Toronto, ON, Canada
Summer of Celebration
The Vintage Road Racing Association celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday with look back 50 years
In the autumn of 1967, Mosport raceway northeast of Toronto hosted European legends Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini in a Grand Prix race to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. It was the first and only FIM-sanctioned motorcycle GP held in Canada.
On Saturday, August 12, 2017, the Vintage Road Racing Association (VRRA) marks the 50th anniversary of the ’67 Canadian Grand Prix with a daylong celebration during the VRRA’s annual Mosport (renamed Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) Vintage Festival.
Among the famous racers in attendance (including Briton Phil Read and American Steve Baker) will be Canadian Michelle Duff, who finished third in the premier 500 cc class 50 years ago. Amid autograph signings and parade laps, a standing-start exhibition race featuring machines from the 1960s will pay homage. Additionally, the VRRA’s usual slate of races, featuring motorcycles from the 1940s thru the 1990s, will be ongoing throughout the day.
Founded in 1980, the VRRA is a thriving, volunteer-run organization. As many as 300 entrees are anticipated for this event, which include a two-hour endurance race Friday, Saturday’s celebratory events and qualifying races, and Sunday’s finals.) The VRRA is a proud supporter of the Canadian Rider Safety Fund and of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. The VRRA has collected nearly a ton of foodstuffs for distribution through local food banks and welcome donations of non-perishable items during this celebratory weekend.
Tickets for the HB Cycle sponsored Vintage Festival are available at the gate for $10 daily or $30 for a weekend pass, which includes camping (no services). Entry for ages 12 and under is free. Race registration for experienced vintage racers is ongoing.
For more information, please visit VRRA.CA