Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
Location:
Clarington (near Bowmanville), Ontario, Canada, Canada
Local Weather & Time
Upcoming at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
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Detroit Grand Prix
International Motor Sports Association
28 - 31 May
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Chevrolet Grand Prix
International Motor Sports Association
10 - 13 Jul
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Track Info
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport) - Clarington, Ontario, Canada
Canada’s classic high-speed natural-terrain road course - clockwise - 3.957 km / 2.459 mi Grand Prix track with 10 turns, huge elevation change and the flowing Mario Andretti Straightaway
When was the track built?
Plans were launched in 1958 by the British Empire Motor Club, with a flowing layout drawn by director Alan Bunting to exploit the natural contours. Stirling Moss suggested changes that created today’s double-apex Moss Corner (T5A/5B). Construction wrapped in May 1961, and the course has famously run essentially unchanged since.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was a club event on 3 Jun 1961. The first international was the Player’s 200 on 24 Jun 1961, won by Sir Stirling Moss in a Lotus 19, cementing Mosport’s status as Canada’s premier circuit.
What’s the circuit like?
- High-speed flow: There’s barely a true straight. The Mario Andretti Straightaway gently kinks as it rises from Moss Corner, so cars are loaded almost the whole lap.
- Commitment corners: Clayton Corner (Turn 2) is a dramatic, plunging left that rewards bravery and precise car placement.
- Moss Corner decides exits: The slow, double-apex hairpin shapes every run onto the Andretti Straight and creates prime pass attempts.
- Benchmark pace: Audi’s LMP1s set the gold standard in 2008, while IMSA DPi/GTP machinery continues to clock astonishing qualifying laps.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- LMP1 - race lap: 1:05.823 - Marco Werner, Audi R10 TDI, 2008 ALMS. Fastest recorded lap overall: 1:04.094 - Dindo Capello, qualifying, 2008.
- IMSA DPi - qualifying: 1:04.394 - Tom Blomqvist, Acura ARX-05, pole 2022.
- Superbike - reference: Recent CSBK poles in the low 1:21s, with new records set during 2022–2025 events.
- NASCAR Trucks - venue best (series): Series raced here 2013–2019, with fastest truck laps in the low 1:21s.
Why go?
CTMP is pure driver’s-circuit theater: you can watch prototypes attack the Bus Stop-less, old-school flow, Superbikes skate the edges at T2 and T4, and touring cars rub door handles through the Esses. Modern facilities, plentiful camping and a friendly paddock make it an easy sell for a full weekend.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Clayton Corner (T2): See who commits over the blind, downhill crest and who lifts. Great photos and constant action.
- Moss Corner (T5A/5B): Classic dive zone and the key to a slingshot down the Andretti Straight.
- Outside T8 into the Esses: Big aero load, tiny mistakes become big time losses as stints wear on.
Not just one series - headline events at CTMP
IMSA WeatherTech: The Chevrolet Grand Prix is a summer staple with prototypes and GTs flat-out for 2h40m.
Formula 1 history: Hosted multiple Canadian Grands Prix between 1967 and 1977 before the race moved to Montréal.
NASCAR: Truck Series ran the Chevrolet Silverado 250 (2013–2019); NASCAR Canada Series continues to visit.
CSBK: Canada’s premier motorcycle championship races here annually, frequently resetting lap benchmarks.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - Bowmanville, Ontario
Best options are driving via Highway 401 to Bowmanville then north to Concession Road 10 - Main Entrance, flying into Toronto Pearson or Billy Bishop then rental car - taxi, and on site parking included with your event ticket. There is no public transportation directly to the track.
Public transport - use GO Transit only as a hub, then taxi
- GO Transit to Oshawa: Ride GO train - bus to Durham College Oshawa GO, then continue by taxi or rideshare to the circuit. There is no service to the gates themselves.
- Distance for last leg: Oshawa to CTMP is roughly 31 km by road depending on your route.
Plan door to door by car for race days. Local village buses in the area do not enter the facility.
Driving - Highway 401 then north to Concession Road 10
- From Toronto - west: Take Highway 401 east through Bowmanville, then head north toward Highway 35 and follow signs for Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Final approach uses Concession Road 10 to the Main Entrance.
- Gate references: Event maps show Main Entrance off Concession Rd 10, plus other signed gates including Mosport Road Gate. Follow marshal direction on major weekends.
Parking - included with admission, follow lot signs
- General rule: Spectator parking is included with your event ticket. Attendants will direct you to the nearest available lot.
- On-site layout: Facility maps highlight multiple parking areas around the paddock, infield and outfield. Expect walking routes and bridges across the circuit.
Camping - reserved and general areas, showers available
- On major events: CTMP offers reserved - general camping with family zones and full service washrooms - showers at key locations. Check your event page for availability.
- Quiet hours and amenities: Facilities include showers, restrooms and a dump station. Generator quiet hours typically apply overnight.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Set destination: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, 3233 Concession Road 10, Clarington ON L1C 3K6. On event days staff route drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From Oshawa GO: Allow roughly 35 - 45 minutes by road to the Main Entrance in normal traffic. The straight-line corridor is about 31 km.
Walking from lots - pedestrian bridges
- Inside the venue: Expect 5 - 20 minute stewarded walks from general parking to grandstands and popular corners. Use the walking bridge links marked on the event map.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Toronto Pearson YYZ: main international hub with rental cars for the 75 - 100 km trip east depending on route.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City YTZ: convenient for downtown arrivals; continue by rental car - taxi.
About the venue - quick context
- Grand Prix circuit 3.957 km - 10 turns: Canada’s Home of Motorsport, formerly Mosport. Hosts IMSA’s Chevrolet Grand Prix and national series.
- Facility map: Use the latest map for gates, parking, paddock and amenities.
Quick guide - closest options
- Drivers: Hwy 401 → Bowmanville → Concession Rd 10 → Main Entrance, then follow event signage.
- Without a car: GO Transit to Oshawa then taxi - rideshare for the last 31 km to the gates.
- Parking: included with admission. Arrive early for the closest lots on headline weekends.
- Staying over: consider on site camping with showers - family areas, or hotels in Bowmanville - Oshawa.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - Bowmanville - Durham Region - Ontario (Canada)
Whether you are here for IMSA's Chevrolet Grand Prix, NASCAR Canada Series, SRO - vintage festivals, regional racing, lapping days or a kart event, this classic high speed road course sits near Lake Ontario and cottage country - perfect for waterfalls and forests, zoos and museums, beaches and small town bakeries on non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Toronto Zoo - Scarborough: One of the largest zoos in North America with splash pad areas in summer.
- Jungle Cat World - Orono: Small, walkable wildlife park close to the track - easy with younger kids.
- Canadian Automotive Museum - Oshawa: Compact car museum with Canadian motoring history and changing exhibits.
- Parkwood National Historic Site - Oshawa: Grand 1917 estate tours and gardens - good indoor - outdoor mix.
- Ontario Science Centre or Ripley's Aquarium - Toronto: Two reliable rainy day winners if you add a city detour.
- CTMP Karting Centre: Arrive and drive sessions on select non event days. Book ahead on headline weekends.
Zoos, aquariums and karting often use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Gallery and paddock strolls: On some events, vintage displays and manufacturer areas open between sessions.
- Robert McLaughlin Gallery - Oshawa: Regional art hub with family activities and a good café nearby.
- Canadian Canoe Museum - Peterborough: Striking new building and hands on exhibits - a great indoor half day.
- Aga Khan Museum - Toronto: World class Islamic art collections paired with gardens if the weather breaks.
- Capitol Theatre - Port Hope: Historic venue with shows and classic movie nights - check schedules.
Eat and drink like a local
- Bowmanville - Port Hope main streets: Breakfast diners, bakeries and pubs for paddock picnic supplies and post session dinners.
- Oshawa and Whitby: Breweries, barbecue and family friendly patios after qualifying.
- Lakeshore treats: Fish and chips at Cobourg Beach or Port Hope pier - perfect after a swim.
- Farm stands: In summer look for sweet corn, berries and butter tarts along rural routes to the circuit.
- Race week tip: Prime Friday - Saturday tables in Bowmanville, Port Hope and Cobourg book quickly on IMSA - NASCAR weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Darlington Provincial Park: Sandy beach, picnic areas and short trails on Lake Ontario.
- Ganaraska Forest Centre: Well marked hiking - biking trails under tall pines. Go early for shade.
- Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area: Easy riverside paths - stroller friendly and close to town cafés.
- Scarborough Bluffs: Dramatic lake cliffs and marina boardwalks if you swing toward Toronto.
- Kayak - SUP: Rentals at Cobourg Beach or inlets along the lakeshore - mornings are calmer.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Toronto - 60 to 90 minutes. Aquarium, Science Centre, CN Tower and St Lawrence Market - a full city day.
- Port Hope - Cobourg - 25 to 40 minutes. Heritage main streets, beaches and pier walks.
- Peterborough - Kawarthas - 60 to 80 minutes. Lift Lock, canoe museum and lakeside patios.
- Prince Edward County - 90 to 120 minutes. Sandbanks beaches, wineries and small town bakeries if you add a full day.
- Rouge National Urban Park - 45 to 70 minutes. Boardwalks, beaches and family friendly trails on the edge of the city.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Parks, museums and beaches may require timed entry or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer carries IMSA, NASCAR Canada and major festivals, with club and regional racing across spring and fall. Trackside camping sells out early for headline events.
- Weather - Warm days and quick thunderstorms in summer, mild shoulder seasons with cool nights. Grandstands and banks are exposed. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Waterfalls and gorge trails can be slippery after rain. Beaches are busiest on hot Saturdays - early swims work best.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Karting, Driver Development Track programs and tours may pause or run limited hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Long, hilly walks between Corner 2, Moss and the Mario Andretti Straight. A compact chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on hot days.
- Footwear: Grippy shoes for grassy banks and boardwalks. Trails near waterfalls can be wet.
- Post race plan: Let traffic thin with a pier stroll in Port Hope or an early dinner in Bowmanville before heading out on Highway 401.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, insect repellent for lake evenings and a warm sweatshirt for night camping.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, park - museum ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.
Hotels & Accommodation
Location:
Clarington (near Bowmanville), Ontario, Canada, Canada
Track Info
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Mosport) - Clarington, Ontario, Canada
Canada’s classic high-speed natural-terrain road course - clockwise - 3.957 km / 2.459 mi Grand Prix track with 10 turns, huge elevation change and the flowing Mario Andretti Straightaway
When was the track built?
Plans were launched in 1958 by the British Empire Motor Club, with a flowing layout drawn by director Alan Bunting to exploit the natural contours. Stirling Moss suggested changes that created today’s double-apex Moss Corner (T5A/5B). Construction wrapped in May 1961, and the course has famously run essentially unchanged since.
When was its first race?
The venue’s first race was a club event on 3 Jun 1961. The first international was the Player’s 200 on 24 Jun 1961, won by Sir Stirling Moss in a Lotus 19, cementing Mosport’s status as Canada’s premier circuit.
What’s the circuit like?
- High-speed flow: There’s barely a true straight. The Mario Andretti Straightaway gently kinks as it rises from Moss Corner, so cars are loaded almost the whole lap.
- Commitment corners: Clayton Corner (Turn 2) is a dramatic, plunging left that rewards bravery and precise car placement.
- Moss Corner decides exits: The slow, double-apex hairpin shapes every run onto the Andretti Straight and creates prime pass attempts.
- Benchmark pace: Audi’s LMP1s set the gold standard in 2008, while IMSA DPi/GTP machinery continues to clock astonishing qualifying laps.
Lap records and benchmarks (by series)
- LMP1 - race lap: 1:05.823 - Marco Werner, Audi R10 TDI, 2008 ALMS. Fastest recorded lap overall: 1:04.094 - Dindo Capello, qualifying, 2008.
- IMSA DPi - qualifying: 1:04.394 - Tom Blomqvist, Acura ARX-05, pole 2022.
- Superbike - reference: Recent CSBK poles in the low 1:21s, with new records set during 2022–2025 events.
- NASCAR Trucks - venue best (series): Series raced here 2013–2019, with fastest truck laps in the low 1:21s.
Why go?
CTMP is pure driver’s-circuit theater: you can watch prototypes attack the Bus Stop-less, old-school flow, Superbikes skate the edges at T2 and T4, and touring cars rub door handles through the Esses. Modern facilities, plentiful camping and a friendly paddock make it an easy sell for a full weekend.
Where’s the best place to watch?
- Clayton Corner (T2): See who commits over the blind, downhill crest and who lifts. Great photos and constant action.
- Moss Corner (T5A/5B): Classic dive zone and the key to a slingshot down the Andretti Straight.
- Outside T8 into the Esses: Big aero load, tiny mistakes become big time losses as stints wear on.
Not just one series - headline events at CTMP
IMSA WeatherTech: The Chevrolet Grand Prix is a summer staple with prototypes and GTs flat-out for 2h40m.
Formula 1 history: Hosted multiple Canadian Grands Prix between 1967 and 1977 before the race moved to Montréal.
NASCAR: Truck Series ran the Chevrolet Silverado 250 (2013–2019); NASCAR Canada Series continues to visit.
CSBK: Canada’s premier motorcycle championship races here annually, frequently resetting lap benchmarks.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - Bowmanville, Ontario
Best options are driving via Highway 401 to Bowmanville then north to Concession Road 10 - Main Entrance, flying into Toronto Pearson or Billy Bishop then rental car - taxi, and on site parking included with your event ticket. There is no public transportation directly to the track.
Public transport - use GO Transit only as a hub, then taxi
- GO Transit to Oshawa: Ride GO train - bus to Durham College Oshawa GO, then continue by taxi or rideshare to the circuit. There is no service to the gates themselves.
- Distance for last leg: Oshawa to CTMP is roughly 31 km by road depending on your route.
Plan door to door by car for race days. Local village buses in the area do not enter the facility.
Driving - Highway 401 then north to Concession Road 10
- From Toronto - west: Take Highway 401 east through Bowmanville, then head north toward Highway 35 and follow signs for Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Final approach uses Concession Road 10 to the Main Entrance.
- Gate references: Event maps show Main Entrance off Concession Rd 10, plus other signed gates including Mosport Road Gate. Follow marshal direction on major weekends.
Parking - included with admission, follow lot signs
- General rule: Spectator parking is included with your event ticket. Attendants will direct you to the nearest available lot.
- On-site layout: Facility maps highlight multiple parking areas around the paddock, infield and outfield. Expect walking routes and bridges across the circuit.
Camping - reserved and general areas, showers available
- On major events: CTMP offers reserved - general camping with family zones and full service washrooms - showers at key locations. Check your event page for availability.
- Quiet hours and amenities: Facilities include showers, restrooms and a dump station. Generator quiet hours typically apply overnight.
Taxis - rideshare - set downs
- Set destination: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, 3233 Concession Road 10, Clarington ON L1C 3K6. On event days staff route drop off - pick up to active gates.
- From Oshawa GO: Allow roughly 35 - 45 minutes by road to the Main Entrance in normal traffic. The straight-line corridor is about 31 km.
Walking from lots - pedestrian bridges
- Inside the venue: Expect 5 - 20 minute stewarded walks from general parking to grandstands and popular corners. Use the walking bridge links marked on the event map.
Airports - easiest gateways
- Toronto Pearson YYZ: main international hub with rental cars for the 75 - 100 km trip east depending on route.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City YTZ: convenient for downtown arrivals; continue by rental car - taxi.
About the venue - quick context
- Grand Prix circuit 3.957 km - 10 turns: Canada’s Home of Motorsport, formerly Mosport. Hosts IMSA’s Chevrolet Grand Prix and national series.
- Facility map: Use the latest map for gates, parking, paddock and amenities.
Quick guide - closest options
- Drivers: Hwy 401 → Bowmanville → Concession Rd 10 → Main Entrance, then follow event signage.
- Without a car: GO Transit to Oshawa then taxi - rideshare for the last 31 km to the gates.
- Parking: included with admission. Arrive early for the closest lots on headline weekends.
- Staying over: consider on site camping with showers - family areas, or hotels in Bowmanville - Oshawa.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Canadian Tire Motorsport Park - Bowmanville - Durham Region - Ontario (Canada)
Whether you are here for IMSA's Chevrolet Grand Prix, NASCAR Canada Series, SRO - vintage festivals, regional racing, lapping days or a kart event, this classic high speed road course sits near Lake Ontario and cottage country - perfect for waterfalls and forests, zoos and museums, beaches and small town bakeries on non race days.
Family friendly highlights near the circuit
- Toronto Zoo - Scarborough: One of the largest zoos in North America with splash pad areas in summer.
- Jungle Cat World - Orono: Small, walkable wildlife park close to the track - easy with younger kids.
- Canadian Automotive Museum - Oshawa: Compact car museum with Canadian motoring history and changing exhibits.
- Parkwood National Historic Site - Oshawa: Grand 1917 estate tours and gardens - good indoor - outdoor mix.
- Ontario Science Centre or Ripley's Aquarium - Toronto: Two reliable rainy day winners if you add a city detour.
- CTMP Karting Centre: Arrive and drive sessions on select non event days. Book ahead on headline weekends.
Zoos, aquariums and karting often use timed entry on weekends and holidays. Morning slots help if you plan to return for afternoon sessions.
Culture hits and rainy day winners
- Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Gallery and paddock strolls: On some events, vintage displays and manufacturer areas open between sessions.
- Robert McLaughlin Gallery - Oshawa: Regional art hub with family activities and a good café nearby.
- Canadian Canoe Museum - Peterborough: Striking new building and hands on exhibits - a great indoor half day.
- Aga Khan Museum - Toronto: World class Islamic art collections paired with gardens if the weather breaks.
- Capitol Theatre - Port Hope: Historic venue with shows and classic movie nights - check schedules.
Eat and drink like a local
- Bowmanville - Port Hope main streets: Breakfast diners, bakeries and pubs for paddock picnic supplies and post session dinners.
- Oshawa and Whitby: Breweries, barbecue and family friendly patios after qualifying.
- Lakeshore treats: Fish and chips at Cobourg Beach or Port Hope pier - perfect after a swim.
- Farm stands: In summer look for sweet corn, berries and butter tarts along rural routes to the circuit.
- Race week tip: Prime Friday - Saturday tables in Bowmanville, Port Hope and Cobourg book quickly on IMSA - NASCAR weekends. Reserve for groups or dine earlier with kids.
Active outdoors between sessions
- Darlington Provincial Park: Sandy beach, picnic areas and short trails on Lake Ontario.
- Ganaraska Forest Centre: Well marked hiking - biking trails under tall pines. Go early for shade.
- Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area: Easy riverside paths - stroller friendly and close to town cafés.
- Scarborough Bluffs: Dramatic lake cliffs and marina boardwalks if you swing toward Toronto.
- Kayak - SUP: Rentals at Cobourg Beach or inlets along the lakeshore - mornings are calmer.
Easy day trips if you are extending your stay
- Toronto - 60 to 90 minutes. Aquarium, Science Centre, CN Tower and St Lawrence Market - a full city day.
- Port Hope - Cobourg - 25 to 40 minutes. Heritage main streets, beaches and pier walks.
- Peterborough - Kawarthas - 60 to 80 minutes. Lift Lock, canoe museum and lakeside patios.
- Prince Edward County - 90 to 120 minutes. Sandbanks beaches, wineries and small town bakeries if you add a full day.
- Rouge National Urban Park - 45 to 70 minutes. Boardwalks, beaches and family friendly trails on the edge of the city.
Times are approximate and rise on headline weekends. Parks, museums and beaches may require timed entry or have last entry cutoffs.
When to go and what to expect
- Peak motorsport - Summer carries IMSA, NASCAR Canada and major festivals, with club and regional racing across spring and fall. Trackside camping sells out early for headline events.
- Weather - Warm days and quick thunderstorms in summer, mild shoulder seasons with cool nights. Grandstands and banks are exposed. Pack sunscreen, a hat, breathable layers and a light rain shell.
- Seasonal notes - Waterfalls and gorge trails can be slippery after rain. Beaches are busiest on hot Saturdays - early swims work best.
Practical notes during race weeks
- On site operations: Karting, Driver Development Track programs and tours may pause or run limited hours on headline weekends - check the weekly schedule.
- Ground and shade: Long, hilly walks between Corner 2, Moss and the Mario Andretti Straight. A compact chair or blanket and refillable bottles help on hot days.
- Footwear: Grippy shoes for grassy banks and boardwalks. Trails near waterfalls can be wet.
- Post race plan: Let traffic thin with a pier stroll in Port Hope or an early dinner in Bowmanville before heading out on Highway 401.
- Family packing list: Ear protection for children, sun protection, light rain layer, insect repellent for lake evenings and a warm sweatshirt for night camping.
Opening hours, seasonal programs, park - museum ticketing and event week operations can change - check official circuit and attraction sites for your exact dates.