David Ostella remembers going to watch Indy car races on the streets of Toronto's Exhibition Place as he was growing up. This week, he'll get to make some new memories.
The 19-year-old from the Toronto suburb of Maple, Ontario will get his first chance to race on the streets of Toronto during the Firestone Indy Lights races at the 1.75-mile street course.
"Toronto is my hometown and my home race. I definitely can't wait for it," said Ostella, who lives about 20 minutes from the circuit. "I remember going there with my dad and seeing (Michael) Andretti and all of those guys. Now I'm actually going to get to race on the track. It's going to be pretty awesome. I can't wait."
Ostella, the only Canadian driver racing full-time in Firestone Indy Lights, is seventh in the point standings in his rookie season driving for Jensen MotorSport, which is owned by Canadian Eric Jensen. Ostella has finished in the top-10 in the last four races, boosting his confidence for his home race.
"I'm definitely happy with how the three oval races went," Ostella said. "I finished them all, and learned a lot about each type track we encountered. I had a little mishap at each one, but I finished and can now look forward to the road courses."
But more importantly, the return to a street couse is a chance for Ostella to shine in front of his friends and family.
"It is pretty important to race on home soil for me because all the big races I've ever done, in cars and go-karts were in the States," he said. "To race in my hometown of Toronto – I've raced at Montreal and Three Rivers (Trois Riviere, Quebec) last year – means there will be a lot of family there. With an Italian background, I have a big Italian family and they will all be there cheering me on. There will be a lot of family cheering me on."
While Toronto race may be the most important for Ostella to do well, it is the first of four races held in Canada this year.
Ostella hopes his status as a Canadian driver racing for a Canadian team will make him the hometown favorite for races in Edmonton, Alberta and Trois Rivieres, Quebec as well.
"I was at Three Rivers last year and the year before (in Star Mazda) and the fans there are pretty awesome," he said. "They really get into racing. I've never been to Edmonton before, so I don't know how it will be, but to be Canadian and racing in Canada is going to be pretty big.
"I've talked to (James) Hinchcliffe about it, and he told me it's great racing back at home and having the fans and family and friends. I can't wait to see for myself."
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