IMSA - Mosport

The Chevrolet Grand Prix brings the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario. This race at the historic Mosport circuit features four different classes competing together on one of North America's most challenging road courses. The track sits approximately 75 kilometers east of Toronto and offers fans a view of prototype and GT racing on a classic layout that has tested drivers for decades.

Race Format and Classes

The Chevrolet Grand Prix runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes. Four classes take to the track simultaneously. The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class features the fastest cars in IMSA competition. Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) cars use the Gibson GK428 V8 engine and provide close racing in the prototype division. GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro) brings factory-backed teams with professional driver lineups. GT Daytona (GTD) rounds out the field with customer teams running GT3-specification machinery.

Circuit Characteristics

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park stretches 3.957 kilometers (2.459 miles) through 10 turns. The track layout has remained mostly unchanged since its original construction, which makes it a true test of driver skill and car setup. The circuit features fast, sweeping corners and significant elevation changes that challenge teams in every session.

Notable Track Sections

The lap begins with a pit straight leading into Turn 1. Drivers then flow through Clayton Corner and Quebec Corner, both sweeping turns that require commitment. The Moss Hairpin, named after Stirling Moss, presents a sharp 90-degree right-hander that often creates passing opportunities. The Mario Andretti Straightaway spans three-quarters of a mile with gentle bends and elevation changes where cars reach top speed. The Esses form a right-left combination that tests car balance. White Corner, another 90-degree right-hander, completes the lap.

Track Infrastructure

The entire circuit was repaved and widened to 13 meters (42 feet) to meet FIA specifications. This work improved safety and racing quality while maintaining the character that makes Mosport special. The facility includes a Driver Development Centre and a kart track alongside the main road course.

Teams and Manufacturers

The entry list includes major manufacturers: Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Porsche Penske Motorsport and Wayne Taylor Racing lead the GTP class. Heart of Racing, Team WRT, and JDC-Miller Motorsports field multiple entries. United Autosports USA and CrowdStrike Racing by APR compete in the prototype categories. Tower Motorsports, TDS Racing, Era Motorsport, and Intersport Racing round out the LMP2 field.

The GTD Pro and GTD classes feature Bryan Herta Autosport with PR1/Mathiasen, Pratt Miller Motorsports, AO Racing, and Vasser Sullivan Racing. Additional teams include Riley, Conquest Racing, DXDT Racing, Winward Racing, Gradient Racing, Inception Racing, DragonSpeed, Turner Motorsport, and Wright Motorsports.

Technical Regulations

IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Technical Regulations govern all four classes. These rules ensure competitive parity across different manufacturers and car designs. The regulations enhance safety while maintaining the integrity of competition. All LMP2 cars use the same Gibson engine to keep costs manageable and competition close. The GTD and GTD Pro classes follow GT3 technical specifications with specific IMSA adjustments.

Mosport History

Mosport Park opened as Canada's first permanent motor racing facility. The name combines "Motor Sport" into one word. Stirling Moss won the first major race, the Player's 200, and later suggested a design change that resulted in a corner bearing his name. The track hosted the Canadian Grand Prix from 1967 to 1977 and welcomed more Can-Am races than any other venue.

IMSA first visited the track in 1975. The American Le Mans Series made its debut appearance in 1999. The Chevrolet Grand Prix has been part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship since 2014. The venue has also hosted USAC, World Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR events throughout its history. Early races broke Canadian sports attendance records with each successive event.

What Makes This Race Special

The Mosport circuit demands precision from drivers and teams. Fast corners require confidence and perfect car setup. Elevation changes affect aerodynamics and braking points. The track punishes mistakes while rewarding those who master its rhythm. Multi-class racing adds strategic elements as faster prototypes navigate through GT traffic. Teams must balance qualifying pace with race setup for the 2-hour, 40-minute distance.

The combination of historic significance and modern competition makes the Chevrolet Grand Prix a highlight of the IMSA season. Fans can watch four classes battle on a track that has challenged generations of drivers. The natural terrain and classic layout provide a contrast to modern facilities while meeting current safety standards. This race showcases sports car racing at its finest on a circuit that remains true to its original vision.