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Gene Simmons, a co-founder member of Rock Gods KISS, and a modern marketing marvel, will be the Grand Marshal of the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto, race organizers announced today.
Simmons co-founded KISS more than 35 years ago and KISS, who broke box office records set by the Beatles and Elvis, continues to play to sold out Stadiums and Arenas all over the world today.
Simmons has been the mastermind behind many modern advancements in merchandising/licensing, including some of the larger licensing/merchandise deals for KISS (more than 2,500 licenses currently in effect around the globe), production of television shows (including the popular Gene Simmons Family Jewels on A & E, Gene Simmons Rock School on VH1 and My Dad the Rock Star on Nickelodeon) and a series of KISS and Simmons-themed comic books sold around the world. No stranger to the motorsports world, Simmons was involved in the global marketing of the IndyCar Series for several years through his partnership in Simmons Abramson Marketing.
"Gene Simmons is one of the most recognizable figures and groundbreaking businessmen in the world and we are pleased to have him be a big part of the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto," said Kevin Savoree, President, Andretti Green Toronto, promoters of the race. "We have had the pleasure of working with Gene and his team on several occasions and we know his unique, high-energy personality will be a great addition to the festivities at this year's event."
Four Former Toronto Winners Embedded in Talented Field for 2009 Honda Indy
Four former Toronto winners representing five total wins are set to run the 2009 Honda Indy Toronto IndyCar Series event July 10-12 at the Exhibition Place circuit.
Will Power (2007), Justin Wilson (2005), Dario Franchitti (1999) and Paul Tracy (1993, 2003) are all expected to be on the starting grid when the IndyCar Series makes its first-ever stop in the Greater Toronto Area. In addition, the Honda Indy Toronto field is also highlighted by four former winners of the Indianapolis 500 including Helio Castroneves
(2001, 2002, 2009), Scott Dixon (2008), Franchitti (2007) and Dan Wheldon (2005).
A combined six series championships will also be represented in Toronto next month, led by a pair of titles for Dixon (2003, 2008 IndyCar), Franchitti (2007 IndyCar), Wheldon (2005 IndyCar), Tony Kanaan (2004 IndyCar) and Tracy (2003 Champ Car).
