A Fan's Guide to the IMSA Chevrolet Grand Prix at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

For IMSA fans, there are few circuits quite like Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Known to generations of racing fans simply as "Mosport," this legendary circuit in Bowmanville, Ontario, has been testing drivers since 1961. With its fast, flowing layout and almost no room for error, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) has earned a reputation as one of the most demanding road courses in North America.

This weekend, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns to Canada for the Chevrolet Grand Prix, Round 7 of the 2026 season. Unlike the endurance classics at Daytona, Sebring, or Watkins Glen, this 2-hour and 40-minute sprint places an even greater emphasis on qualifying, track position, and flawless execution. The event features LMP2 prototypes alongside GTD PRO and GTD machinery, creating the multi-class racing that IMSA fans love.

The Circuit

At 2.459 miles (3.957 km) and featuring ten corners, CTMP is deceptively simple on paper. In reality, it's one of the fastest permanent road courses on the IMSA calendar, with blind crests, dramatic elevation changes, and sweeping high-speed corners that demand total commitment. There are very few slow corners, meaning momentum is everything. A small mistake can cost several positions—or end your race entirely.

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Aerial View

Corners Every Fan Should Watch at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Turn 1 & Turn 2

The opening sequence is one of the

fastest in North American road racing. Drivers brake while turning downhill before immediately committing to the long, fast Turn 2. Overtakes are possible here, but only for the brave.

Turn 3

One of the best passing opportunities on the circuit. Heavy braking and multiple racing lines often produce exciting wheel-to-wheel battles, especially on restarts.

Moss Corner (Turns 5A & 5B)

Perhaps the most technical section of the lap. Drivers must balance patience and precision before accelerating onto the Andretti Straight. A clean exit here is worth valuable time all the way to Turn 8.

Turn 8

A fast, sweeping right-hander where commitment is rewarded. Drivers who carry speed through Turn 8 often position themselves perfectly for the final challenge.

Turn 10

The final corner is one of CTMP's signature moments. It's fast, slightly intimidating, and incredibly important for lap time. A strong exit sets up overtaking opportunities into Turn 1 on the next lap.

Storylines to Watch

The Chevrolet Grand Prix marks the first LMP2 sprint race following the drama of Watkins Glen, where championship momentum shifted after Cadillac's overall victory in the previous endurance round. With no GTP cars competing this weekend, the LMP2 category takes center stage, giving fans a chance to watch one of endurance racing's most competitive prototype classes battle for overall victory.

IMSA #13 Corvette at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

GTD PRO and GTD will once again provide close manufacturer competition throughout the field.

Tips for First-Time Fans

If you're attending your first IMSA race, don't spend the entire day in one place.

Walk the circuit.

Experience the speed at Turn 2.

Watch the braking into Turn 3.

Feel the elevation changes around Moss Corner.

Then finish your day overlooking Turn 10 as the cars thunder onto the front straight.

Every section of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park offers a completely different perspective on what makes sports car racing so special.

First Sector Verdict

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park doesn't reward caution.

It rewards confidence.

With high-speed corners, constant traffic, and little room for mistakes, this weekend's Chevrolet Grand Prix promises to be another classic chapter in the IMSA season. Whether you're watching from the grandstands or following from home, expect strategy, close racing, and one of the fastest road courses on the continent to produce unforgettable moments.