Often, one expects a lot from a big event and less so from a smaller program. Sometimes though, the little guy blows the big guy out of the water! When I visited the launch of one of Toronto’s biggest racing events last month, I felt let down. No cars, no flash, no excitement. There has been so much going on lately that I almost backed out of last night’s launch party for the new Castrol Canadian Touring Car Championship. What a mistake that would have been!

When you take a bunch of enthusiastic, organized grass roots competitors who really care about the sport of racing and the community around it, great things can happen. Under the leadership of John Bondar, the team of Bondar, Jason Sharp and Perry Ianuzzi have built a series that looks ready to become one of the best ever in Canada. The launch last night was a great indicator. Great cars on display, lots of friends both old and new and a great venue. Maybe the smartest thing is the whole event likely cost less than that other big series spent to rent the automotive building at the CNE.

Speaking of big, the initial entry list has somewhere in the neighbourhood of 70 drivers in 3 classes, and what a list it is. Along with some of the modern names in racing, many of the names have race history dating back to the Seventies. Many racers lament for the days of the Firehawk series of the Nineties. Well, lament no more folks as the CCTCC looks like it will be bigger and better than the Firehawk ever was and should have a healthy bit of fun mixed in.

I suppose I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the involvement of Castrol and Toyo Tires. Both companies have a strong motorsport history. Castrol in particular has been involved with racing in Canada since the earliest days. This partnership could well become one of those that goes down in Canadian racing history as the best of all time.

Great work team!

Schedule

June 2/3 Shannonville Motorsport Park

July 6/7/8 Grand Prix of Toronto

July 28/29 Calabogie Motorsports Park

August 11/12 Mosport International Raceway

September 1/2 Mosport International Raceway

September 15/16 Mosport International Raceway

September 29/30 Mosport International Raceway

For more details visit TouringCar.ca