2012 Canadian Historic Grand Prix – June 15 – 17, 2012
The Vintage Automobile Racing Association of Canada (VARAC) will hold its 33rd Annual Vintage Racing Festival , renamed for 2012 as the “Canadian Historic Grand Prix” at the world-renowned Mosport International Raceway, June 15 to 17, 2012. This technically demanding, very fast 2.459 mile track and former home to the Formula One Grand Prix, Can-Am, Trans-Am and Formula 5000 is just one hour northeast of Toronto.
Corvette will be the featured marque for 2012. Corvette racing cars from across Canada and the United States will descend on the Clarington track for the second major historic Corvette focus event following the very successful Corvette World Tribute held at Road America in Wisconsin this past August.
In addition to Corvette racing, VARAC will make High Performance Driving and Touring sessions on the Grand Prix track available to Corvette owners and there will also be lots of activities both on and off the track for Corvette Clubs and other enthusiasts including a Saturday rally/tour of the area.
To make the weekend even better for Corvette enthusiasts, Canadian racing driver and Corvette legend, Ron Fellows has tentatively agreed to act as Grand Marshall for this prestigious event.
There will be racing for six groups of cars including Monoposto (single seat open-wheel vintage & historic race cars), Small Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (under 1800cc), Big Bore Vintage & Historic Cars (over 1800cc), Wings & Slicks (very fast purpose-built racing cars running on slick tires), G70+ Cars (cars dating from 1973 to 1989 including Porsches, Mustangs, etc.) and of course Corvettes.
The weekend will also play host to the only Canadian round of the Small Bore Challenge Cup, an enduro series for small bore vintage & historic racing cars.
VARAC extends a special invitation to all drivers, crew, marshalls, volunteers and media involved with racing in past years to join in the Mosport Racer’s Reunion on Sunday. This will be a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends and celebrate the history of Canadian racing. Former Canadian National Champion, Gary Magwood will host the “Legends of Mosport” driver’s reunion and many of Canada’s racing greats will be in attendance.
The VARAC Festival is about more than racing. This year VARAC has added a new event on Friday evening – the “Checkered Flag Charity Cruise”, which is open to all criusers with proceeds going to the VARAC charity. The cruise will be held on the Start/Finish Straight of the famed racing circuit and will give participants and spectators alike a glimpse of the excitement surrounding this race weekend. The public is encouraged to come out for the cruise as well and join the party.
Other features of the weekend include Canada’s largest Mini gathering, Mini Meet North as well as the very popular “Field of Dreams” car show that welcomes sports cars and hot-rods and car clubs from far and wide with Sunday noon parade laps on-track. Entry to the car show and parade laps is free! That’s a lot of action and a super value!
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the VARAC Canadian Historic Grand Prix where you are encouraged to take it all in. Walk through the paddock and get up close to the cars and drivers who will be happy to greet you. Youngsters will enjoy meeting the drivers and being photographed with the race cars. Enjoy free camping. Explore the booths of vendors of all types. Within the park you’ll also find good food and beverage and modern comfort facilities.
Vintage racer, cruiser, motorsport enthusiast, sports car or Corvette owner, you won’t want to miss this event! Be sure to put it on your calendar today, June 15,16,17, 2012.
