Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

History and Development

The circuit was conceived in the late 1950s as the second purpose-built road course in Canada, following British Columbia's Westwood Motorsport Park. Its name, Mosport, is a portmanteau of 'motor sport' derived from the original development company. The track held its first local event in June 1961, organized by the Oakville Light Car Club, and its first major international race, the Player's 200, later that same month. That inaugural race was won by British racing legend Stirling Moss in a Lotus 19, and at his suggestion, a proposed hairpin was expanded into two distinct corners, which were subsequently named Moss Corner in his honour. The track layout has remained largely unchanged from its original design, preserving its classic character through decades of racing.

Mosport quickly rose to prominence by hosting a series of wildly popular international sports car races billed as the Canadian Grand Prix, a title normally reserved for Formula One. The success of these events broke Canadian sports attendance records and positioned the track as an important component in the founding of the Can-Am series, which first visited in 1966. The facility achieved a unique milestone in Canada's centennial year of 1967, hosting Formula One, USAC IndyCar, and a 500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix all in the same season. Formula One's Canadian Grand Prix remained at Mosport until 1977, when it moved to its current home in Montreal. The ownership of the facility has changed several times since its founding, with notable past owners including Norm Namerow and Harvey Hudes, both later inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

In 1998, the track was purchased by Panoz Motorsports, which brought the new American Le Mans Series to the venue the following year. The current ownership group, Canadian Motorsports Ventures Ltd., purchased the facility in June 2011. This group includes Orlando Corporation Chairman Carlo Fidani and celebrated Canadian road racing driver Ron Fellows. In February 2012, a major partnership with Canadian Tire was announced, resulting in the venue's official renaming to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a sponsorship that continues to this day.

Circuit Layouts and Facilities

The heart of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is its legendary Grand Prix Circuit, a 3.957-kilometre, 10-turn road course known for its challenging, flowing layout and significant elevation changes. The entire circuit was repaved in 2001 to meet modern FIA specifications, widening it to 13 metres while consulting drivers to ensure the historic character and racing lines of the old track were preserved. In addition to the main circuit, the facility operates the Mosport Karting Centre, a 1.500-kilometre kart track that serves as a training ground for aspiring racers. A significant expansion came in the spring of 2000 with the opening of the Driver Development Centre, originally a 1.700-kilometre training circuit designed by the Bridgestone Racing Academy.

The Driver Development Centre was reconstructed and lengthened in the fall of 2013 due to high scheduling demands on the main circuit. The current centre features two configuration options: a 2.200-kilometre intermediate course and a 2.900-kilometre advanced course. The centre also includes a 0.402-kilometre skid pad, a pit lane, and a multi-storey event centre with classrooms, making it a comprehensive training facility for drivers and mechanics. For over two decades, from 2000 to 2019, the park was home to the Bridgestone Racing Academy, which conducted corporate programs, racing schools, and a Mechanics Training Program. The academy was originally established at Shannonville Motorsport Park before moving its operations to Mosport, and its presence solidified the track's role as a centre for driver education.

The Former Mosport Speedway Oval

From 1989 to 2013, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park also featured a 0.805-kilometre oval speedway located on the northwest corner of the property. Originally constructed as a dirt track named Mosport's Ascot North, its inaugural event in July 1989 was cancelled after heat races caused deep ruts and dislodged stones. The track was paved that same summer and renamed Mosport International Speedway, featuring 240-metre straightaways and six-degree banked corners, with two grandstands providing seating for 8,500 spectators. For 24 years, the oval hosted a weekly Saturday night stock car racing program from May to September, featuring divisions such as pure stock, sportsman, and late models.

The oval regularly hosted touring series including the ACT Series, ISMA Supermodifieds, OSCAAR, the Lucas Oil Sportsman Cup, the CASCAR Super Series, and the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. The park announced the closing of the oval in July 2013 to accommodate the expansion of the Driver Development Centre. The original academy course was reconstructed and lengthened to a full racing course in the fall of 2013. The new track features a 2.200 km intermediate course and a 2.900 km advanced course, as well as a skid pad and a multi-storey event centre.

Major Racing Series and Events

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has hosted an extraordinarily diverse array of racing series throughout its history, cementing its status as a national institution. Its calendar is anchored by several major annual events, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which makes its sole Canadian stop at CTMP for the Chevrolet Grand Prix, typically held in July. This event, Canada's largest annual sports car race, replaced the American Le Mans Series as the feature race in 2014 and includes supporting series like the Michelin Pilot Challenge and Mazda MX-5 Cup. The NASCAR Canada Series visits the facility at least twice each season, with races including the CarGurus 200 during the Victoria Day SpeedFest weekend and the WeatherTech 200 in September.

The park also hosts the Canadian Superbike Championship in August, the Trans-Am Series, and the Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC) Vintage Grand Prix in June. The 2026 season marks the venue's 65th anniversary, opening with the Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest from May 15 to 17. Other current events include the Radical Cup Canada, USF Juniors, and various Formula regional championships. The track's historical roster of former series is extensive, including a longtime home for the Can-Am series from 1966 to 1986, the SCCA Formula 5000 Championship, the Atlantic Championship, and the World Sportscar Championship.

The circuit has hosted a wide variety of series including the Superbike World Championship and the Motocross World Championship. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is scheduled to return in 2027. The Ferrari Challenge North America is also scheduled for 2027. The track hosts current events from May through September, such as the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the NASCAR Canada Series. It also hosts vintage racing series, motorcycle racing, and Canadian Automobile Sport Club amateur events.

Safety Record and Notable Incidents

Like many historic racing circuits, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has experienced fatal accidents over its long history. The most recognized incident involved German Formula One driver Manfred Winkelhock, who was killed in 1985 when his Porsche 962C crashed into a concrete wall during a World Sportscar Championship event. In 2008, driver Dino Crescentini lost control of his 1977 Wolf Dallara Can-Am car during a vintage racing festival and succumbed to his injuries. The most recent fatality occurred in 2018 when 61-year-old former Pro Mazda driver Jeff Green left the track at turn 8 and struck a barrier, and despite quick medical attention, he did not survive the crash.

Mosport has had several fatalities involving drivers and riders, including Manfred Winkelhock in 1985, Dino Crescentini in 2008, and Jeff Green in 2018. The track continues to host a wide variety of professional and amateur racing series. For 2001, the entire circuit was repaved to meet FIA specifications. Drivers were consulted during this repaving to ensure the character of the original track was maintained.

Music Festivals and Off-Track Activities

Beyond motorsport, the expansive grounds of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park have served as a venue for several major music festivals, leveraging its capacity for large crowds and camping. One of the earliest was the Strawberry Fields Festival held over three days in August 1970. The venue hosted the massive Canada Jam festival on a single day, August 26, 1978, which drew a significant audience. The Heatwave Festival followed on August 23, 1980, and in more recent decades, the park was the site of Edenfest in July 1996 and the Boots and Hearts Music Festival from 2012 to 2014.

These events demonstrated the facility's versatility and its role in Ontario's cultural landscape. For racing events, the park enhances the fan experience with off-track attractions like the CTMP Marketplace with vendors and food trucks, and the Canadian Tire Fun Zone for families. Full paddock access and open grid walks allow fans to get close to the cars and drivers before races, while free shuttle services help with moving around the large property during major event weekends. The park also hosts corporate events and driving experiences, further diversifying its use throughout the year.

Ownership and Business Operations

The business entity operating Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is Canadian Motorsports Ventures Ltd., a partnership that acquired the facility in June 2011. The group is led by Carlo Fidani, Chairman of the Orlando Corporation, a major Canadian real estate development firm, and Ron Fellows, one of Canada's most successful and respected professional racing drivers. Their ownership has focused on preserving the track's heritage while investing in modern facilities and securing major event series. A major business development came in February 2012 with the announcement of a naming rights partnership with Canadian Tire Corporation, one of Canada's most recognized retail brands.

This partnership resulted in the venue's official renaming to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and provides significant sponsorship support. The deal aligns the track with a brand deeply embedded in Canadian automotive culture and provides financial stability. The park operates as a commercial venue, hosting corporate events, driving experiences, and track rental days in addition to its packed racing calendar. This diversified business model ensures its financial sustainability and continued role as a centre for Canadian motorsport, supporting operations and future investments in the facility.

Questions about Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Where is Canadian Tire Motorsport Park located?

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is located north of the community of Orono in the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario. It is situated approximately 75 kilometres, or about a 47-mile drive, east of downtown Toronto. The physical address is 3233 Concession Road 10, Bowmanville, Ontario. Its proximity to Canada's largest city has made it a accessible destination for racing fans from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond for over six decades.

What is the history behind the name 'Mosport'?

The name 'Mosport' is a portmanteau, blending the words 'motor' and 'sport'. It originated from the name of the original enterprise, Mosport Limited, which was formed to finance and build the track in the late 1950s. The facility operated under the names Mosport Park and Mosport International Raceway for over 50 years. In February 2012, a major partnership with Canadian Tire Corporation was announced, which included the renaming of the venue to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, though the 'Mosport' name remains deeply ingrained in its history and is still commonly used by fans.

What major racing series currently race at CTMP?

The park hosts a robust schedule of professional series. The headline event is the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's Chevrolet Grand Prix, typically held in July. The NASCAR Canada Series visits at least twice a year for events like the CarGurus 200 and the WeatherTech 200. Other major current series include the Canadian Superbike Championship in August, the Trans-Am Series, the Radical Cup Canada, and the Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC) Vintage Grand Prix. The venue also hosts ladder series such as USF Juniors, Formula Regional Americas, and Formula 4 United States.

Did Formula One ever race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park?

Yes, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, then known as Mosport, was the home of the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix for many years. The track first hosted the F1 World Championship in 1961 and held the race intermittently through 1977, with events in 1961 through 1967, 1969, 1971 through 1974, and 1976 through 1977. The 1967 event was part of a remarkable triple-header where the track also hosted USAC IndyCar and a Motorcycle Grand Prix. After the 1977 race, the Canadian Grand Prix moved to the Île Notre-Dame circuit in Montreal, where it has been held ever since.

What happened to the oval track that was at Mosport?

Mosport Speedway was a 0.805-kilometre paved oval located on the northwest corner of the property. It operated from 1989 to 2013, hosting weekly stock car racing and touring series like the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and CASCAR. The oval was closed in July 2013 to make way for the expansion of the Driver Development Centre, the park's driver training facility. The land was needed to lengthen the training circuit and add supporting infrastructure, leading to the end of oval racing at the complex after 24 seasons.

What fan experiences are available during major race weekends?

Major events like the IMSA Chevrolet Grand Prix offer extensive fan engagement beyond the on-track action. Experiences typically include full paddock access, allowing fans to see teams and cars up close, and open grid walks on the pit lane before feature races. The CTMP Marketplace features displays, vendors, and food trucks, while the Canadian Tire Fun Zone provides family-friendly activities. Free shuttle services help fans move around the large facility. VIP packages, such as the Grand Prix Club, offer hospitality tents with premium views, catering, and other amenities for an enhanced experience.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-20.