Circuit Mont-Tremblant

Origins and Construction

The concept for Circuit Mont-Tremblant was driven by local business owners and hoteliers in the Mont-Tremblant region who sought to create a year-round tourism destination beyond the popular winter ski season. Construction of the facility was undertaken in two distinct phases to establish a permanent racing venue. The original circuit layout, measuring 2.510 kilometres with twelve corners, was completed and opened for its inaugural race on 3 August 1964. By September of that same year, essential infrastructure including a bridge, pit stalls, and facilities for media and officials were finished, enabling the track to host proper sports car and prototype events. The following year, in 1965, the circuit was significantly expanded to a length of 4.265 kilometres to accommodate larger, faster racing categories, debuting this new layout with the Player's Quebec Sports Car Race in September.

Golden Age of Major Series (1960s-1970s)

The expanded Circuit Mont-Tremblant quickly ascended to become a premier venue for top-tier North American motorsport throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. The circuit hosted its first Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) race on 11 September 1966, beginning a long association with the powerful sports car series. In 1967 and 1968, it was the site for consecutive United States Auto Club (USAC) Indy Car twin 100-mile double-header events, known as the Saint-Jovite 200. The track's prestige was cemented by hosting the Formula One World Championship Canadian Grand Prix on two occasions, in 1968 and again in 1970. The 1970 Grand Prix was historically significant as it marked the debut of the Tyrrell Racing team as a Formula One constructor. During this prolific era, the circuit was a regular stop for series including Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and Formula Atlantic, attracting a legendary roster of drivers from around the world. The list of notable competitors from the late 1960s and 1970s includes champions from multiple disciplines. These drivers include Mario Andretti, Chris Amon, Alan Jones, A. J. Foyt, Gordon Johncock, Parnelli Jones, Jacky Ickx, Denny Hulme, Bruce McLaren, Mark Donohue, Dan Gurney, Roger Penske, Peter Revson, Jochen Rindt, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Al and Bobby Unser, and Gilles Villeneuve. They competed at Circuit Mont-Tremblant during this period.

• Mario Andretti and A. J. Foyt from USAC and IndyCar
• Formula One stars Jackie Stewart, Jochen Rindt, and John Surtees
• Can-Am legends Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, and Mark Donohue
• Future world champion Alan Jones and Canadian icon Gilles Villeneuve
• Other notable drivers like Chris Amon, Roger Penske, Peter Revson, and Jacky Ickx

This concentration of talent solidified the circuit's reputation. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Circuit Mont-Tremblant was a regular venue for major North American racing series. These series included Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and Formula Atlantic. The circuit hosted significant events that drew attention.

A Hub for Canadian Racing Development (1980s-1990s)

While the international spotlight shifted elsewhere in the 1980s and 1990s, Circuit Mont-Tremblant maintained its vital role as a centre for Canadian national racing. The circuit became the regular home for prominent domestic series that were essential for developing homegrown talent, providing a competitive proving ground for drivers aspiring to reach the highest levels of the sport. Key championships that raced at Mont-Tremblant during this period included the Rothmans Porsche (Turbo) Cup, the Players GM Challenge Series, the Honda-Michelin Series, the Export A Formula 2000, and the Canadian Formula 1600 Championship. The circuit's program was instrumental in the early careers of many drivers who would go on to achieve national and international success, confirming the track's continued importance to the Canadian motorsport ecosystem.

Notable Canadian drivers developed their skills racing at Circuit Mont-Tremblant during the 1980s and 1990s. These drivers include Paul Tracy, Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Greg Moore, Richard Spenard, Patrick Carpentier, and Alex Tagliani. They raced in prominent Canadian national series at the circuit. These series played a significant role in the development of Canadian racing talent.

• Paul Tracy, the 2003 Champ Car champion
• Ron Fellows, a sports car racing champion
• Greg Moore, a rising star in Champ Car
• Richard Spenard, a successful Canadian racer
• Patrick Carpentier, a Champ Car race winner
• Alex Tagliani, a long-time IndyCar competitor

Their collective achievements demonstrated the circuit's function. During the 1980s and 1990s, the circuit regularly hosted prominent Canadian national racing series. These series included the Rothmans Porsche (Turbo) Cup and the Players GM Challenge Series. Other series were the Honda-Michelin Series, Export A Formula 2000, and the Canadian Formula 1600 Championship. This activity helped ensure the circuit remained active.

The Jim Russell Racing School and Karting Facility

Since 1969, Circuit Mont-Tremblant has been the North American home of the prestigious Jim Russell Racing Driver School, which has established a formidable reputation for identifying and training racing talent. The school utilizes the circuit's demanding layout to teach advanced driving techniques and racecraft to aspiring competitors. More recently, the school has helped develop current Formula One drivers Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi, continuing its legacy of preparing drivers for the highest levels of international competition. A CIK-FIA-rated karting facility was added to the complex in 2010. This facility supports driver development programs. It has hosted Canadian national karting events. The circuit is also home to the Jim Russell Racing Driver School, which was established in 1969. The school has produced internationally successful drivers including Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques Villeneuve, Lance Stroll, and Nicholas Latifi.

Modernisation and Recent History

In the 2000s, under new ownership, Circuit Mont-Tremblant underwent a significant renovation program aimed at upgrading the facility to modern safety standards while carefully preserving its historic character and challenging layout. Key improvements included a complete resurfacing and widening of the track, a major expansion of the pit lane and paddock facilities, and the creation of increased run-off areas in key corners to enhance driver safety. These upgrades successfully facilitated the return of major professional racing categories to Quebec, including top-level sports car racing with the Rolex Sports Car Series which held the 6 Hours of Mont-Tremblant from 2002 to 2005. Open-wheel racing returned with a Champ Car World Series event in 2007, and the track also welcomed the Canadian Superbike Championship and various historic motorsport festivals during this period. The circuit is used extensively for club racing, corporate events, manufacturer programs, and vehicle launches. On 21 July 2022, the Circuit Mont-Tremblant complex was acquired by 11938053 Canada Inc. This company is owned by Montreal businessman Gad Bitton of the Holand Automotive Group. This acquisition marks a new chapter in the circuit's history.

Historic and Current Events

Circuit Mont-Tremblant has hosted many major events. It hosted the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in 1968 and 1970. The circuit hosted the Champ Car World Series Mont-Tremblant Grand Prix in 2007. It hosted the Rolex Sports Car Series 6 Hours of Mont-Tremblant from 2002 to 2005. The circuit was a regular venue for the Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am). It also hosted the Trans-Am Series and USAC Championship Car races.

Today, the circuit's primary competitive fixtures are its seasonal club racing events. These key annual events include the Classique Printemps in May. They include the Classique Été in July. They also include the Classique Automne in September. The circuit continues to be used for club racing, corporate events, manufacturer programs, and vehicle launches.

Major Event Winners at Circuit Mont-Tremblant

The winners' list at Circuit Mont-Tremblant features champions from across the motorsport world. The track has a diverse history. It has consistently attracted a high level of competition. Notable drivers who competed at the circuit include many champions.

These victories represent a sample of the competitive history at the circuit. Many other series also crowned event winners at the track. These series included Trans-Am, Formula Atlantic, and the Canadian Superbike Championship. Each name on a winners list reflects the calibre of competition.

Questions about Circuit Mont-Tremblant

What major racing series has Circuit Mont-Tremblant hosted?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant hosted the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in 1968 and 1970. It hosted its first Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) race in 1966. The circuit hosted USAC Indy Car events in 1967 and 1968. It hosted the Champ Car World Series Mont-Tremblant Grand Prix in 2007. The circuit hosted the Rolex Sports Car Series 6 Hours of Mont-Tremblant from 2002 to 2005. It was a regular venue for Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and Formula Atlantic.

What is the Jim Russell Racing School?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant is home to the Jim Russell Racing Driver School. The school was established in 1969. It has produced a number of internationally successful drivers. These drivers include Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques Villeneuve, Lance Stroll, and Nicholas Latifi.

What upgrades were made to the circuit in the 2000s?

In the 2000s, new ownership initiatives focused on upgrading the facility. Improvements included track resurfacing and widening. They included pit lane expansion and increased run-off areas. These upgrades enabled the return of major racing categories.

Where is Circuit Mont-Tremblant located?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant is located in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, approximately 130 km (81 mi) north of Montreal, Canada. The circuit is situated near the Mont-Tremblant ski resort. It is a 4.218 km road racing circuit that follows the natural topography and elevation changes of the surrounding terrain. Originally known as Circuit Mont-Tremblant-St-Jovite, it was renamed in the 1970s. This venue is the second oldest racing circuit in the country.

Can the public drive on Circuit Mont-Tremblant?

The public can access the circuit through various organized events and programs. The circuit is used extensively for club racing, corporate events, manufacturer programs, and vehicle launches. It also hosts recurring public events such as the Classique Printemps, Classique Été, and Classique Automne. The Jim Russell Racing Driver School, established at the circuit in 1969, offers driver development programs. A CIK FIA rated karting facility added in 2010 also supports these activities and hosts national events.

Who owns Circuit Mont-Tremblant?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant is owned by 11938053 Canada Inc. This company acquired the circuit complex on 21 July 2022. The company is owned by Montreal businessman Gad Bitton of the Holand Automotive Group. Prior to this acquisition, the circuit had undergone upgrades under new ownership in the 2000s to improve it to FIA standards. These improvements included track resurfacing, pit lane expansion, and increased run off areas to attract major racing categories back to the venue.

Sources and further reading

• Circuit Mont-Tremblant (Wikipedia)
• Circuit Mont-Tremblant: History, Capacity, Events & ... (sportsmatik.com)
• Circuit Mont-Tremblant, F1 History (formulaonehistory.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-22.