The new circuit will benefit from 2256 miles of running surface, comprising a total of 13 turns, and will host the 4th edition of the Edmonton Indy race on July 22-24. Additionally, it will replace the old-spec venue in the Firestone Indy Lights championship.
The change from the old circuit that the IndyCar field used to run on was made due to the closure of one of the two airport runways shortly after the 2010 race. However, the new switch has enabled design consultant Tony Cotman to play a bit more with the straights and turns of the new layout and offer the fans a more exciting track.
“The other (1.96-mile, 14-turn) course one was good and fast initially but it was too hard to pass on,” argued Cotman. “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.”
In addition, the switch will make room for no less than 6 grandstands spread around the track, together with a new general admission price structure (ticketing) set up by race promoters Octane Motorsports Events Inc.
“(...) 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,” added Octane president Francois Dumontier.
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