2006 Edmonton Grand Prix

Last weekend (July 21-23) I had the chance to work at the Edmonton Grand Prix again. I basically did the same thing as last year, Event Managment. I looked after the Winner's Circle Closing Ceremonies for all three series, Cascar, Toyota Atlantics and Champ Car. Good times. Admitedly, although last year was a blast, anyone who was around to see me when I worked that race can attest that I was a wreck by the end of the weekend. The work days were really long and stress was pretty severe leading up to the race yes, but the race weekend itself pretty much beat me to a pulp haha... If I remember I lost something like 10 or 11 pounds that month... Ugh.

This year though, with the Oilers playing so late in the year, I wasn't able to go over the Champ Car so early. Instead I just got to show up race week and help out a bit here and there. Then, come race weekend, I only had to oversee on-track events. It was much more relaxed. Thanks to Ken, who once again volunteered his time to come and help out on Sunday, I actully even got see a bit of racing this year.









All in all it was another HUGE success for the GPE again. The crowds, though a bit smaller than last year, were still massive and the media reveiws were glowing, which is exciting beause the race is here in Edmonton for up to another 8 years. If we can improve it a bit each and every year, it could end up being the best ChampCar race in the series. Really, the only downside of the weekend was the incredible heat. Saturday, on track, it was +34. Sunday, on track was a relentless +37. There wasn't so much as a breeze that day. Not being used to this at all, it's a funny thing (sorta) to watch northern Albertans try and deal with that kind of heat. The event went through over 2X the amount of estimated water. We even set up "Misting" tents so people could cool off. I guess it just further goes to show that when it comes to Alberta weather, you really never know what you're going to get.



Can't wait for 2007!