NASCAR has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. The introduction of the Next Gen car has played a significant role. Exciting new venues like the Chicago Street Course have also contributed. This growth has led to increased viewership and fan engagement, revitalizing the sport and expanding its audience. This renewed interest has sparked discussions about expanding the sport’s reach beyond its traditional American fanbase. Canada has emerged as a prime candidate for a Cup Series race. But which Canadian track would be best suited to host the Great American Race? In this blog post, we explore the potential of two iconic Canadian venues. One is the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) in Bowmanville, Ontario (formally known as MOSPORT). The other is Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Quebec.  

A Look Back at NASCAR in Canada

While NASCAR may be an American sport, it has a long and vibrant history in Canada. NASCAR’s presence north of the border dates back to the 1970s. The Winston West Series held races at tracks like Western Speedway and Langley Speedway in British Columbia. These early races helped establish a foundation for stock car racing in Canada. They paved the way for developing a dedicated Canadian fan base.  

In the decades that followed, NASCAR continued to make inroads into the Canadian motorsports scene. In September 2006, NASCAR purchased the CASCAR Super Series, the top Canadian stock car racing series at the time. This acquisition marked a significant step in NASCAR’s commitment to the Canadian market. With the purchase came a sponsorship agreement with Canadian Tire, transforming the series into the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. A television contract with TSN ensured that all events were broadcast. Select races even aired live. This further increased the sport’s visibility in Canada.  

The Canadian Tire Series was later renamed the NASCAR Pinty’s Series. It has been the premier stock car racing series in Canada since 2007. The series has crowned champions like Andrew Ranger, L.P. Dumoulin, and D.J. Kennington, some of whom have even competed in NASCAR’s national series in the United States. The series has held over 200 races, showcasing the enduring popularity of stock car racing in Canada.  

NASCAR has also explored other international markets. They held exhibition races in Japan in the 1990s. There was also a stint in Mexico with the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2005 to 2008. However, these ventures did not achieve the same level of success as NASCAR’s presence in Canada. The Canadian market has a strong motorsports culture. Its proximity to the United States offers a more receptive environment for NASCAR’s brand of racing.  

More recently, the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series held races at CTMP from 2013 to 2019. These races showcased the track’s ability to host a national series event. These races were popular with fans and drivers alike, further solidifying NASCAR’s presence in Canada. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this momentum, and the Truck Series has not been back to CTMP since.  

In 2012, the NASCAR Nationwide Series (now Xfinity Series) held a race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This race was notable for its exciting finish. Canadian drivers such as Jacques Villeneuve and Alex Tagliani had strong performances. The race was successful. However, NASCAR opted not to renew its contract with the circuit. This decision left Montreal without a national series race.  

The Current NASCAR Landscape

The NASCAR Cup Series races on a diverse range of tracks. These include superspeedways, intermediate tracks, short tracks, and road courses. This variety adds to the excitement of the sport. It challenges drivers and teams to adapt to different racing styles and strategies.  

NASCAR categorizes its tracks based on various factors, including length, banking, and shape. Superspeedways, like Daytona and Talladega, are the longest tracks. They are typically over 2 miles in length. These tracks feature high banking that allows for high speeds and pack racing. Intermediate tracks, ranging from 1 to 2 miles, offer a balance of speed and handling. Short tracks, under 1 mile, emphasize close-quarters racing and driver skill. Road courses, with their left and right turns, demand precision and car control.  

The 2024 schedule features iconic tracks like Daytona International Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Darlington Raceway. It also includes newer venues like Circuit of The Americas and World Wide Technology Raceway. This mix of traditional and modern tracks reflects NASCAR’s commitment to both its history and its future.  

NASCAR’s media landscape is also evolving. In 2025, select Cup Series races will be aired on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. This move reflects the growing importance of streaming platforms in reaching a wider audience. The races scheduled for Peacock include Daytona, Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix, showcasing some of NASCAR’s most prestigious events.  

NASCAR’s willingness to experiment with new tracks and formats is evident. The organization is open to exploring new markets. They aim to expand their fanbase. Hosting a race in Canada aligns with this strategy. It taps into a passionate motorsports community. It could potentially attract new viewers to the sport.  

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park: A Challenging and Historic Venue

CTMP, formerly known as MOSPORT Park, is a 3.957 km (2.459 mi), 10-turn road course located in Bowmanville, Ontario. The track has a rich history. It hosted the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix from 1961 to 1977. It also hosted various other international racing series like the Can-Am Series and the World Sportscar Championship. The track has a challenging layout with elevation changes. It also features high-speed corners. These elements have earned it a reputation as one of the most demanding tracks in North America.  

CTMP was the second purpose-built road racing course in Canada, succeeding other tracks like Edenvale and Harewood Acres. The track’s design has remained largely unchanged since its original form, preserving its classic character. In 2001, the entire circuit was repaved to meet FIA specifications, ensuring its continued ability to host world-class racing events.  

Under new ownership, CTMP has undergone a series of renovations and improvements. These include an expanded pit lane, resurfacing at key points around the lap, and new pedestrian bridges. These upgrades demonstrate the track’s commitment to maintaining its facilities and enhancing the fan experience.  

Amenities and Facilities

CTMP boasts a range of amenities and facilities to accommodate both racing events and other functions. These include:  

Amenity	Description
Grand Prix Event Centre	A 23,000 square foot event space with a ballroom, conference hall, lounge, and boardrooms.
Driver Development Track Event Centre	A 4,000 square foot event space with lounges and a patio.
Karting Centre	A 2,500 square foot event space with a trackside hospitality tent and grandstand.
Camping	Ample camping areas for tents and RVs, with washrooms, showers, and playgrounds.
Concession Stands	Various concession stands offering snacks, meals, and refreshments.
Pinty’s Trackside Grill	A full-service restaurant offering a variety of dining options.
Ron Fellows Driving Experience	A high-performance driving school offering instruction from professional drivers.

These facilities would be essential for accommodating the large crowds and logistical demands of a NASCAR Cup Series race.

Potential Challenges and Benefits

While CTMP has the infrastructure and experience to host a major racing event, there are some potential challenges:

• Track Length: At 3.957 km, CTMP is longer than most road courses on the current NASCAR schedule. This could lead to longer lap times and potentially fewer passes.  
• Safety Upgrades: Some safety upgrades might be necessary to meet NASCAR’s stringent standards for a Cup Series race.  
• Overtaking Opportunities: The track’s high-speed layout could limit overtaking opportunities for stock cars.  
• Viewing Challenges: Some camping spots at CTMP offer limited views of the track. This might require fans to relocate to other areas.  

However, the benefits of hosting a race at CTMP are significant:

• Historic Venue: CTMP has a rich motorsports history. It includes hosting the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix. This history would add prestige to a NASCAR Cup Series race.  
• Challenging Layout: The track’s demanding layout would test the skills of NASCAR drivers and provide an exciting spectacle for fans.
• Strong Fan Base: CTMP has a dedicated fan base in Ontario. Fans from the surrounding areas also ensure strong attendance for a NASCAR race.  
• Economic Impact: A Cup Series race would generate significant economic benefits for the local community.  
• Open Paddock Access: CTMP offers open paddock access to all ticket holders. It allows fans to get up close and personal with the cars and teams. This unique fan experience would be a major draw for a NASCAR race.  

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: A Thrilling and Iconic Track

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located on Notre Dame Island in Montreal, Quebec, is a 4.361 km (2.71 mi) semi-permanent road course. It is best known for hosting the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix. It also hosted NASCAR’s Xfinity Series from 2007 to 2012. The track is famous for its fast straights. It is also known for challenging chicanes and the infamous “Wall of Champions.” This wall has caught out many experienced drivers..  

The circuit was originally constructed for Expo ’67, a world’s fair held in Montreal. After the expo, the site was repurposed as a park, and the existing roads were used to create the racetrack. This unique origin gives Circuit Gilles Villeneuve a distinct character and a connection to Montreal’s history.  

The track has undergone several modifications over the years. These include the relocation of the pit lane and start/finish straight. Chicanes have been added to reduce speeds. These changes have been made to improve safety and enhance the racing experience.  

Amenities and Facilities

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers a variety of amenities to enhance the fan experience:

Amenity	Description
Grandstands	Numerous grandstands with varying views of the track, offering a range of seating options for fans.
Fanzones	Interactive fan zones with activities and entertainment, providing engaging experiences for fans of all ages.
Paddock Access	Access to the support race paddocks allows fans to get a closer look at the cars. This gives them a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the racing action.
Heineken Terrace	A lakeside terrace for relaxation and refreshments, offering a scenic spot to enjoy a break from the racing action.
Beach Zone	A festive rest area with sand and sunny skies, providing a unique and relaxing environment for fans.
Surrounding Park	The track is located within Parc Jean-Drapeau, a large park with various attractions. These attractions include the Biosphere environmental museum and La Ronde amusement park.
Permitted and Prohibited Items	The track has specific guidelines on permitted and prohibited items, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

These amenities would contribute to a positive fan experience at a NASCAR Cup Series race.

Potential Challenges and Benefits

Hosting a Cup Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve would present some challenges:

• Track Modifications: Some modifications to the track might be necessary to accommodate stock cars, particularly in the pit lane area.  
• Safety Concerns: The track’s close proximity to walls and barriers could pose safety concerns for stock cars.  
• Competition with F1: Scheduling a NASCAR race could conflict with the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix. This conflict could potentially impact attendance and viewership.  
• Track’s Challenging Nature: The track has a demanding layout. Its unforgiving corners, like the “Wall of Champions,” could lead to unpredictable outcomes. There is also potential for attrition.  

However, the benefits of racing at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve are compelling:

• Iconic Location: The track’s association with Formula One would bring international attention to a NASCAR Cup Series race.
• Exciting Racing: The track’s layout includes a mix of high-speed straights and tight corners. It would produce thrilling and unpredictable racing for stock cars.
• Large Fan Base: Montreal has a passionate motorsports fan base, ensuring a strong turnout for a NASCAR race.  
• Economic Impact: A Cup Series race would provide a significant boost to the local economy.  
• Accessibility: The track is easily accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for fans to attend the race.  

Economic Impact and Fan Base

Both CTMP and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve have the potential to draw large crowds. They can also generate significant economic impact for their respective regions. NASCAR races typically attract tens of thousands of fans. The economic benefits go beyond ticket sales. They include hotel bookings, restaurant spending, and other tourism-related activities.  

CTMP has a proven track record of hosting successful motorsports events. The NASCAR Pinty’s Series races consistently draw large crowds. The track’s proximity to Toronto, a major metropolitan area, boosts its capability to attract fans. It can draw them from a wider region. One local fan lives close to the track. They expressed enthusiasm for attending races with their family. This highlights the local support for motorsports events at CTMP.  

The economic impact of NASCAR races can be substantial. For example, the Daytona International Speedway generates an estimated $806 million in total economic output each year. Watkins Glen International is another road course on the NASCAR schedule. It has a total economic impact of $176 million in the surrounding counties. These examples illustrate the potential economic benefits that a Cup Series race could bring to Canada.  

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has an international reputation and association with Formula One. It has the potential to draw an even larger and more diverse crowd. The track is located in Montreal. This vibrant city has a strong tourism industry. It would further contribute to the economic impact of a NASCAR race. The 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race was another event held in a major city. It generated $128 million in economic impact. This shows the potential for NASCAR races to boost local economies.  

Fans have expressed a strong desire for a Cup Series race in Montreal. Many are eager to see NASCAR return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This enthusiasm suggests that a Cup Series race in Montreal would be well-received by Canadian fans. It could also attract new viewers to the sport.  

Previous Discussions and Proposals

There have been previous discussions and proposals for NASCAR races at both CTMP and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. CTMP hosted the NASCAR Truck Series for several years, demonstrating its capability to host a national series event. However, there have been no recent public discussions about bringing the Cup Series to CTMP.  

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, on the other hand, has been the subject of more recent discussions. NASCAR executives have expressed interest in returning to Montreal. The track’s management has also shown openness to hosting a Cup Series race. However, negotiations have not yet resulted in a concrete agreement.  

The NASCAR Pinty’s Series continues to race at CTMP. Recent events like the WeatherTech 200 and the ASSA ABLOY Accentra 200 draw attention and generate discussion among fans. A dedicated discussion forum for the Pinty’s Series race at CTMP provides a platform for fans to share their thoughts. They can express their opinions. This further illustrates the ongoing engagement with NASCAR in Canada.  

Conclusion: A Promising Future for NASCAR in Canada

Both Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offer unique advantages. They also present challenges as potential venues for a NASCAR Cup Series race. CTMP’s historic significance, challenging layout, and strong local fan base make it a compelling option. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s iconic status, thrilling racing, and large potential audience also make it a strong contender.

The decision of which track to choose will depend on various factors. These factors include track modifications, safety considerations, scheduling conflicts, and financial viability. NASCAR is growing in popularity. Canadian motorsports fans are showing enthusiasm. These trends suggest that a Cup Series race in Canada is a matter of when, not if. The roar of engines echoes through the Ontario countryside at CTMP. The high-speed action on the streets of Montreal at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve enthralls spectators. A NASCAR race in Canada promises to be a thrilling and historic event.

Both tracks have their merits. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve appears to be the more promising option for a NASCAR Cup Series race. It has an iconic status. It is associated with Formula One. Located in a major city with a vibrant motorsports culture, it gives the track a significant edge over CTMP. The track’s layout includes high-speed straights and tight corners. This combination would likely produce more exciting racing. It would also lead to unpredictable stock car races. However, NASCAR needs to address the potential challenges carefully. These include track modifications and safety concerns. They also need to consider scheduling conflicts with the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix.

On the other hand, CTMP offers a more traditional road course experience, with its challenging layout and historic significance. Its strong local fan base and open paddock access would also be major draws for a NASCAR race. However, the track’s length and potential limitations on overtaking opportunities could be concerns for NASCAR.

Selfishly, as someone who grew up 20.2 kilometers (12.5517 miles for the Americans) away from the track I hope to see NASCAR return with all 3 series to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. I remember every Saturday night. We would get into the family vehicle and go to the old 1/2 oval. I even Rollerblade on the track before the races started for the evening. The track is in great shape and has successfully run the Truck series up until the COVID-19 pandemic. The races were always exciting. It was the track where Chase Elliott got his first National NASCAR series win. He was racing the #94 Aaron’s Chevrolet Silverado and bumped Ty Dillion in the #3 Bass Pro Shop Chevrolet Silverado. Oshawa is close by. The General Motors Canada head office is located in Oshawa. There is also a GM production plant where the Chevrolet Heavy Duty and Light Duty Silverado is made. This would give GM Canada an opportunity to bring in some big clients to a race weekend and show off.

Ultimately, the decision of which track to choose will depend on a thorough assessment of all factors. However, the potential for a successful and impactful NASCAR Cup Series race in Canada is undeniable.