Simmons set to `Shout It Out Loud' as Indy marshal

The announcement of KISS lead singer Gene Simmons as grand marshal of the Honda Indy Toronto signals the kickoff of a last-minute burst of promotion for the July 10-12 racing event at the CNE.

Simmons, known as much for his tongue as his singing, co-founded KISS more than 35 years ago but has since branched out into merchandising, marketing and TV production. His reality show, Gene Simmons' Family Jewels (co-starring long-time partner, Canadian Playboy Playmate Shannon Tweed), can be seen in the GTA on A&E.

"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 of Andretti Green Toronto, promoters of the race.

Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry and late actor John Candy were previous grand marshals.

Honda Indy will take over Yonge-Dundas Square on Tuesday and Wednesday for event and sponsor displays and driver appearances. On Tuesday night, the classic racing movie Le Mans starring Steve McQueen will be shown on the big screens – an excellent choice considering there are only about five minutes of dialogue in the entire 106-minute action film.

Indy drivers will visit the Hospital for Sick Children next Thursday morning, a day before they'll fire up their cars for the first time. In the afternoon, Scarborough's Paul Tracy, along with Tony Kanaan, Ryan Hunter-Reay and E.J. Viso, among others, will hold court on the front straight at the Ex.

Organizers didn't mention Danica Patrick in this flurry of announcements, but she's coming too.

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