Honda Indy #Toronto 2012: Free Friday

Ontario Honda Dealers are once again sponsoring the annual Free Friday entrance into the @HondaIndy. Four race series will take part in the largest sporting event in Ontario during the July 6-8, 2012  race weekend: IZOD IndyCar, Firestone Indy Lights, Ferrari Challenge and the Star Mazda Championship. There was plenty of excitement on the first day with crashes, bangs and an ambulance for crews injured during a pit incident. Dario Franchitti #10 and Sebastien Bourdais  #7 come around turn one.

The open wheel racing found with IndyCar has recently been updated with a new chassis, new engine suppliers and starting in Toronto - the push to pass power boost returns which will help in the straightaways found in the Streets of Toronto 2.84 km, 11 turn course. Ryan Hunter-Reay #29 comes out of turn one, above.

Will Power #12 at turn 7

Firestone Indy Lights

Starting in 1986 the race has evolved with different sponsors, including Molson (1986 to 2006), Steelback (2007) and Honda (2009 to present). In 2007 the CART, Champ Car World Series ended and in 2009 the CART series rejoined with the IndyCar series and returned to Toronto.

Ferrari Challenge Francisco Longo #17 of Ferrari of Brasil at turns 9 and 10

Gates open Friday at 8:00am with practices by Star Mazda, Ferrari, Firestone Indy Lights and IndyCar. At 4:20pm the first Ferrari Challenge Qualifying runs will be made. Gates close on this busy day at 6:00pm.

Pretty ladies at the PRN booth

See more photos after the jump.

Star Mazda cars come into the pits in preparation for a practice

Ryan Ockey #89 of Ferrari of Ontario Ferrari Challenge Car

James in the pits early Friday, photo by Joe Hamilton

IndyCar drivers enter the pit area on their second favourite method of transportation. Graham Rahal #38 above, James Hinchcliffe #27 below.

Simona De Silvestro #78

Alex Tagliani's #98 car gets towed into the pits as another series moves out

IndyCars in the pits during practice

Pit row in front of the Gold stands

Rubens Barrichello #8 enters then exits the turn 3 run off area

Marco Andretti #26 in the Dr Pepper car

Dario tires smoke as he comes around turn 3

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