IMSA - Mosport

The Chevrolet Grand Prix brings IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship racing to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, widely known as Mosport Park. This event stands as the series' only annual visit to Canada and features three racing classes competing on one of North America's most respected road courses. The race weekend includes IMSA WeatherTech competition alongside support races from the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, and Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin.

The Circuit at Mosport Park

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park opened in 1961, making it Canada's oldest continuously operating road racing circuit. The Grand Prix Circuit spans 3.957 kilometers (2.459 miles) and features 10 turns that flow in a clockwise direction. The track sits north of Bowmanville in Clarington, Ontario, approximately 75 to 100 kilometers east of Toronto.

The layout has remained essentially unchanged since the circuit's opening. Drivers navigate roughly 52 meters of elevation change throughout a lap, creating dynamic racing with dramatic elevation shifts, blind crests, and off-camber corner entries. The circuit demands precise momentum management, and mistakes carry significant consequences.

Notable Track Sections

Moss Corner, the second turn, received its name and current configuration after Sir Stirling Moss suggested transforming the original single-radius corner into a two-part complex. The corner features a technical downhill entry followed by a tight exit. This section sits at the highest point of the circuit and provides excellent spectator viewing.

The Turn 4 and 5 complex combines a fast downhill sweep with a tight double-apex section. The Andretti Straightaway allows cars to reach high speeds before heavy braking into Turn 8. The final sequence from Turn 8 through Turn 10 consists of rapid, flowing corners that complete each lap with high-speed transitions.

Racing Classes at Mosport

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race at Mosport features three classes: LMP2, GTD PRO, and GTD. The Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class does not participate in this specific event. The race runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes.

LMP2 Class

Le Mans Prototype 2 cars are closed-cockpit prototypes that all use the Gibson GK428 V8 engine. The class operates under pro-am driver pairing requirements. Teams can choose from chassis built by approved constructors including Oreca, Ligier, Dallara, and Riley-Multimatic. The Oreca 07 appears frequently in this class. Regular competitors include CrowdStrike Racing by APR and Tower Motorsports.

GTD PRO Class

GT Daytona Pro features race cars built to global FIA GT3 technical regulations. This class allows factory-backed teams and professional driver lineups. Expected manufacturers include Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche. Teams such as Paul Miller Racing with BMW, Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports, Vasser Sullivan running Lexus, and AO Racing with Porsche compete regularly in this category.

GTD Class

The GT Daytona class also follows FIA GT3 specifications. GTD typically features mixed driver lineups combining professional and amateur talent, with customer teams forming much of the grid. The manufacturer roster mirrors GTD PRO and also includes Acura, McLaren, and others. Winward Racing campaigns Mercedes-AMG in this class.

Technical Regulations

IMSA technical regulations for the season promote safety, competitive balance, and fair racing across all classes.

LMP2 cars follow 2017 LMP2 regulations with the controlled Gibson GK428 V8 engine specification. Teams cannot modify cars unless technical regulations explicitly permit changes or approve them through the homologation process.

Both GTD PRO and GTD classes use cars built to global FIA GT3 specifications. These cars start from production models with specific racing modifications. IMSA applies a Balance of Performance (BoP) system using technical bulletins and data analysis to maintain competitive parity between different manufacturers and models.

Sporting regulation updates include adjustments to the "Short FCY" (Full Course Yellow) protocol aimed at reducing caution periods. LMP2, GTD PRO, and GTD categories receive additional test days. Bronze-rated drivers in GTP or GTD PRO categories face increased minimum drive time requirements for endurance events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

IMSA Racing History at Mosport

Mosport Park first welcomed IMSA sports cars in 1975 with the Camel GT Challenge. The circuit has hosted various IMSA-sanctioned series over the years, including the IMSA GT Championship and the American Le Mans Series. The facility has become a regular July fixture for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Racing legends who have competed at CTMP include Stirling Moss, Gilles Villeneuve, Bruce McLaren, and Richard Petty. Sixteen Formula One World Champions and twelve Indianapolis 500 winners have raced at this facility throughout its history.

What Makes This Event Special

The Grand Prix circuit at Mosport Park has preserved its original layout for over six decades. Few racing facilities worldwide maintain such historical authenticity while continuing to host modern professional racing.

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park holds the distinction of being the fastest track on the IMSA schedule, with average lap speeds exceeding 137 mph in recent seasons. The natural terrain and flowing layout reward smooth, precise driving.

Spectators enjoy excellent viewing opportunities throughout the facility. The natural amphitheater at Moss Corner provides particularly good sightlines. The venue offers a popular camping atmosphere, and many race weekends include paddock access with general admission tickets. Fans often walk the track during evening hours throughout the race weekend.

This event represents the sole Canadian round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. CTMP serves as the recognized home of motorsport in Canada, having hosted major international racing series from Formula 1 and IndyCar to the World Sportscar Championship.

The name "Mosport" itself comes from a contraction of "Motor Sport." The facility has even hosted non-racing events, including the 1978 "Canada Jam" music festival headlined by the band Triumph, which drew 110,000 spectators and set a Canadian music attendance record.

The combination of a challenging, fast road course, multiple racing classes, and accessible fan experience creates a compelling race weekend. Teams face a true test at Mosport Park, where the unforgiving circuit layout punishes errors and rewards precision. This race promises competitive action across all three classes as teams and drivers attack one of North America's most demanding circuits.