IMSA - Chevrolet Grand Prix

The Chevrolet Grand Prix returns to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park for the 2026 season as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This race represents the series' only Canadian stop and brings together the world's top prototype and GT racing teams at one of North America's most challenging circuits. The event features a 160-minute main race alongside support series competition, creating a full weekend of professional motorsports action.

Race Format and Championship Classes

The 2026 Chevrolet Grand Prix showcases the complete IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship field across four competitive classes. Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) cars lead the premier category, joined by Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), GT Daytona Pro (GTD Pro), and GT Daytona (GTD) entries. The main race runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes, testing both driver skill and team strategy on this demanding road course.

Support races typically include the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, which features GS and TCR class vehicles, plus the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. These additional series provide fans with multiple races throughout the weekend. Event activities begin with practice and qualifying sessions, building toward the main championship race.

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Circuit

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park stands as Canada's oldest racing facility, originally known as Mosport when it opened in 1961. The circuit is located north of Bowmanville in Clarington, Ontario, roughly 75 kilometers east of Toronto. This placement makes the venue accessible for fans from major population centers while maintaining its character as a purpose-built racing facility.

Track Layout and Characteristics

The Grand Prix circuit measures 3.957 kilometers (2.459 miles) and features 10 turns. Fast, sweeping corners combine with significant elevation changes to create one of the quickest tracks on the IMSA schedule. The layout has remained largely unchanged since 1961, though modern safety improvements have been added over the decades.

Moss Corner represents the circuit's most distinctive section. This complex consists of two closely linked 90-degree right-hand turns that demand precise car control. The corner was named after legendary driver Stirling Moss, who provided input on the track design. Natural amphitheater terrain around this section creates excellent viewing opportunities for spectators.

Expected Participants

The 2026 Chevrolet Grand Prix will attract teams from leading automotive manufacturers competing across all IMSA classes. Expected marques include Corvette, Acura, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Mustang, and Porsche. Chevrolet maintains a prominent presence at this event, particularly through Corvette Racing entries in the championship.

International drivers compete for their respective teams in each class, bringing diverse racing backgrounds from sports car championships worldwide. Specific team and driver lineups for 2026 will be confirmed as the season approaches, but the competitive depth in GTP, LMP2, GTD Pro, and GTD categories ensures strong fields in each class.

Technical Regulations for 2026

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship operates under updated sporting and technical regulations for the 2026 season. Changes to the Short Full Course Yellow protocol now apply this procedure for any caution deployed within 30 minutes of a race start or 15 minutes of a green flag restart. This modification affects race strategy and pit stop planning.

Testing allocations have increased for certain classes. LMP2 teams now receive 12 test days annually, up from 10 in previous regulations. GT teams gain 6 test days per year, increased from 4. These additional testing opportunities help teams develop their cars and prepare drivers for the competitive season.

Bronze-rated drivers seeking to compete in GTP or GTD Pro categories must now apply to IMSA for approval. These drivers must meet the same minimum drive time requirements as Bronze drivers in LMP2 or GTD classes. Technical regulations for each class define car construction standards, homologation requirements, and permitted adjustments, with modifications allowed only when explicitly approved by manufacturers and homologating authorities.

Racing Heritage at CTMP

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has hosted professional motorsports since 1961. The facility held its first international sports car races that inaugural year, including the Players 200. Over six decades, CTMP has welcomed numerous prestigious racing series, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Canadian motorsport.

Formula 1 raced at the circuit from 1967 to 1977, with some exceptions during that period. IndyCar, Can-Am, World Sportscar Championship, and IMSA GT Championship have all competed on this historic track. The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship began its annual visits in 2014, replacing the American Le Mans Series as the feature race at this venue.

Audi Sport North America holds the record for most team victories at this event with six wins, demonstrating the dominance certain manufacturers have achieved on this challenging circuit. The track's combination of high-speed sections and technical corners rewards teams that master setup and strategy.

What Makes This Event Special

The Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park offers fans a unique experience within the IMSA calendar. Natural viewing areas around the circuit provide sight lines to multiple corners, particularly around Moss Corner where spectators can watch cars navigate the complex turn sequence.

The venue's history extends beyond racing. Canadian Tire Motorsport Park hosted the Canada Jam music festival in 1978, which set a Canadian attendance record at that time. This cultural significance adds depth to the facility's role as a gathering place for major events.

For fans attending the 2026 race, general admission weekend packages provide access to the facility, with VIP hospitality options available for those seeking premium viewing locations and catered meals. Reserved camping areas allow multi-day visitors to stay on-site throughout the event weekend.

The combination of a world-class IMSA field, a historic and challenging circuit, and Canada's passionate motorsports community creates a distinctive atmosphere. This race gives Canadian fans the opportunity to see the full IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship without crossing international borders, while the circuit itself tests teams and drivers at one of North America's most respected road courses.