Gimli Motorsports Park

History and Origins

The history of Gimli Motorsports Park is deeply intertwined with the history of RCAF Station Gimli, a Second World War-era airbase built in 1942 for aircrew training. The base was reactivated in 1950 as a jet training facility during the Cold War before its eventual closure in September 1971. The property was subsequently acquired by the Rural Municipality of Gimli, which sought new uses for the extensive asphalt runways. The Winnipeg Sports Car Club organized the first motorsport event on August 6, 1972, using a temporary course marked with cones and straw bales on the active runway nearest the hangars. This inaugural race was part of the Canadian Player's Championship for Formula B, with Craig Hill of Mississauga, Ontario, winning in a Lotus 69B. To create a dedicated racing facility and avoid conflict with the still-operational Gimli Industrial Park Airport, a permanent circuit was constructed on the adjacent decommissioned runway. The new track, featuring a main straight on the runway and a nine-turn infield section, hosted its first race on August 5, 1973, with Ric Forest of Edmonton taking victory in a Brabham BT35.

For several years, the park hosted nationally significant racing series, marking its competitive peak. The CASC Player's Challenge Series for Formula B and later Formula Atlantic ran events at Gimli from 1972 through 1977. The track also hosted the Canadian Run-Offs in 1981 and 1982, as well as several rounds of the MolySlip Endurance Championship between 1975 and 1982. Beyond motorsport, the facility's large grounds were used for the Sunfest rock festival, which attracted tens of thousands of attendees each August from 1990 to 1996. The park's operational management and rental inquiries are handled by the Gimli Community Development Corporation, which oversees the facility for the municipality.

Track Layout and Facilities

Gimli Motorsports Park is a comprehensive motorsports complex offering diverse racing disciplines within its 95-hectare footprint. The centrepiece is the 1.330-mile (2.140 km) road racing circuit, a flat, technical track that utilizes the northern end of a former runway for its main straight and pit area. This layout is characteristic of many circuits built on decommissioned airfields. The facility is meticulously segmented to accommodate various forms of motorsport simultaneously or independently. A key feature is the integration of the quarter-mile Interlake Dragway, which runs along a section of the same runway used by the road course, separated by a central barrier.

In addition to the road and drag circuits, the park contains dedicated tracks for other racing communities. A 0.621-mile (1.000 km) karting track provides a venue for the Manitoba Karting Association. A 1.243-mile (2.000 km) motocross track caters to off-road motorcycle racing. The park also includes an ATV race course and a mud bog pit, broadening its appeal. The infrastructure supports a full season of events, with the facility available for weekday rentals by groups or individuals. The various tracks are managed and programmed by their respective sanctioning bodies, which coordinate directly with the park management for event scheduling.

The Gimli Glider Incident

With both engines inoperative, Captain Bob Pearson and First Officer Maurice Quintal were forced to attempt an unpowered landing. Pearson, an experienced glider pilot, identified the former runway at Gimli as a potential landing site. The aircraft, nicknamed the Gimli Glider, successfully touched down on the drag strip portion of the active race track, narrowly avoiding spectators and race vehicles in the infield. This incident remains a famous case study in aviation safety and pilot resourcefulness, forever linking the motorsports park with a significant moment in Canadian aviation history.

Major Racing Series and Events

• First Formula Atlantic Win for Gilles Villeneuve (June 22, 1975): The future Formula One star won a rain-soaked race at Gimli, marking his first victory in the category.
• Canadian Run-Offs (1981, 1982): The park hosted this national championship event for amateur road racers in consecutive years.
• MolySlip Endurance Championship (1975 to 1982): The track held several rounds of this Canadian endurance racing series, including a double-header event in 1982.
• WSCC Race Weekends (Ongoing): The Winnipeg Sports Car Club hosts multiple weekend events per season, such as the 2026 Race Weekend #3 scheduled for July 24-26.
• Drag Racing Events (Ongoing): The Interlake Dragway, sanctioned by the International Hot Rod Association, hosts regular drag racing competitions.
• Motorcycle Road Racing (Ongoing): The Manitoba Roadracing Association holds superbike race meetings on the road course.
• Karting Championships (Ongoing): The Manitoba Karting Association organizes races on the dedicated kart track.

The contemporary event calendar is packed with activities for participants of all skill levels. A typical Winnipeg Sports Car Club weekend includes High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) for novices, open lapping sessions, and competitive races for licensed drivers. Event costs are structured with multi-day discounts, and requirements include club membership, approved helmets, and, for competitors, a race license and transponder. The park also hosts drift events and relies on a volunteer corps of corner marshals, who receive training and perks for their service.

User Groups and Event Participation

The ongoing operation and programming of Gimli Motorsports Park are facilitated by a consortium of dedicated motorsports clubs, each managing events for their specific discipline. These groups organize everything from beginner schools to competitive race weekends, ensuring the facility is active throughout the racing season. The Winnipeg Sports Car Club is the primary organizer for automobile road racing, offering events that range from introductory track days to full competition. Their 2026 schedule includes specific regulations, pricing tiers, and technical rules, such as the prohibition of timing equipment during open lapping and restrictions on vehicles with lithium-based primary batteries.

The Drag Racing Association of Manitoba, operating the Interlake Dragway, sanctions drag racing events. The Manitoba Roadracing Association organizes motorcycle road racing for superbikes and other classes. The Manitoba Karting Association manages events on the karting circuit. Each club sets its own entry requirements, safety standards, and fee structures, which are published on their respective websites. For individuals or corporate groups interested in renting the track outside of scheduled club events, the Gimli Community Development Corporation coordinates weekday bookings. This structure allows the park to serve a wide audience, from professional racers and dedicated amateurs to casual enthusiasts seeking a track day experience in their street car.

Visitor and Participant Information

For enthusiasts looking to experience Gimli Motorsports Park, whether as spectators or participants, the facility offers structured access through its user clubs. Spectator access varies by event, with many club race weekends welcoming the public, often for a nominal fee or free of charge. Participant involvement is more structured, requiring adherence to specific rules and registration processes. The Winnipeg Sports Car Club, for example, requires membership for all entrants, or membership in an affiliated club under the Western Canadian Motorsport Association. A well-maintained street car and an approved helmet are the basic requirements for their open lapping days, with helmets available for rent.

Costs for participation are clearly outlined by the organizing clubs. For a 2026 WSCC road racing event, the cost is $350 per weekend, with a discount for early registration. Adding a Friday test session costs an extra $50. Open lapping days are priced at $125 per day, with a $40 discount for two-day registration. Drift events are priced separately at $90 per session. All competitors must hold an approved license and use a transponder, which is available for rent. The clubs provide comprehensive sporting and technical regulations that drivers must review before registering. Volunteers are essential to event operations, and the WSCC recruits and trains corner marshals, offering lunch and a free open lapping session as incentives.

Questions about Gimli Motorsports Park

Where is Gimli Motorsports Park located?

Gimli Motorsports Park is located at 71 Fourth Avenue in Gimli, Manitoba. The entrance is off Highway 231, approximately two kilometres west of Highway 8. The 95-hectare facility is situated on a portion of the former RCAF Station Gimli, a decommissioned air force base. The Gimli Industrial Park Airport continues to operate on an adjacent runway of the same airfield.

What happened during the Gimli Glider incident?

In 1983, Air Canada Flight 143, a Boeing 767, ran out of fuel midflight. The pilots executed an emergency landing on the former runway at Gimli Motorsports Park, which was being used as a drag strip during a Formula Ford race. This event is known as the Gimli Glider incident. There were no serious injuries reported, and the aircraft suffered minimal damage.

How can I race my car at Gimli Motorsports Park?

To drive on track, you typically need to participate in an event organized by one of the user clubs, most commonly the Winnipeg Sports Car Club for road cars. This requires a WSCC membership or affiliation with another WCMA club. For open lapping days, you need a street-legal car in good condition and an approved helmet. For competitive racing, a competition license and a transponder are required. Events and registration details are listed on the respective club websites.

What types of racing tracks are at the park?

Gimli Motorsports Park is a multi-track facility featuring a 1.330 mile (2.140 km) road racing course, a 0.250 mile (0.402 km) dragstrip called Interlake Dragway, a 0.621 mile (1.000 km) karting track, and a 1.243 mile (2.000 km) motocross track. The 95-hectare complex also contains an ATV race course and a mud bog pit. This variety of tracks supports a wide range of motorsports, making it a hub for racing activity in the Manitoba region. The facility is located on a portion of a former Royal Canadian Air Force base, utilizing the infrastructure of the decommissioned airfield.

Can I rent Gimli Motorsports Park for a private event?

Yes, Gimli Motorsports Park is available for rent on weekdays. Interested parties should contact the Gimli Community Development Corporation for more information and to inquire about private track rentals. The official point of contact for these inquiries is the email address [email protected]. The park's availability for private rental provides an opportunity for organized groups or individuals to access the multi-track facility outside of scheduled public race weekends and club events.

Sources and further reading

• Gimli Motorsports Park (Wikipedia)
• Gimli Motorsports Park (gimli.ca)
• WSCC 2026 GMP Race Weekend #3 (July24-26) (motorsportreg.com)
• Gimli (racingcircuits.info)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-24.