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Edmonton Indy
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Edmonton Indy
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Edmonton Indy
IndyCar Series
LocationEdmonton City Centre Airport, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
53°34′32″N 113°31′22.5″W / 53.57556°N 113.522917°W / 53.57556; -113.522917
First race2005
First ICS race2008
Last race2012
Laps75
Previous namesWest Edmonton Mall Grand Prix (2005)
West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix Presented by The Brick (2006)
Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton (2007)
Rexall Edmonton Indy (2008–2009)
Honda Indy Edmonton (2010)
Edmonton Indy (2011–2012)
Most wins (driver)Sébastien Bourdais (2)
Scott Dixon (2)
Will Power (2)
Most wins (team)Penske Racing (3)
Circuit information
SurfaceConcrete
Length3.579 km (2.224 mi)
Turns13

The Edmonton Indy was a round of the IndyCar Series held at a temporary circuit set up at the Edmonton City Centre Airport near the downtown area of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was originally launched in 2005, as a race in the Champ Car World Series called the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix, and was one of three Champ Car races added to the 2008 IndyCar Series following the merger of the two American open-wheel racing series.

History

[edit]

The inaugural race was held in 2005 and was known as the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix. It was known in 2006 as the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix Presented by The Brick. In 2007, Katz Group, whose holdings include Rexall Drugs, signed with the Grand Prix of Edmonton as the lead sponsor, with that year's race known as the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton, becoming the Rexall Edmonton Indy following the merger of Champ Car and Indy Car during the 2008 season. In 2010, Honda Canada Inc. was title sponsor of the Honda Indy Edmonton.[1] For 2011 and 2012, there was no title sponsor, with the race known simply as the Edmonton Indy.

During the 2010 race weekend, it was announced that Octane Motorsports Events from Montreal, promoter of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix and the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, was taking over as the new promoter. In November 2010, the city and the promoter were not able to reach an agreement concerning pavement work to be done on the Eastern runway of City Centre Airport, where the race course was to be moved, initially cancelled the 2011 event. Further negotiations had the race reinstated on the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, for July 22–24. On February 8, 2011, the promoter unveiled the new 13-turn, 3.579-kilometre (2.224 mi) racecourse.[2]

On September 21, 2012, Octane Motorsports announced that they would not stage the 2013 race due to poor attendance and lack of support from local businesses. City officials stated that they would not look for a replacement promoter,[3][4] and the Edmonton Indy has not returned since.

Over the eight race history of the Canadian-based Edmonton Indy, there was only one podium finish by a Canadian driver, when Paul Tracy finished second in 2005; Tracy also led all Canadian drivers with six top-6 finishes over the history of the race.

Festivities

[edit]

2005

[edit]
Further information: 2005 West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton
Paul Tracy at the Edmonton Grand Prix 2006.

The 2005 race festivities took place from July 15 through July 17, 2005.

2006

[edit]
Further information: 2006 West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton

In 2006, there were 3 support series events. The Champ Car Atlantic Championship series, the CASCAR series, and D-Sport Drifting Demo. The 2006 race festivities took place from July 21 through July 23, 2006. The CASCAR race event took place on Saturday, July 22, 2006. The Champ Car Atlantic Championship race, the Champ Car World Series race, and the D-Sport Drifting Demo all took place on Sunday, July 23, 2006.

2007

[edit]
Further information: 2007 Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton

The 2007 race festivities took place from July 20 through July 22, 2007. The Northern Alberta Sports Car Club held GT and Vintage class support races also.

2008

[edit]
Further information: 2008 Rexall Edmonton Indy
The former track layout in relationship to the rest of the airport

The 2008 race festivities took place July 24 through July 26, 2008. There were also 2 support series events, the Atlantic Championship series and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The IndyCar Series race took place on Saturday and not Sunday in 2008 because of an agreement between IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. By agreement, IndyCar is not permitted to race opposite the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400, which took place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday.

2009

[edit]
Further information: 2009 Rexall Edmonton Indy

Held on July 26, 2009, it was the eleventh round of the 2009 IndyCar Series season.

2010

[edit]
Further information: 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton
A new track from the 2011.

The race festivities took place from July 23 through July 25, 2010. There were three support series at this event, the Indy Lights Series, NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and the Northern Alberta Sports Car Championship. In addition, there were also a demonstration provided by D-Sport Drifting.

This year also saw the creation of an off the track event team called Race Week Edmonton. This all volunteer team's mandate was to assist in promoting the Honda Edmonton Indy with various events such as car shows, a go kit derby, autoslalom, and a large slate of music events.

2011

[edit]
Further information: 2011 Edmonton Indy

The race festivities took place from July 22 through July 24, 2011. However, steady rainfall saw the cancellation of all on-track events on July 22. This caused Indy Lights and IndyCar practice sessions to be moved to July 23. There were two support series at this event, the Indy Lights Series and the Northern Alberta Sports Car Championship. Unlike previous years, the Indy Lights Series ran two races with one on Saturday and one on Sunday, these were known as the Edmonton Twin 100s Race.

This event also saw the debut of a new course, moving from the western runways to the eastern runways of the City Centre Airport. This was caused by redevelopment of airport lands by the City of Edmonton. As well, Octane Motorsports took over the promoting of the race from Northlands declined to continue to run the race. This caused a temporary cancellation of the event in November, 2011. During this cancellation, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series released their schedule and saw Edmonton not scheduled for the 2011 season.

2012

[edit]
Further information: 2012 Edmonton Indy

The 2012 Edmonton Indy race was the eleventh round of the 2012 IndyCar Series season. Indy Lights and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series also took place. It took place on Sunday, July 22, 2012. Hélio Castroneves won in the IndyCar Series, Carlos Muñoz won in the Indy Lights series, and D. J. Kennington won in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.[5]

The 2012 Edmonton Indy was the last in Edmonton. The city had spent over $12 million[6][7] over the last three years and a total of $22 million over eight years.[7] Beginning in 2008 the non-profit organization Northlands ran the Indy for three years, losing $12.5 million.[6] There was also drop in attendance for the event over the last few years; IndyCar forbids releasing attendance numbers.[5][6] This also played a part in the decision to cancel.

Past winners

[edit]
Season Date Driver Team Chassis Engine Race Distance Race Time Average Speed
(mph) 		Report Ref
Laps Miles (km)
Champ Car World Series history
2005 July 17 France Sébastien Bourdais Newman/Haas Racing Lola Ford-Cosworth 88 173.624 (279.42) 1:38:55 105.302 Report [8]
2006 July 23 United Kingdom Justin Wilson RuSPORT Lola Ford-Cosworth 85 167.705 (269.895) 1:40:30 100.112 Report [9]
2007 July 22 France Sébastien Bourdais Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing Panoz Cosworth 96 189.408 (304.822) 1:45:41 107.517 Report [10]
IndyCar Series history
2008 July 26 New Zealand Scott Dixon Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda 91* 179.543 (288.946) 1:51:06 96.967 Report [11]
2009 July 26 Australia Will Power Penske Racing Dallara Honda 95 187.435 (301.647) 1:42:42 109.498 Report [12]
2010 July 25 New Zealand Scott Dixon Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara Honda 95 187.435 (301.647) 1:50:37 101.666 Report [13]
2011 July 24 Australia Will Power Penske Racing Dallara Honda 80 180.48 (290.454) 1:57:23 90.949 Report [14]
2012 July 22 Brazil Hélio Castroneves Penske Racing Dallara Chevrolet 75 169.2 (272.301) 1:38:51 101.246 Report [15]
  • 2008: Race shortened due to time limit.[16]

Atlantic Championship

[edit]
Season Date Winning Driver
2005 July 17 United Kingdom Katherine Legge
2006 July 23 France Simon Pagenaud
2007 July 21 Brazil Raphael Matos
July 22 Brazil Raphael Matos
2008 July 25 United States Jonathan Bomarito
July 26 United States Jonathan Summerton

Firestone Indy Lights

[edit]
Season Date Winning Driver
2009 July 25 United States J. R. Hildebrand
2010 July 25 Canada James Hinchcliffe
2011 July 23 Argentina Esteban Guerrieri
July 24 United States Josef Newgarden
2012 July 21 Colombia Carlos Muñoz

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series

[edit]
Season Date Winning Driver
2007 July 21 Canada J. R. Fitzpatrick
2008 July 26 Canada Alex Tagliani
2009 July 25 Canada Andrew Ranger
2010 July 25 Canada J. R. Fitzpatrick
2012 July 22 Canada D. J. Kennington

Lap records

[edit]

The fastest official race lap records at Edmonton Indy are listed as:

Category Time Driver Vehicle Event
Grand Prix Circuit: 3.579 km (2011–2012)[17]
IndyCar 1:17.3629 Josef Newgarden Dallara DW12 2012 Edmonton Indy
Indy Lights 1:23.0712[18] Esteban Guerrieri Dallara IPS 2011 Edmonton 100
Original Circuit: 3.175 km (2005–2010)[17]
Champ Car 0:58.653 Sebastien Bourdais Lola B02/00 2007 Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton
IndyCar 1:02.0233[19] Will Power Dallara IR-05 2008 Rexall Edmonton Indy
Formula Atlantic 1:05.647[20] Simon Pagenaud Swift 016.a 2006 Edmonton Formula Atlantic round
Indy Lights 1:06.8782[21] James Hinchcliffe Dallara IPS 2010 Edmonton 100
Trans-Am 1:17.361[22] Tomy Drissi Jaguar XKR 2005 Edmonton Trans-Am round

Attendance

[edit]

In its inaugural year (2005), Edmonton set the attendance record for a Champ Car event in Canada at 200,052.[23]

Year Race Day 3-Day Total
2005 78,080 200,052
2006 63,921 171,391
2007 60,508 167,152
2008 60,000* 160,000*

* Estimate[24]

From 2008 onwards, event organizers have refused to disclose attendance figures due to an agreement with the Indy Racing League.[23][25][26]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Edmonton Indy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Edmonton Indy was an annual open-wheel event held from 2005 to 2012 in , , , initially as part of the (2005–2007) and subsequently the (2008–2012), contested on a temporary utilizing the runways and grounds of the near downtown. Launched in 2005 as the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix, the event marked one of the new additions to the Champ Car calendar that year, drawing over 200,000 attendees across three days for its inaugural running and quickly establishing itself as a highlight of the series with its fast straights, challenging hairpins, and proximity to urban spectatorship. Following the 2008 merger of Champ Car and IndyCar, the race seamlessly transitioned into the unified , retaining its airport-based layout—initially a 2.0-mile, 14-turn course using the western until 2010, then redesigned to a 2.2-mile, 13-turn layout on the eastern in 2011 amid airport redevelopment—while featuring high-speed action on a course known for its 90-degree first turn and dual long straights. The event showcased notable performances from top drivers, including multiple victories by (2005, 2007 in Champ Car), (2008, 2010 in IndyCar), and (2009, 2011 in IndyCar), with claiming the final win in 2012, redeeming himself after a controversial penalty for blocking that had cost him the victory in 2010. Memorable incidents included a 2009 pit fire that injured Tony Kanaan and the participation of prominent figures like Danica Patrick, Dario Franchitti, and local favorite Alex Tagliani, which helped foster a vibrant festival atmosphere with concerts and fan zones. The Edmonton Indy concluded after the 2012 edition due to financial challenges, including declining attendance, loss of title sponsorship, and insufficient local business support, as cited by promoter Motorsports Events; the airport's closure in 2013 for redevelopment further precluded any revival. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the race contributed to IndyCar's international expansion and left a legacy as a demanding temporary venue that tested driver skill and vehicle limits.

Background

Circuit and Venue

The Edmonton Indy utilized a temporary street circuit constructed at the Edmonton City Centre Airport, a site that provided a unique blend of aviation infrastructure and urban accessibility for open-wheel racing. The original layout (2005–2010) measured approximately 3.175 km (1.973 mi) with 14 turns on a primarily concrete surface with some asphalt sections, incorporating the airport's runways and taxiways to create a challenging course until the facility's closure in 2013; this was revised in 2011 to a 3.579 km (2.224 mi) configuration with 13 turns following a shift to the eastern runway amid airport redevelopment. Key elements included a lengthy frontstretch along the main runway for high-speed runs, three extended straights ideal for overtaking maneuvers, and a notably tight hairpin at turn 13 that demanded precise braking and acceleration. Positioned at coordinates 53°34′21″N 113°31′14″W, the circuit lay in close proximity to , approximately 5 km north of the city center, allowing easy access for spectators while leveraging the airport's expansive, flat terrain. The use of existing runways and taxiways minimized needs but required annual reconfiguration around active airport operations during the event's early years. Logistically, the circuit's temporary nature was overseen by local promoter Octane Motorsports Events, which handled the installation of safety barriers, , and modular grandstands to support viewing for up to 40,000 attendees across multiple vantage points. The 2011 redesign resulted in fewer but more demanding turns and enhanced straight-line sections for better racing dynamics. In the context of open-wheel racing, street circuits such as Edmonton's contrasted sharply with permanent tracks by repurposing non-racing infrastructure like grounds, leading to narrower layouts with concrete barriers mere inches from the , limited runoff areas, and an emphasis on mechanical grip over high-speed typical of dedicated road courses. This setup amplified the event's intensity, rewarding driver skill in close-quarters navigation while necessitating robust temporary safety measures.

Event Format

The Edmonton Indy was held annually in , spanning a typical Friday-to-Sunday weekend format at the temporary circuit on the grounds of . Practice sessions for the main series occurred on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, followed by qualifying on Saturday, with the headline race scheduled for Sunday afternoon; an exception occurred in , when the race was held on Saturday due to scheduling adjustments. The core event featured a Champ Car or race of approximately 90 laps, covering roughly 200 miles depending on circuit configuration changes over the years, conducted under standard full-course caution procedures that neutralized the field during incidents for safety. Support races integrated key feeder and regional series as staples, including the Atlantic Championship during the Champ Car era (2005–2007), Firestone Indy Lights from 2008 onward, and the , which added elements to the open-wheel focus. Occasional demonstrations, such as D-Sport drifting exhibitions, provided variety in the on-track program. Off-track activities enhanced the weekend, with pre-race concerts and live music performances during Race Week Edmonton leading into the event, alongside fan zones offering interactive displays. Autograph sessions with drivers and celebrities, such as Grand Marshal in 2008, were common, while family-oriented elements like the Ford Family Fun Zone, soap box derbies, and races for children tied into the airport venue's open spaces for broader engagement.

History

Champ Car Era (2005–2007)

The Edmonton Indy was launched in 2005 as the , initiated by Edmonton natives Dan and Brant Fahey, co-founders of , a Mississauga-based firm, to bring a major open-wheel racing event to for the first time. The Faheys, working with general manager Jim Haskins, spent two years assembling contractors, vendors, sponsors, and technicians to organize the event at the circuit. Held from July 15 to 17, the inaugural race marked the return of racing to after the cancellation of the event for 2005, drawing a record three-day attendance of 200,052 despite heavy rain on opening day that threatened financial losses exceeding $1 million. won the race for , securing his third victory of the season in the Presents Powered by Ford. The 2006 and 2007 editions maintained consistent mid-July scheduling, with the 2006 event running July 21–23 and the 2007 race on July 22, fostering growing off-track festivities that included multiple music stages featuring live performances to enhance the weekend experience. Attendance remained strong but declined slightly from the debut, totaling around 167,000 for 2007 amid variable weather conditions that occasionally affected track activities. These years highlighted the event's role within the pure , prior to its 2008 merger with the Indy Racing League, showcasing turbocharged Ford-Cosworth V8 engines and a diverse international driver lineup from countries including , the , , and .

IndyCar Era (2008–2010)

Following the merger between the Indy Racing League (IRL) and the Champ Car World Series announced on February 22, 2008, the Edmonton event transitioned to the unified IndyCar Series, becoming the first such race held in the city under the new banner. Previously a Champ Car fixture, the 2008 Rexall Edmonton Indy marked a pivotal moment for North American open-wheel racing unification, drawing drivers from both former series to the Edmonton City Centre Airport circuit. Scott Dixon of Chip Ganassi Racing secured victory in the season's 11th round, fending off a late charge from Hélio Castroneves amid multiple crashes and a shortened race distance due to time constraints, strengthening his championship lead. The IndyCar era saw notable growth in visibility and operations, with the series achieving overall viewership gains in 2008 compared to prior fragmented seasons, bolstered by broadcasts on networks like Versus. Sponsor integrations deepened, exemplified by Rexall's continued title role through 2009 and Honda Canada's one-year deal for the 2010 Honda Indy Edmonton, enhancing branding and financial support. Will Power won the 2009 edition for Team Penske. In 2010, Scott Dixon claimed victory after a late-race penalty to Hélio Castroneves for blocking teammate Will Power, a controversial decision that dropped Castroneves to 10th place. Support series remained consistent, featuring Firestone Indy Lights and Star Mazda Series races alongside the main event each year, providing multi-tiered racing action. Off-track festivities expanded during this period. However, the era faced challenges, including early post-merger attendance dips reflected in significant financial losses—$5.3 million in and $3.9 million in 2009—due to factors like economic conditions and integration uncertainties. These were mitigated through targeted marketing positioning the event as a premier Canadian showcase, stabilizing participation by 2010 and underscoring its role in the national racing calendar.

Final Years and Cancellation (2011–2012)

Starting in 2011, promotion shifted to Octane Racing Group from Northlands, introducing improved production elements such as enhanced facilities and event logistics to elevate the overall experience. Off-track festivities expanded under the new promoter, with added options including series and fan zones to attract broader audiences beyond core motorsport enthusiasts. In 2011, the Edmonton Indy underwent a significant operational change with the circuit reconfigured to a new 3.579-kilometer layout on the airport's unused eastern runway, reversing the direction to left-hand turns and incorporating longer straights to accommodate the ' system. This redesign aimed to enhance racing dynamics but faced immediate challenges from severe weather, as heavy rainfall on July 22 flooded the track, leading to the cancellation of all Friday activities, including practice sessions for the teams and support series such as Firestone Indy Lights and the Star Mazda Series. The disrupted schedule forced rescheduling of some sessions to Saturday, though the main race proceeded on Sunday under drier conditions, with securing victory for after 80 laps. The 2012 edition marked the event's finale, held without a title sponsor for the second consecutive year, as the previous Honda sponsorship had ended in 2010. Helio Castroneves won the race on July 22, leading a 1-3 finish ahead of in second, with the 75-lap contest highlighting competitive pit strategy amid stable weather. However, underlying financial pressures mounted, with promoter Octane Motorsports reporting ongoing unprofitability despite the city's $5.5 million annual subsidy under a 2010-2013 . Cumulative losses from prior years, estimated at $12.5 million for 2008-2010 alone, had already strained resources, and the absence of corporate backing exacerbated deficits during Octane's tenure. The event's cancellation was announced on September 21, 2012, when relinquished its promotional rights for 2013, citing insufficient sponsorship interest and persistent financial shortfalls that made the race unsustainable. Declining attendance and broader challenges in securing local investment further diminished viability, while the impending closure of on January 31, 2013, for redevelopment into the sustainable Blatchford community eliminated the venue. As of 2025, no revival efforts have materialized, with the former airport site now actively under construction as a residential and mixed-use urban development area featuring renewable energy infrastructure.

Race Results

Main Championship Winners

The Edmonton Indy, held annually from 2005 to 2012 at the temporary circuit around , crowned eight different main championship winners across the Champ Car and eras, highlighting the event's evolution and the prowess of dominant teams and drivers. claimed victories in the inaugural Champ Car races of 2005 and 2007, demonstrating Newman/Haas Racing's early mastery on the 1.973-mile layout. The transition to in 2008 brought renewed competition, with securing back-to-back wins in 2008 and 2010 for , while emerged as the most successful outfit overall, amassing three triumphs through in 2009 and 2011, and in 2012.
YearRace NameWinnerTeamLapsTime / Avg. SpeedLead ChangesCautions
2005West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of EdmontonSébastien BourdaisNewman/Haas Racing881:38:55.730 / 104.609 mph43 (for 14 laps)
2006West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix Presented by The BrickJustin WilsonRuSPORT851:40:30.635 / 100.112 mph25 (for 21 laps)
2007Rexall Grand Prix of EdmontonSébastien BourdaisNewman/Haas Lanigan Racing961:45:41.053 / 107.517 mph22 (for 10 laps)
2008Rexall Edmonton IndyScott DixonChip Ganassi Racing911:51:05.704 / 95.822 mph94 (for 19 laps)
2009Rexall Edmonton IndyWill PowerTeam Penske951:42:42.377 / 109.498 mph41 (for 1 lap)
2010Honda Indy EdmontonScott DixonChip Ganassi Racing951:50:37.0551 / 101.666 mph44 (for 10 laps)
2011Honda Indy EdmontonWill PowerTeam Penske801:57:22.518 / 90.949 mph52 (for ~12 laps)
2012Edmonton IndyHélio CastronevesTeam Penske751:38:50.929 / 101.246 mph60
Bourdais's two wins established Newman/Haas's dominance in the Champ Car phase, with his 2005 victory featuring a late pass for the lead amid four changes, underscoring strategic pit stops on a circuit prone to tire wear. Dixon's successes in the IndyCar years exemplified Ganassi's engineering edge, as seen in his 2010 triumph with 66 laps led despite four cautions disrupting the field, including a controversial late penalty to rival . Team Penske's three victories highlighted their adaptability, particularly Power's pole-to-win in 2009 with 90 laps led in a near-clean race, and Castroneves's 2012 wire-to-wire performance in a rare caution-free event that emphasized consistent pace over the 75 laps. proved advantageous for winners in four of eight races (2005 Allmendinger on pole but Bourdais won; 2006 Bourdais pole to Wilson win; 2009 Power from pole; 2011 Power from 3rd), reflecting the track's high-speed straights where starting upfront minimized passing risks amid variable weather and .

Support Series Champions

The Atlantic Championship served as a key support series during the Edmonton Indy's early years, providing a stepping stone for emerging open-wheel drivers on the street circuit at the City Centre Airport. In the Champ Car era, the series featured doubleheader races, with notable victories including Katherine Legge's win in 2005 for Polestar Racing Group, Simon Pagenaud's triumph in 2006 for Team Australia, and Raphael Matos's win in the first race of 2007 for Sierra Sierra Enterprises (after taking pole sitter James Hinchcliffe's position early). Following the 2008 merger of Champ Car and IndyCar, the series continued under the Cooper Tires Presents the Atlantic Championship banner through 2009, evolving to emphasize Mazda-powered Swift chassis and focusing on North American talent development. Highlights included Jonathan Bomarito's victory in race 1 and Jonathan Summerton's in race 2 of 2008. The series was discontinued after 2009 and did not return to Edmonton. The Firestone Indy Lights series joined the Edmonton Indy program in the IndyCar era starting in 2008, acting as the primary feeder for the main series and showcasing high-speed chassis on the temporary runway layout. Representative winners included Raphael Matos in 2009 for Andretti Green Racing, who led much of the race before a late caution allowed him to secure the victory and bolster his championship campaign. claimed the 2011 Edmonton win for Sam Schmidt Motorsports amid challenging conditions, finishing ahead of teammate in a race that highlighted intra-team strategy. In 2012, Carlos Muñoz took the checkered flag for Andretti Autosport, demonstrating the series' role in preparing drivers for IndyCar's physical demands on street courses. The series ran annually from 2008 to 2012, with five total events across those years, often integrated into the weekend schedule to maximize exposure for young talents. The Series added a stock dimension to the weekend from 2008 onward, adapting oval-focused machinery to the unique and drawing local interest with Canadian drivers. Andrew Ranger secured the 2008 victory for Fast Track Racing, leveraging his road course expertise from prior open-wheel experience to outpace the field in a race that underscored the series' growing presence in hybrid events. D.J. dominated the 2012 edition for 32 Racing, achieving his fourth consecutive series win on the airport layout and emphasizing the challenges of braking zones on the concrete surface. The series participated in five events total (2008–2012), typically as a single 100-lap feature that complemented the open-wheel focus while providing diverse racing action. These support series played a vital role in driver development at the Edmonton Indy, serving as proving grounds for future IndyCar stars like Hinchcliffe and Pagenaud while fostering skills in high-stakes street racing environments. The Atlantic and Indy Lights programs, in particular, aligned with the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, enabling transitions to the premier series through competitive exposure and data-driven feedback. Occasional disruptions, such as the 2011 heavy rain that canceled Friday practices and delayed Indy Lights sessions, tested adaptability but did not prevent race-day completion, contributing to the events' reputation for resilience. Overall, the support races enhanced the weekend's appeal, with Atlantic running approximately 10 races (doubleheaders 2005–2008, singles 2009), Indy Lights five (2008–2012), and NASCAR five (2008–2012), collectively nurturing over 100 drivers across the eight-year history.

Records and Statistics

Lap Records

The lap records at the Edmonton Indy reflect the circuit's two primary configurations: the original western layout used from 2005 to 2010, which measured approximately 1.97 miles (3.175 km) and allowed for quicker times, and the revised eastern layout introduced in 2011 due to airport redevelopment, extending the track to 2.23 miles with slower overall times but improved overtaking opportunities. Official records are determined by series-sanctioned timing systems during race conditions, adhering to rules that exclude practice sessions, warm-up laps, or unofficial attempts; they represent the fastest single laps completed under green-flag racing. In the Champ Car era on the original layout, established the category record with a time of 58.653 seconds during the Rexall Grand Prix of , equivalent to an average speed of 121.099 mph (194.8 km/h). This , set on lap 93 of the 95- race in a Lola B02/00-Ford, highlighted the high-speed nature of the pre-reconfiguration track, which featured tighter turns and a straighter runway section. Following the 2011 layout change, the saw set the fastest official lap of 1:17.3629 in the 2012 Edmonton Indy, aboard a DW12-Honda, at an average speed of 103.492 mph (166.5 km/h). This record, achieved during the race, underscores the extended track's emphasis on sustained momentum through longer straights, with speeds in that event averaging around 166 km/h. No faster laps have been recorded in since the event's conclusion in 2012. Support series maintained separate records aligned with their vehicle specifications and the prevailing track configuration. In the Champ Car Atlantic Championship on the original layout, James Hinchcliffe's performance in exemplified competitive times around 1 minute 20 seconds, while the Indy Lights series saw competitive times around 1 minute 20 seconds in 2010 prior to the reconfiguration. These times, typically 5-10 seconds slower than main series laps due to less powerful engines, provided context for developmental racing on the venue.

Attendance Figures

The Edmonton Indy reached its highest attendance in 2005, its inaugural year as a Champ Car event, with a three-day total of 200,052 spectators—the record for a Champ Car race in . This peak reflected the excitement surrounding the new at and the novelty of hosting a major international motorsport event in the city. Attendance began to decline in subsequent years during the Champ Car era. In 2007, the three-day total was 167,152, a noticeable drop from the debut. The trend continued after the series transitioned to in 2008, though exact figures became unavailable due to a confidentiality agreement with the that prohibited promoters from releasing official numbers. Estimates suggested further erosion, with crowds approaching 100,000 by the final event in , contributing to the promoter's decision to cancel future races citing insufficient attendance and local support. Several factors contributed to these attendance patterns. The initial surge in 2005 stemmed from the event's novelty and strong local interest in a high-profile racing debut. Weather played a role in later years, notably in 2011 when heavy rain washed out Friday's practice and qualifying sessions, potentially deterring some spectators and compressing the weekend schedule. Marketing and promotional efforts also varied, with organizers noting challenges in sustaining enthusiasm amid broader economic pressures and competition from other events.
YearThree-Day Total AttendanceNotes
2005200,052Peak; Champ Car era record in Canada
2007167,152Decline from debut
2008–2012Not officially disclosed; estimated ~100,000 by 2012IndyCar agreement limited reporting; steady decline led to cancellation

Impact and Legacy

Economic Effects

The Edmonton Indy imposed significant financial burdens on the City of , resulting in a total loss of $22 million over its eight-year run from 2005 to 2012, including $3 million allocated to initial track construction at the City Centre Airport site. These deficits were driven by high operational and setup costs borne largely by the municipality, such as the $3 million required for repaving the track layout in 2011 to accommodate a new promoter agreement. Promoter expenses for event staging, including infrastructure and logistics, often exceeded $5 million annually, with the city providing up to $5.5 million in sponsorship over three-year contracts to cover shortfalls and secure private partners like Motorsports Events. The event's viability hinged on fluctuating sponsorships; for instance, the served as title sponsor for the inaugural 2005 edition but was replaced by entities like and in later years, underscoring dependencies on corporate funding that proved insufficient to offset rising costs. Despite the losses, the race delivered measurable economic benefits through increased visitor spending, estimated at $50 million to $80 million annually at its peak, encompassing direct tourism revenue for hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. At its height in 2005, the event drew more than 200,000 attendees over three days, generating substantial local business revenue from out-of-town visitors and supporting temporary employment in sectors like hospitality and event services. Attendance figures declined in subsequent years, reducing revenue potential and contributing to financial unsustainability, as promoter Octane cited ongoing deficits and inadequate sponsorship returns for withdrawing after the 2012 season. Overall, while the Indy created hundreds of short-term jobs and stimulated —particularly in when the event coincided with peak season—the cumulative $12 million in losses during the final three IndyCar years (2008–2010) alone outweighed these gains, leading to the race's permanent cancellation in 2012.

Cultural and Community Role

The Edmonton Indy served as a significant cultural event in , reflecting the province's enthusiasm for motorsport amid its economic prosperity from the oil industry, which supported large-scale public spectacles and positioned the race as Canada's premier event, fostering local pride among residents. The event received funding from Alberta's and Community Spirit, underscoring its role in promoting community unity and regional identity through high-profile racing. Public engagement was enhanced by family-oriented festivities, including a Ford Family Fun Zone, soap box derbies, street festivals, and car shows that drew diverse crowds to the downtown area during race weekend. These activities, part of a month-long celebration in later years, created accessible entertainment beyond the track, with celebrity drivers like serving as local heroes and interacting with fans. Educational elements focused on racing safety were integrated through demonstrations and programs highlighting vehicle technology and driver preparedness, aligning with broader outreach efforts. The event's legacy extended to nurturing Canadian motorsport talent, notably contributing to the rise of Oakville's , who secured his second Firestone Indy Lights victory at the 2010 Edmonton Indy. Hinchcliffe went on to become the first Canadian driver to win an race since Paul Tracy in 2002, with his victory at the 2011 Long Beach Grand Prix, inspiring national participation in the sport. Following the race's conclusion in 2012 and the Edmonton City Centre Airport's closure in 2013, the site underwent redevelopment into the Blatchford community, a sustainable urban district emphasizing green spaces, transit-oriented design, and environmental restoration on the former 217-hectare airport lands. As of 2025, construction is advancing, including new residential areas and a vibrant market district near the NAIT LRT stop, with full development anticipated by 2042. Despite its popularity, the Edmonton Indy faced criticism for environmental concerns related to its use of the airport site, including excessive from engines and fumes that disrupted nearby urban areas and contributed to atmospheric during events. These issues highlighted tensions between the race's community benefits and its in a densely populated setting.

References

  1. https://www.sportsnet.ca/auto-racing/indycar-edmonton-finished/
  2. https://www.indycar.com/schedule/2012/edmonton-indy
  3. https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/circuits/edmonton/
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  5. http://www.indycar.com/news/2012/07-july/7-19-long-straights-ideal-for-push-to-pass
  6. https://www.indycar.com/Videos/2012/07/7-18-IICS-Edmonton-virtual-lap
  7. https://www.flyhoward.com/Map-Airport.aspx?name=Edmonton_City_Centre&OtherName=Edmonton_City&ICAO=CYXD&IATA=YXD&FAA=&latitude=53.5725&longitude=-113.520556
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  9. https://www.insidetracknews.com/ncats-news-notes-for-edmonton/
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  11. https://www.racingcircuits.info/find-a-circuit/circuit-configuration.html
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  13. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/edmonton-reveals-new-indy-course-31023.html
  14. https://www.openwheelworld.net/en/schedule/indycar/2008
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  16. https://www.theautochannel.com/news/2011/06/09/536237-motorsports-venues-more-open-wheel-action-than-ever-before-edmonton.html
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  18. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/djs-bands-revved-up-for-edmonton-race-week
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  23. http://www.themmcgroup.ca/edmonton-indy2.html
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  28. https://www.denverpost.com/2008/02/22/indycar-champ-car-merge-together-as-one/
  29. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/scott-dixon-wins-edmonton-indy-1.714451
  30. https://www.racefans.net/2008/07/27/scott-dixon-takes-fifth-win-of-2008-at-edmonton-indy-car/
  31. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2008/09/18/The-Back-Of-The-Book/Unifying-Force-Indycar-Series-Sees-Viewership-Gains-In-08/
  32. https://globalnews.ca/news/61768/honda-announced-as-sponsor-for-edmonton-indy/
  33. https://www.sportsnet.ca/auto-racing/edmonton-indy-loss/
  34. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-indy-leaves-3-9m-debt-1.775522
  35. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/3-9m-loss-won-t-stop-2010-edmonton-indy-mayor-1.775519
  36. https://www.sportsnet.ca/auto-racing/edmonton-indy-0/
  37. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/heavy-rain-washes-out-opening-day-of-edmonton-indy
  38. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/edmonton-indy-practice-cancelled-1.1005664
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  42. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-indy-permanently-parked-1.1274364
  43. https://edmontonjournal.com/sports/auto%2520racing/edmonton-indycar-race-needs-more-local-sponsors-to-ensure-its-long-term-survival-in-river-city
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