Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton Announces New Partnership
A comprehensive event management, sponsorship coordination and general operations agreement has been forged that will build on the international success of the three-year-old event, officials announced Tuesday in Edmonton.
“We felt it was time to move the Grand Prix onto a bigger stage by getting Northlands involved and leveraging their expertise in producing and promoting Edmonton’s largest events," said Jim Haskins, President of the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton.
In 2007, the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton attracted more than 167,000 spectators. The Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) estimated that hosting the 2007 Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton injected $24.8 million dollars in expenditures into the Greater Edmonton economy.
The new arrangement ties the race to Capital Ex, Edmonton’s summer celebration. The Grand Prix will be held the weekend of July 18-20 with Capital Ex surrounding it, opening July 17 and closing July 26. Last year, Capital EX attracted more than 773,000 visitors over 10 days.
“Northlands is very excited to play a part in expanding this great race," said Jerry Bouma, Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors. “We are committed to making Edmonton a great city and this agreement means that Northlands can continue to do what we do best—put on large scale, world-class events that attract visitors from abroad and showcase Edmonton to the world."
“We’re thrilled that Edmonton is preparing to do all it can to further enhance this popular event on the Champ Car schedule," said Champ Car President & CEO Steve Johnson, who participated in Tuesday’s announcement in Edmonton. “In just three seasons, the Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton has grown in stature and now sits among our top-tier of events. The circuit at Edmonton’s City Centre Airport is unique and very popular with fans and drivers alike."
Previous winners of the race are Justin Wilson (2005) and four-time Champ Car titlist Sebastien Bourdais (2006, 2007). The Rexall Grand Prix of Edmonton serves as the final race in the Canadian Triple Crown, a team competition that links the three Champ Car events (including Mont-Tremblant and Toronto) held in Canada. The competition was won last year by Team Australia drivers Will Power and Simon Pagenaud.