Rock star, marketing genius, Grand Marshall - Gene Simmons was a hit with the Toronto crowd as many in the crowd called for him to show his famous tongue and he did not disappoint. Coming in behind a military marching band Gene hoped off a Honda pickup and came to centre stage located at the start finish line between the pits and the Direct Energy Centre.
The drivers were welcomed to the stage and introduced to the fans. Then the National Anthems were sung, fireworks were set off, there was a fighter jet flyover and Gene announced "Lady and gentlemen start your Honda engines."
The drivers seemed in a good mood right before the running of the Honda Indy. I noticed Danica smiling and Alex Tagliani was wearing King Tut headgear.
