Colton Herta takes the pole for the Honda Indy Toronto!@AlwaysRaceDay pic.twitter.com/yJBJWMwhlg
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) July 20, 2024
It's been a long time coming, it's well worth the wait 🎶 @ColtonHerta gets to kiss the @WilliamAshleyCo winner's trophy and sip @FieldingWinery in Victory Circle after winning the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto! 🏆 🍾 #indyTO pic.twitter.com/A8ebjRly5x
— Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto (@hondaindy) July 21, 2024
The 2024 Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto race delivered an exhilarating spectacle of speed, skill, and strategy on the streets of Exhibition Place. Colton Herta, the 24-year-old American driver, put on a masterclass performance to claim his first NTT IndyCar Series victory in over two year.Herta’s dominance was evident throughout the entire weekend. He achieved a remarkable feat by posting the fastest times in both practice sessions, qualifying, and Sunday’s warm-up before ultimately winning the race. This clean sweep marks the first time in IndyCar history that a driver has accomplished such a feat.Race HighlightsThe race was characterized by its chaotic nature, featuring six restarts that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Herta maintained control from pole position, showcasing his skill and composure amidst the turbulent conditions.Key moments of the race included:
- A massive multi-car crash on lap 73 involving Pato O’Ward, Marcus Ericsson, Pietro Fittipaldi, Santino Ferrucci, and Nolan Siegel
- Ferrucci’s car going airborne but fortunately landing without serious injury to the driver
- Scott Dixon’s impressive climb from 15th to 3rd place
- Alex Palou’s strategic drive from 18th to 4th, extending his championship lead
Podium Finishers
- Colton Herta
- Kyle Kirkwood
- Scott Dixon
Kirkwood, Herta’s teammate, played a supportive role throughout the race, giving Herta space at the front after each restart. Dixon, a four-time Toronto champion, showcased his experience and tactical acumen to secure the final podium spot.Championship ImplicationsThe race results had significant implications for the season-long standings:
- Alex Palou extended his championship lead to 49 points over Will Power
- Pato O’Ward, who was third in the standings, faced a setback with his involvement in the multi-car crash
Notable Performances and Incidents
- Christian Lundgaard, the defending Toronto champion, finished in 7th place
- Several drivers, including Christian Rasmussen, Agustin Canapino, and Kyffin Simpson, were forced to exit the race due to crashes
- For only the second time in the race’s history, there were no Canadian drivers in the field
The 2024 Honda Indy Toronto proved to be a thrilling addition to the IndyCar calendar, showcasing the sport’s unpredictability and the exceptional skill of its drivers. Colton Herta’s dominant performance will be remembered as a highlight of the season, while the race’s impact on the championship standings sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series.
