This weekend IndyCar travels across the borders for a race in Canada. It is IndyCar’s only international race on the calendar since São Paulo was taken off the calendar after the 2013 season. The series races on its first street circuit since they were on the streets of Detroit a month ago.

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The temporary street circuit at Exhibition Place has a long frontstretch leading into Turn 1 which leads into an even longer backstretch. This makes Turn 1 vital for good momentum and maybe even an overtaking opportunity. After the long straight there are some challenging corners, which includes 90-degree right-hander at Turn 3. 

The track is known to be bumpy, which provides a huge challenge for the drivers. Especially heading into the heavy braking zone of Turn 1. Because of the nature of the circuit drivers and teams will be working with a maximum downforce set-up and looking for mechanical grip. 

Blomqvist makes his IndyCar debut with Meyer Shank Racing

After a hard crash in practice for Simon Pagenaud at Mid-Ohio, the Frenchman is still not medically cleared to race. Instead of running Conor Daly again who was a last minute substitute at Mid-Ohio the team has opted for Tom Blomqvist. Blomqvist is the reigning IMSA DPi champion and won the championship together with Meyer Shank Racing and his teammate Oliver Jarvis.

Last October he made his IndyCar test debut at a private test in Sebring, where he was fastest of all 5 participants. Making his IndyCar race debut, however, is like diving into the deep end. But can act as a great learning experience, especially with a possible full-time IndyCar seat with the team next year. 

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It will be Tom Blomqvist’s first single-seater race since 2020 when he competed in Formula E for NIO 333.

Track Layout for 2023:

Championship Fight

Alex Palou continues to lead the championship in dominant fashion. After his win at Mid-Ohio he leads the standings by 110 points over his teammate Scott Dixon. Palou seems absolutely unbeatable. Such a huge lead at a little over halfway through the season is basically unheard of, and with Palou’s current form it doesn’t seem to be decreasing anytime soon.

Track Information:

• Race Length: 85 Laps | 151.81 Miles
• Turns: 11
• Track Length: 1.786 miles (2.874 km)
• Most Wins: Michael Andretti (7)
• Race Lap Record: 58.806 Cristiano da Matta (CART)

Past Winners in Toronto

• 2022: Scott Dixon
• 2019: Simon Pagenaud
• 2018: Scott Dixon