns in the northwestern (Turn 5) and southwestern (Turn 13) corners and two long straights.
"The other (1.96-mile, 14-turn) course one was good and fast initially but it was too hard to pass on," Cotman said. "One of the big things we needed to focus on with this course was how to make the show better, and I think we've achieved that. There were restrictions relating to the airport but I think we can create a much better actual racetrack for racing on and obviously that's what people come to see. It will be better."
02/08/11 With a completely newly designed racecourse, a much simplified ticket price chart including reduced tabs for all three-day tickets in closer to the action grandstands, the 2011 Edmonton Indy will be totally fan-driven, explained today at a media lunch held in Edmonton, François Dumontier, President of Octane Motorsports Events Inc., the new promoter of the event. As he unveiled the new 3.631 km (2.256 miles) racecourse designed on and around the now closed to traffic East runway at City Center Airport, he also announced that tickets for the July 22, 23 & 24, 2011 are going on sale this Friday, February 11, at 9:00 am.
"And we got much more to disclose at a later date, more good news that will greatly be appreciated by our customers," said the promoter, referring to the new corporate packages in the pit lane suites, the weekend racing program and other initiatives to be announced in the near future. Dumontier also explained that he and newly appointed General Manager, Anne Roy were in Alberta's Capital City for a few days, meeting with several key representatives of the community. "We have to move quickly now. We wish to put our local team in place as early as possible and locate them in a convenient new office. At the same moment, as we are in the process of establishing partnerships with potential sponsors, we had to launch our ticket sales as Edmonton racing fans requested us to do. So, with a brand new and much simplified price chart, we're now ready to go."
The 2011 Edmonton Indy is now offering race fans a total of six grandstands with three price range categories, $230.00, $150.00 and $125.00 for three days. In each category, the prices are lower than 2010. The General admission price structure has also been revised. In this case, fans can purchase tickets on a three-day or on a daily basis. Sunday's price for General admission has been reduced while Saturday's adjusted to better reflect the reality of the racing program.
"We wished to simplify and clarify our offer to all. That is why we are implementing a system most major motorsport events customers in Canada are familiar with: all grandstand seats are offered on a three-day basis and each grandstand seat has its single price. Fans can choose to attend themselves the three days or share their tickets with friends or relatives, as it is a tradition at the Canadian Grand Prix for example. I must add, as we will soon reveal, that our 2011 racing program will be much more busy on Friday and Saturday and with all seats being much closer to the track, they will be coveted," explained Dumontier who also said that children, age 11 and under will now be admitted free in General admission when accompanied by an adult. A limited number of RVs stalls will also be available for rent. Ticket office is officially opening this Friday at 9:00 am. Customers can purchase on-line at www.edmontonindy.com or by phone, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, at 1-855-350-INDY (4639).
Today's meeting with the media was also the occasion for the Edmonton Indy promoter to describe the new racecourse designed on and around the Eastern runway at Edmonton's City Center Airport. The thirteen-corner 3.631 km (2.256 miles) track will be a real challenge for drivers and will offer fans three intense-braking zone for passing, with tight hairpins in the North-western corner (5) and South-eastern corner (13) parts of the track and a tight 90-degree first corner. The Octane's Operation Department Engineers in co-operation with IZOD IndyCar Series officials has designed the new racecourse. "The passing maneuvers in these corners will likely have a great impact on the issue of all races on the program," said Dumontier who finally introduced Anne Roy, a well-known Canadian motorsports personality, who has been appointed General Manager of the Edmonton Indy.
Promoter of the Edmonton Indy, Octane Motorsports Events Inc., is a Canadian corporation and a component of the Octane group of companies, based in Montréal. By virtue of an agreement made with Formula One Administration Limited and Formula 1 World Championship Limited (together the holder of commercialization rights to F1), Octane Racing Group Inc. is the promoter of the FORMULA 1 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX. Under a mandate from Stock-Car Montréal, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), Octane Management Inc. is the delegated promoter of the NAPA Auto Parts 200, Presented by Dodge, a round of the NASCAR Nationwide Series. These events are respectively scheduled for presentation June 10-12 and August 19-20, 2011, at Montréal's Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.
Grandstands descriptions & Price Chart – 2011- Edmonton Indy
Grandstand 1
Your seat is facing the pit lane. A few meters from your seat, the teams' pit-stalls are a scene of intense and frenzied activity during practice, qualifying and the race as cars visit the pits area. See the drivers’ introduction, all the final preparations before the start of the race. Your seat also gives you a great overall view of the whole track and a spectacular view of the series of maneuvers required in corners # 7 to # 12. You are also a short walk away from the paddock area. A giant screen allows you to follow the action at all times.
3-day reserved seat $230.00
Grandstand 10
Your seat is facing corner # 1. A few meters from the track, you will see drivers doing intense braking at the end of the main straightaway to enter the tight first left turn. This is one of the best passing zones of the track, often the scene of spectacular maneuvers and incidents likely to change the course of the event. Your seat provides you also good views of all the northern part of the track. A giant screen allows you to follow the action at all times.
3-day reserved seat $150.00
Grandstand 11
Your seat is facing corner # 1. A few meters from the track, you will see drivers doing intense braking at the end of the main straightaway to enter the tight left turn. This is one of the best passing zones of the course. In addition, your seat provides you good views of the pit lane exit and of the maneuvers required in corners # 10, # 11 & # 12. A giant screen allows you to follow the action at all times.
3-day reserved seat $150.00
Grandstand 12
Your seat is facing corner # 13, the Southeast hairpin. A few meters from the track, you will see drivers doing intense braking to enter corner # 13, the second of the two hairpins on the course and one of the best passing zones. You will see them slowing down to enter the hairpin, do their double-right maneuver before accelerating toward the finish line. Here again, as many cars may enter the hairpin inches apart and fight fiercely for position, the issue of the event could change on the very last corner of the race. A giant screen allows you to follow the action at all times.
3-day reserved seat $150.00
Grandstand 20
Your seat is facing corners # 6 to # 9. A few meters from the track, you will see drivers exiting corner # 4, and on their way back maneuvering into the combination of right and left turns made of corners # 6 to # 9 after they have exited corner # 5, the Northwest hairpin. In addition, your seat also provides good views on corners # 10, # 11 & # 12. A giant screen allows you to follow the action at all times.
3-day reserved seat $125.00
Grandstand 22
Your seat is facing the Northwest hairpin. A few meters from the track, you will see drivers doing intense braking to enter corner # 5, one of the two hairpins on the course and one of the best passing zones. You will see them slowing down to enter the hairpin, do their double-right maneuver before accelerating toward corner # 6. As many cars may enter apart the hairpin inches apart and fight fiercely for position, it could change the issue of the event. Your seat also provides good views on corner # 6, # 7 & # 8. A giant screen allows you to follow the action at all times.
3-day reserved seat $125.00
Platform 10A for wheelchairs
A platform reserved exclusively to disabled customer. A few meters from the track, the platform is located near corner # 1. It also provides good views of all the northern part of the track. A limited number of wheelchairs can be accommodated on the platform. A giant screen allows you and one accompanying adult (sitting on a chair) to follow the action at all times. The ticket also gives access to a designated parking area.
3-day pass $150.00 + $75.00 (accompanying adult)
RVs Trackside Stalls
A limited number of RVs trackside parking stalls are available. They are located on the northern straightaway between corner # 1 & # 2, and on the main straightaway immediately following corner # 13.
3-day rent $200.00 for one stall + purchase of one grandstand or daily ticket per adult. General admission: free admittance for a child (age 11 and under) when accompanied by a paying adult.
General Admission
Weekend (3-day) or daily standing tickets. Standing positions in some designated areas around the track. Free admittance for a child (age 11 and under) when accompanied by a paying adult.
3-day $75.00
Friday only $25.00
Saturday only $35.00 (qualifying day)
Sunday only $55.00 (race day)
IZOD IndyRacing Series Paddock Pass
3-day pass $50.00
Pit Walk Alley
3-day pass $25.00