Circuit Mont-Tremblant

Circuit Mont-Tremblant is a 4.218 km (2.621 mi) road racing circuit located in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, approximately 130 km (81 mi) north of Montreal, Canada. It is the second-oldest racing circuit in the country. Originally known as Circuit Mont-Tremblant–St-Jovite, the venue was renamed in the 1970s. Situated near the Mont-Tremblant ski resort, the circuit features a twisting fifteen-corner layout that follows the natural topography and elevation changes of the surrounding terrain. History The concept for Circuit Mont-Tremblant originated with local business owners and hoteliers seeking to extend tourism beyond the winter ski season. Construction was completed in two phases. The original 2.510 km (1.560 mi) layout opened in 1964, and the circuit was extended the following year to 4.265 km (2.650 mi). The 1960s – 1970s Circuit Mont-Tremblant hosted its inaugural race on 3 August 1964 on the original twelve-corner layout. By September of that year, construction of the bridge, pit stalls, and media and officials’ facilities had been completed, enabling the circuit to host sports car and prototype events. The expanded circuit debuted in September 1965 with the Player's Quebec Sports Car Race. On 11 September 1966, the circuit hosted its first Canadian-American Challenge Cup (Can-Am) race. In 1967 and 1968, it hosted consecutive USAC Indy Car twin 100-mile double-header events. The circuit hosted the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix on two occasions, in 1968 and 1970. The 1970 event was notable for marking the Formula One debut of Tyrrell Racing as a constructor. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Circuit Mont-Tremblant was a regular venue for major North American racing series, including Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, and Formula Atlantic. Notable drivers who competed at Circuit Mont-Tremblant during this period include Mario Andretti, Chris Amon, Alan Jones, A. J. Foyt, Gordon Johncock, Parnelli Jones, Jacky Ickx, Denny Hulme, Bruce McLaren, Mark Donohue, Dan Gurney, Roger Penske, Peter Revson, Jochen Rindt, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Al and Bobby Unser, and Gilles Villeneuve. The 1980s – 1990s During the 1980s and 1990s, Circuit Mont-Tremblant regularly hosted prominent Canadian national racing series, including the Rothmans Porsche (Turbo) Cup, Players GM Challenge Series, Honda-Michelin Series, Export A Formula 2000, and the Canadian Formula 1600 Championship. These series played a significant role in the development of Canadian racing talent, including Paul Tracy, Scott Goodyear, Ron Fellows, Greg Moore, Richard Spenard, Patrick Carpentier, and Alex Tagliani. The Jim Russell Racing School Circuit Mont-Tremblant is home to the Jim Russell Racing Driver School, established in 1969. The school has produced a number of internationally successful drivers, including Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques Villeneuve, Lance Stroll, and Nicholas Latifi. A CIK-FIA–rated karting facility was added in 2010 to support driver development programs and has hosted Canadian national karting events. The 2000s – present In the 2000s, new ownership initiatives focused on upgrading the facility to improved FIA standards while preserving the circuit's original character. Improvements included track resurfacing and widening, pit lane expansion, and increased run-off areas. These upgrades enabled the return of major racing categories, including sports car racing, open-wheel events, superbike racing, and historic motorsport. The circuit continues to be used extensively for club racing, corporate events, manufacturer programs, and vehicle launches. On 21 July 2022, the Circuit Mont-Tremblant complex was acquired by 11938053 Canada Inc., a company owned by Montreal businessman Gad Bitton of the Holand Automotive Group. Events Current May: Classique Printemps July: Classique Été September: Classique Automne Former Atlantic Championship (1975–1976, 2007–2008) Can-Am Mont-Tremblant Can-Am (1966, 1969–1971, 1977–1978) Canadian Superbike Championship (2003–2004, 2006–2007, 2012–2013) Canadian Touring Car Championship (2012–2013) Champ Car World Series Mont-Tremblant Champ Car Grand Prix (2007) Formula One Canadian Grand Prix (1968, 1970) Grand-Am Cup (1998, 2002–2004) IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge Canada (2012, 2019) Rolex Sports Car Series 6 Hours of Mont-Tremblant (2002–2005) SCCA Continental Championship (1967, 1969–1970) Trans-Am Series Trois Heures du Circuit (1968–1971, 1977–1978) USAC Championship Car Saint-Jovite 200 (1967–1968) United States Road Racing Championship (1968) Former series and major race winners FIA Formula One World Championship Champ Car World Series USAC Championship Car (IndyCar) SCCA Can-Am Series SCCA Trans-Am Series SCCA United States Road Racing Championship SCCA Formula 5000 Atlantic Championship Grand American Road Racing Championship Canadian Superbike Championship Lap records As of September 2019, the fastest official race lap records at Circuit Mont-Tremblant (St. Jovite) are listed as: See also List of auto racing tracks in Canada Other Montreal area race tracks Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Circuit ICAR Sanair Super Speedway Notes References The Chequered Past: Sports Car Racing and Rallying in Canada, 1951–1991 By David A. Charters External links Official site