Actor Dan Aykroyd has been chosen to serve as grand marshal for the Honda Indy Toronto race on July 10.
Aykroyd – who has a summer home just outside Kingston, and was spotted recently in the city’s west end – will oversee the event during its 25th anniversary of racing in the streets of Toronto.
In a statement published by Canada Press, the actor said he was delighted to be a part of an event with so much history, adding “I’m a longtime race fan and very proud to be Canadian. It’ll be nice to come home and take in a spectacular day of racing.”
Vice-president and general manager of Honda Indy Toronto, Charlie Johnstone, described Aykroyd as having the type of character that resonates with all Canadians and a big supporter of events across the country.
Although still active in movies, the SNL alumn is also experiencing success as an entrepreneur. His Crystal Head vodka – banned in Ontario – has long passed the million bottle sales mark and just last month launched in the UK. He also produces his own brand of premium wine, which this July will complete the commitment Aykroyd made to donate bottles to Canadian Forces personnel serving in Afghanistan; coinciding with the end of the military’s combat mission in that country.
Along with his recent work voicing the lead character in Yogi Bear – which may be getting a sequel – he is the voice of the Scarecrow in Summertime Entertainment’s “Dorothy of Oz” scheduled for release next year.
Rumours also continue that a new GhostBusters movie is in the works and ready to begin production as soon as Bill Murray commits to reprising his role from the original films.
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Photos: (Indy) Honda Indy Toronto | (Dan Aykroyd) Crystal Head Vodka
