In the break-neck 2014 Verizon IndyCar season, this weekend’s double-header in Toronto could be pivotal. After a thrilling race in Iowa, the series hits Canada with the top 5 in the drivers standings separated by 66 points (nothing in IndyCar terms).

Ryan Hunter-Reay’s last gasp win put him firmly in contention to defend his title. Whilst Juan Pablo Montoya lost ground tangling with Ed Carpenter, his double-points from Pocono keep him in the hunt and Simon Pagenaud continues quietly to rack up points.

Street races in Toronto are famous for hard racing and crashes. With back-to-back races drivers will be mindful that one shunt could wreck your entire weekend. How that plays out when it comes to those 50/50 moves for position will be significant.

The re-emergence of the Ganassi cars at Iowa adds another dimension. Scott Dixon – 140 points adrift – could still mount a late season charge but more importantly, the ability of the Ganassi cars to take big points from the championship contenders could be critical.

Team Penske continue to be, on balance, the team to beat. But as we enter the homestretch, will the memories of titles lost/thrown away in previous years haunt or inspire them? It’s going to be a fascinating weekend!