Greg Macdonald – General Manager, West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton
Advertising agency owner Greg Macdonald was key in helping Edmonton land July’s Champ Car World Series, the oldest open-wheeled racing series in North America.
Macdonald, who cut his teeth working for Jim Pattison’s Hook Outdoor Advertising for 14 years before opening a highly successful competitor with his brother Vance, helped oversee the transformation of a car race into a four-day cultural and sporting festival featuring a parade, demonstrations, a free Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert and a black-tie fundraiser for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. In managing the event, the 50-year-old Macdonald has shown both marketing savvy in picking up corporate partners such as West Edmonton Mall, and the ability to rally the community, marshalling more than 1,200 volunteers to run the various events. The extravaganza will provide a $60-million shot in the arm for the local economy as 60,000 gearheads from across Western Canada converge on the City Centre Airport site to watch 17 drivers from seven countries whiz around an airport tarmac at speeds reaching 400 kilometres per hour. – WG
What would be your dream car to park in your driveway?
That is a tough question. My favourite car is probably an Aston Martin. I like BMWs a lot though, especially the 6 Series. But my favourite racing series is a Champ Car because it is affordable for fans.There are three Canadian drivers involved and there are 19 cars on the grid with a lot of bump-and-grind action.
Who do you think is the greatest Albertan ever?
Lois Hole. She is a personal friend of mine and the Holes are friends of the family. She was a great person.
In 100 years, will you warrant your own chapter in the history books, a footnote to great events or a single Google hit?
Ultimately, when we are doing something great for Edmonton and the province, it would be great to be mentioned along with the entire team here at the Grand Prix of Edmonton.
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