The highlight of Canada’s classic and vintage motorcycle racing brings vintage thunder to the famed Mosport Park – now named Canadian Tire Motorsport Park – the weekend of August 17-19. This crown jewel in the Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA) season is the third of four events in the 2012 series.
The track’s name change is more than just for advertising; “The Tire” has given an ongoing financial commitment and support to the half-century-old classic venue. There have been millions of dollars of improvements since new owners purchased the track last year. Resurfacing, better competitor access, improved sightlines, better spectator access via track bridges, and much more have hugely improved the racing scene at Canada’s most storied race venue.
There’s a lot happening in addition to the racing, which starts on Friday with an endurance contest and continues with practice, qualifying races, and finals right through to Sunday afternoon. Camping is openly available through the 162 hectare (400 acre) site, with lots of washrooms and an excellent snack bar/restaurant in the paddock area.
Plus, if you’re staying Saturday night one of the racers, Tyler Wilson, and his band the will be playing to entertain you.
Manufacturers will be on hand with demo rides available on new models, and if you bring your own bike there you can “Try the Track” hours available Saturday and Sunday at lunchtime, sponsored by Pro 6 Cycle. For $20 you can take an organized ride on the track, proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters. See the VRRA website for more details, space is limited vintage fans need to pre-register at trythetrack@gmail.com
The racing and the track brings the biggest road racer turnout of the year in Canada (over 175 racers, many with multiple bikes) and welcomes many American riders making the trek across the border. It’s also invariably got the biggest sidecar turnout of the season, surely one of the most entertaining forms of motorsport you’ll ever see.
The VRRA is the only motorcycle association in Canada devoted solely to classic and vintage road racing, and is the oldest such organization in North America. Members range from casual racers out to preserve their classic machines to highly-competitive Pro racers who still like to exercise their competitive talents in a more relaxed atmosphere.
More information is available from: www.vrra.ca
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