2011 is the last year for Nationwide race in Montreal

[BobHWS]

According to an article in today's edition of the Montreal French-language newspaper, La Presse, 2011 will be the last year for the Nationwide NASCAR race in Montreal. Here is a link to the article with a translation of the first few paragraphs.

Dernier tour de piste pour NASCAR
La Presse
Michel Girard
20 juin 2011

There is almost no chance of seeing the Nationwide NASCAR race again next year.

To see our local heroes, Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier, Alexandre Tagliani and company run in NASCAR, you will have to go to the United States. Or maybe to Mosport International Raceway.

The new owners of the famous circuit in Ontario (F1 ran there before moving to Montreal) would like to take over from the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Why do we risk losing the only NASCAR race to be held in Canada? Because the promoter of the event, the International Speedway Corporation (ISC), has so far failed to convince the Charest government to pay a subsidy for the purpose of absorbing part of the deficit generated annually by the organization of the event in Montreal.

This deficit is around $1.6 million each year... Without government assistance, the ISC does not intend to renew its contract with Montreal and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a contract which ends in 11 days, June 30. The NASCAR race on August 19 would be the last to be held on Montreal soil...

[FordCosworthPanoz]

Originally Posted by BobHWS

According to an article in today's edition of the Montreal French-language newspaper, La Presse, 2011 will be the last year for the Nationwide NASCAR race in Montreal. Here is a link to the article with a translation of the first few paragraphs.

Dernier tour de piste pour NASCAR
La Presse
Michel Girard
20 juin 2011

There is almost no chance of seeing the Nationwide NASCAR race again next year.

To see our local heroes, Jacques Villeneuve, Patrick Carpentier, Alexandre Tagliani and company run in NASCAR, you will have to go to the United States. Or maybe to Mosport International Raceway.

The new owners of the famous circuit in Ontario (F1 ran there before moving to Montreal) would like to take over from the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal.

Why do we risk losing the only NASCAR race to be held in Canada? Because the promoter of the event, the International Speedway Corporation (ISC), has so far failed to convince the Charest government to pay a subsidy for the purpose of absorbing part of the deficit generated annually by the organization of the event in Montreal.

This deficit is around $1.6 million each year... Without government assistance, the ISC does not intend to renew its contract with Montreal and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a contract which ends in 11 days, June 30. The NASCAR race on August 19 would be the last to be held on Montreal soil...

Was there anything more on the Mosport suggestion? Perhaps the new Fellows ownership wants to bring NASCAR to Mosport????

[Axeman444]

Ambrose better seal the deal this year then hey?

[fieldodreams79]

This seems to be NASCAR's MO with road courses and the NW series; feeling things out north and south of the border. Both Mexico and Montreal seemed to have very warm initial receptions, but we all knew it wouldn't last. Shame, really.

And yes, Axe, past time for Taz take that trophy down unda.

Would be pretty cool to see stockcars at Mosport, but don't think that'll happen. NASCAR has something dumb in mind, surely.

[FordCosworthPanoz]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

This seems to be NASCAR's MO with road courses and the NW series; feeling things out north and south of the border. Both Mexico and Montreal seemed to have very warm initial receptions, but we all knew it wouldn't last. Shame, really.

And yes, Axe, past time for Taz take that trophy down unda.

Would be pretty cool to see stockcars at Mosport, but don't think that'll happen. NASCAR has something dumb in mind, surely.

Knowing NASCAR, we will probably see the successful and highly attended Montreal race replaced by a 3rd race at Chicagoland or Fontana, or any other ISC track where the locals could give two hoots about motorsports, perhaps with a third race they can break 2k at Chicago.

[Axeman444]

what supports the Sonoma race now?

[fieldodreams79]

Originally Posted by Axeman444

what supports the Sonoma race now?

That would be the NASCAR West series, running a 200 miler on Saturday. I think this is has been the support series/race for quite sometime out there, I believe.

[picchiofan]

Originally Posted by FordCosworthPanoz

Knowing NASCAR, we will probably see the successful and highly attended Montreal race replaced by a 3rd race at Chicagoland or Fontana, or any other ISC track where the locals could give two hoots about motorsports, perhaps with a third race they can break 2k at Chicago.

Seeing as they've never run a second race at Chicago, and canned the 2nd California race this season, I'm not sure what you're going for.

For as "highly successful" as the Montreal is, it's losing money. ISC says "hey, help offset it or we bail", and the organizers balk. Seems pretty cut and dry.

I'd put something to the new Fellows' ownership of Mosport as well.

[FordCosworthPanoz]

Originally Posted by picchiofan

Seeing as they've never run a second race at Chicago, and canned the 2nd California race this season, I'm not sure what you're going for.

For as "highly successful" as the Montreal is, it's losing money. ISC says "hey, help offset it or we bail", and the organizers balk. Seems pretty cut and dry.

I'd put something to the new Fellows' ownership of Mosport as well.

1. I suggest you take a look at the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide schedule, judging by that statement it may suprise you. Then look at grandstand pictures for the "2011 STP 300"

2. I think you are right, something that wasnt embedded was the Montreal promoter claiming the new ownership had interests close to NASCAR. We all basically know the ALMS in its current form doesnt have much time left, and in the press conference the new owners claimed they were interested in bringing new series to the circuit. Nationwide/Rolex/Conti on a weekend would make a lot of sense, and if half as successful as the new Road America weekend should draw a large crowd.

[JHamilton]

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

That would be the NASCAR West series, running a 200 miler on Saturday. I think this is has been the support series/race for quite sometime out there, I believe.

As long as I can remember. At least 20 years, in fact they used to televise it.

[Axeman444]

maybe Montreal needs some Australian V8's on the card...

interesting it is the highest rated or attended round (i couldn't quite understand the translation) for NW of the year...