The Honda Indy Toronto will have a new president for 2016 and beyond, with Green Savoree Racing Promotions confirming Jeff Atkinson will replace the outgoing Charlie Johnstone.
Atkinson had been GSRP’s vice president for the last 10 years, where he has managed sponsorship, ticket and hospitality sales. In a release, GSRP confirmed Johnstone would leave the organization.
“Jeff is a long-time valued executive at our organization and we have the utmost confidence in him,” said Kevin Savoree, owner, president and COO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions.
“He has all of the attributes that will make him successful in this leadership role and to lead the Honda Indy Toronto. He’s a great teammate who is intelligent, articulate, attentive to others and has an incredible work ethic. We look forward to his future with the Honda Indy Toronto.”
Atkinson is a graduate of Brock University in Sport Management who resides in Toronto with his wife Angela. In addition to his role as president of Honda Indy Toronto, he will retain oversight of sales and sponsorship efforts at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The Toronto race is due to move back to its usual July date in 2016, after a one-year bump-up to June this year to allow for the Exhibition Place site to host the Pan-Am Games in July. The event has not publicly confirmed its 2016 date, though.