Reliving the Glory Days of Motorsport
As the old saying goes, “When did the first car race happen? It was when the second car was built!” Motorsport has been around for over one hundred years, and there is no signs of stopping it.
Great automotive advancements have come from racing. Like the rear view mirror, disc brakes and seat belts. Basically the things that make your car safer and perform better come from pushing them to the extreme. To celebrate the automobile, motorcycle and aircraft a new Venue came to town. This year at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, formerly known as Mosport, “Glory Days Celebration of Speed” was born. The brainchild of vintage car racer Bob Deshane and his crew went and put together a similar event to the famous “Goodwood Festival of Speed” in England. This is unique for North America. There are many shows and races but none that assemble all things that have motors, wheels and wings together. A massive classic car show with all types of classics and supercars could be found in the upper paddock. One of the most beautiful collection of vintage motorcycles I’ve ever seen was on display, right down to some owners wearing period correct garb. Similar to Goodwood, classic cars, racecars to modern supercars would compete in a “hillclimb” event navigating backward or counter clockwise on 3/4 of CTMP’s 2.54 mile circuit. This was done in the opposite direction to make it a continuing increase in elevation, a challenge for cars and drivers alike. All the drivers found it quite a different experience and a whole lot of fun. Around noon on Saturday, a pair of WW1 aircraft put on a simulated “dog fight” high in the sky to the thrill of the fans. A typical British – German battle seemed to take place as the Red Baron styled Fokker Tri- plane and Sopwith chased each other. Now that’s something you just don’t see everyday!
In the evening a dinner and classic car Auction was held. Key note speakers included former Canadian driving Champ Bill Brack and renowned photographer Alan DeLaplante known for his book on racing great Gilles Villenueve. Mr. DeLaplante was close with Villenueve and had some great inside stories about his career. A portion of the proceeds during the weekend were donated to “Light Patrol” a great cause which helps homeless young people in the GTA. Stay tuned to glorydayscelebrationofspeed.com for next year’s schedule of events. So shine up your car, bike or airplane! It’s definitely worth a visit.
Written by Perry M. Mason
