Toronto, July 8 /CNW/ - As fans braved the wet and rainy weather, it was the driver from sunny Australia, Will Power of Team Australia that captured the checkered flag to conclude the 22nd running of the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto. Neel Jani, a Swiss driver for PKV Racing and Brit Justin Wilson of RSPORTS and winner of the 2005 event, claimed the second and third podium spots. Despite soggy conditions, this year's event still had a 12 per cent increase in attendance over 2006.

"This was a fantastic year for the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto," said Johnstone. "We welcomed a new title sponsor, introduced new support series races and for the first time at the Toronto event the cars of the Champ Car World Series took off from a standing start. Working with Steelback has been a great pleasure and they were an important part in making this event the success that it was and clearly it was all a winning combination judging by the crowd's enthusiasm."

Week long festival of speed

Since it first took to the streets of Toronto in 1986, the Steelback Grand Prix of Toronto has become known as more than just a race with a week of community events leading up to race weekend and exciting off-track attractions.

This year, visitors experienced non-stop entertainment in Thunder Alley with live bands covering the music of The Police, AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and more. For those looking for a little more action, the popular outdoor playland also featured stunt bikers, acrobats and a Canadian Forces interactive display. In the GPT Auto Expo, race-goers were able to get up close to more than 180 cars that competed in the support series races.

During the week, Torontonians, race fans, race car drivers and teams came out to support the Grand Prix Charitable Foundation at a variety of free community events and some of the hottest parties of the summer. This year, the Foundation raised more than $200,000 for local children's charities.

"From start to finish, fans were rewarded with great on-track action throughout race weekend," said Charlie Johnstone, president and CEO, Grand Prix Association of Toronto. "We congratulate Will Power and Team Australia and look forward to welcoming them back to Exhibition Place next year."

About the Grand Prix Association of Toronto
The Grand Prix Association of Toronto is the owner and promoter of the Grand Prix of Toronto. For the past 21 years, Torontonians have celebrated a long-weekend of world-class racing on their streets. For more information visit www.grandprixtoronto.com