Mosport Park

Mosport Park, now officially known as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, stands as one of North America's most historic and challenging racing circuits. Located approximately 75 kilometers east of Toronto in Bowmanville, Ontario, this iconic track has tested the skills of world-class drivers since its opening in 1961. The name "Mosport" combines the words "Motor" and "Sport," reflecting its purpose as a dedicated venue for motorsport competition in Canada.

Track Layout and Technical Specifications

The Grand Prix circuit features a 3.957-kilometer (2.459-mile) road course with 10 turns running in a clockwise direction. The track surface consists of asphalt and measures 12.8 meters (42 feet) wide, meeting FIA Grade 2 specifications after its 2001 repaving. What makes Mosport truly distinctive is its natural topography, with significant elevation changes and several blind corners that demand precision and courage from drivers. The layout remains largely unchanged from its original 1961 design, preserving its authentic character despite safety updates over the decades.

Signature Features

Moss Corner stands as the track's most famous section—a double-apex hairpin (Turns 5a and 5b) named after racing legend Stirling Moss, who contributed to its design. This technical sequence requires perfect braking and exit speed to maximize performance on the following straight. Other notable sections include the high-speed Turn 2, a downhill right-hander that tests driver commitment, and the challenging Turn 4, which features a crest at its apex that can unsettle cars at high speed.

Racing Heritage

Mosport Park holds a special place in Canadian motorsport history as the host of the first Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in 1967. The circuit continued to host F1 events until 1977, welcoming many world champions to its challenging layout. Beyond Formula One, the track played a key role in establishing the Can-Am Series and has hosted major international competitions including the World Sportscar Championship, IMSA events, IndyCar races, and NASCAR competitions. The circuit also has a rich motorcycle racing heritage, having featured world championship motorcycle events throughout its history.

Modern Facility

Today, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park operates as a comprehensive motorsport complex on 900 acres of land. The facility includes the main Grand Prix circuit, a Driver Development Centre with a 2.9-kilometer training track, a separate 1.5-kilometer karting center, and extensive spectator areas. The venue hosts approximately 500,000 visitors annually across its diverse event calendar, which features the IMSA SportsCar Championship, NASCAR Canada Series, Trans-Am competitions, and the Canadian Superbike Championship among other events.

Technical Challenge

Drivers consistently rank Mosport among North America's most challenging road courses due to its combination of high speeds, elevation changes, and limited runoff areas. The track rewards bravery and technical skill while punishing mistakes. Average speeds remain high throughout the lap, with minimal slow sections and several corners taken at speeds exceeding 160 km/h (100 mph). This combination of factors creates thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing and has cemented the circuit's reputation as a true driver's track that tests both competitor and machine to their limits.