Circuit Mont-Tremblant

Origins and Early Development

The concept for Circuit Mont-Tremblant originated with local business owners and hoteliers in the early 1960s who sought to extend the region's tourism season beyond its popular winter ski operations. Construction was completed in two distinct phases to manage costs and allow for early operation. The original 2.510-kilometre layout with twelve corners opened on 3 August 1964, hosting its inaugural race that same day. By September of that year, key infrastructure including a bridge, pit stalls, and facilities for media and officials had been completed, enabling the circuit to host more substantial sports car and prototype events. The circuit was extended the following year to 4.265 kilometres, with the expanded layout debuting in September 1965 with the Player's Quebec Sports Car Race.

Era of Major International Racing

The late 1960s and 1970s marked the circuit's peak as a venue for premier North American racing series. It hosted its first Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) race on 11 September 1966, beginning a long association with the powerful sports car series. The circuit hosted consecutive USAC Indy Car twin 100-mile double-header events in 1967 and 1968, bringing top open-wheel talent to Quebec. Its most significant international events were the two Formula One Canadian Grands Prix it hosted, in 1968 and 1970. The 1970 event was historically notable as it marked the Formula One debut of the Tyrrell Racing team as a constructor. Throughout this period, the circuit was also a regular stop for the Trans-Am Series, Formula 5000, and Formula Atlantic, attracting a legendary roster of drivers. Competitors included Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, Bruce McLaren, Dan Gurney, and a young Gilles Villeneuve, among many other international stars.

A Crucible for Canadian Racing Talent

While major international series came and went, Circuit Mont-Tremblant maintained a consistent role as a foundational venue for Canadian national racing throughout the 1980s and 1990s. It regularly hosted series that were essential for driver development, including the Rothmans Porsche Cup, Players GM Challenge Series, Honda-Michelin Series, Export A Formula 2000, and the Canadian Formula 1600 Championship. These national championships served as the primary training ground for a generation of Canadian drivers who would go on to achieve success in North American open-wheel racing and sports cars. Notable graduates of this circuit-centric system include Paul Tracy, Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Greg Moore, Patrick Carpentier, and Alex Tagliani. The circuit's demanding, technical layout provided an ideal test of driver skill for aspiring professionals.

The Jim Russell Racing School and Karting

Since 1969, Circuit Mont-Tremblant has been the home of the Jim Russell Racing Driver School, one of the most famous racing schools in North America. The school has been instrumental in developing driving talent, with a curriculum focused on high-performance driving techniques and racecraft. Its most famous alumnus is Gilles Villeneuve, who attended the school before his meteoric rise in Formula One. To support earlier stages of driver development, a CIK-FIA, rated karting facility was added to the complex in 2010. This professional-grade kart track hosts Canadian national karting events and serves as an entry point for the circuit's broader driver development programs.

Modernisation and Current Operations

In the 2000s, new ownership initiatives focused on significant facility upgrades to meet improved FIA safety standards while carefully preserving the circuit's original character and challenging layout. Improvements included a complete track resurfacing, strategic widening of certain sections, expansion of the pit lane, and the creation of increased run-off areas in key locations. These renovations enabled the return of major professional racing categories, including a Champ Car World Series event in 2007, sports car racing like the Rolex Sports Car Series, and national superbike championships. On 21 July 2022, the Circuit Mont-Tremblant complex was acquired by 11938053 Canada Inc., a company owned by Montreal businessman Gad Bitton of the Holand Automotive Group. The circuit now operates primarily as a private, members-only driving club, offering track days, corporate events, manufacturer programs, and vehicle launches.

Event Calendar and Racing Series

Circuit Mont-Tremblant's contemporary event calendar is built around club racing and historic motoring events, reflecting its current business model. The central events are its seasonal classiques, which are multi-day historic and club racing festivals. These include the Classique Printemps in May, the Classique Été in July, and the Classique Automne in September, with the 2026 autumn event scheduled for September 25-27. The circuit also hosts rounds of national Canadian series such as the Super Production Challenge, which held its 2026 season finale at the venue. While no longer a regular stop for top-tier international series, the circuit's history with major categories is extensive. Its former roster includes the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, Can-Am, Trans-Am, USAC Indy Car, the Champ Car World Series, the Rolex Sports Car Series (including the 6 Hours of Mont-Tremblant), and the Canadian Superbike Championship.

Circuit Characteristics and Location

The 4.218-kilometre circuit is renowned for its technical, flowing layout that features fifteen corners and significant elevation changes. The track design follows the natural topography of the Laurentian landscape, creating a challenging and rewarding drive that emphasizes rhythm and precision. Its location near the Mont-Tremblant ski resort in the Laurentian Mountains makes it a unique destination that combines motorsport with a broader resort atmosphere. The circuit is approximately 130 kilometres north of Montreal, making it accessible for competitors and enthusiasts from the city and beyond. This setting has contributed to its dual identity as both a serious racing venue and a leisure destination, a concept that was central to its original founding purpose of extending the four-season tourism appeal of the Mont-Tremblant region.

Questions about Circuit Mont-Tremblant

Can the public drive on Circuit Mont-Tremblant?

Public access for general driving is not typically available. The circuit primarily operates as a private, members-only driving club that offers track days to its members. It also hosts scheduled club racing events, corporate driving programs, and manufacturer testing sessions throughout the season. Individuals interested in driving on the track usually need to participate through a sanctioned club event, a driving school program, or a corporate booking.

What major races has Circuit Mont-Tremblant hosted?

The circuit has hosted several major international races throughout its history. Most notably, it was the venue for the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in 1968 and 1970. It also hosted rounds of the Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am), USAC Indy Car races, and a Champ Car World Series event in 2007. Other significant series include the Rolex Sports Car Series, which featured the 6 Hours of Mont-Tremblant, and the Trans-Am Series.

Which famous drivers have raced or trained at Circuit Mont-Tremblant?

The circuit has seen a vast array of legendary drivers. Past competitors include Formula One champions like Jackie Stewart, Jochen Rindt, and Mario Andretti, along with icons like Bruce McLaren, Dan Gurney, and the Unser brothers. It is also famous as the training ground for Canadian drivers Gilles and Jacques Villeneuve at the Jim Russell Racing School. More recent Canadian Formula One drivers Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi also trained there.

Where is Circuit Mont-Tremblant located?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant is a 4.218 km road racing circuit located in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, approximately 130 km north of Montreal, Canada. It is the second oldest racing circuit in the country and is situated near the Mont-Tremblant ski resort. The circuit features a twisting fifteen corner layout that follows the natural topography and elevation changes of the surrounding Laurentian terrain. Originally known as Circuit Mont-Tremblant, St-Jovite, the venue was renamed in the 1970s. Its location was chosen by local business owners and hoteliers seeking to extend tourism beyond the winter ski season.

What events are coming up at Circuit Mont-Tremblant?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant hosts historic and club racing events called classiques throughout the year. The current event schedule includes the Classique Printemps in May, the Classique Été in July, and the Classique Automne in September. For example, in 2026 the Classique Été was scheduled for July 17 18 19 and the Classique Automne for September 25 26 27. The circuit also hosts rounds of national series like the Super Production Challenge, which held its 2026 finale there in late September. Historically, the track has hosted major series including Formula One, Can Am, Trans Am, and Champ Car.

Who owns Circuit Mont-Tremblant?

Circuit Mont-Tremblant is owned by 11938053 Canada Inc., a company owned by Montreal businessman Gad Bitton of the Holand Automotive Group. This entity acquired the circuit complex on 21 July 2022. The track continues to operate as a venue for club racing, driving schools, manufacturer programmes, and private events. It is also home to the Jim Russell Racing Driver School, established in 1969. The current ownership follows initiatives from the 2000s that focused on upgrading the facility to improved FIA standards while preserving the circuit's original character.

Sources: Wikipedia and current public reporting, checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-22.