Circuit Racing

Circuit racing is a form of motorsport where drivers compete on closed, purpose-built tracks, typically featuring a series of corners, straights, and elevation changes designed to test both speed and strategy. The races can range from short sprints to endurance events, with vehicles that include everything from lightweight open-wheel cars to powerful touring cars and GT machines. Some of the most prestigious events in circuit racing include Formula 1 Grand Prix, endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and touring car series like the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). Races are usually held in multiple laps, with teams focusing on car setup, tire management, and pit stops to gain a competitive edge.

Circuit racing attracts both professional drivers and amateur enthusiasts, with many series offering opportunities for up-and-coming drivers to progress through the ranks. It’s a sport that demands precision, quick reflexes, and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, making it a favorite for those who appreciate technical challenges and high-speed action. From the roar of the engines to the thrill of the competition, circuit racing is a spectacle of skill, strategy, and speed.

Getting Involved

Members of the Ottawa SportsCar Club have many options to go racing with a wide range of costs and experiences.

Calabogie Challenge

Calabogie Motorsports Park hosts the Calabogie Challenge Race Series. For ‘regular’ cars, there are 3 series – the  GT Challenge, the  Platinum Challenge , and the Miata Challenge . In addition, there is the  Libre Challenge series for Formula and open-wheel race cars and Sports Racers. None of the series requires a race license. The events are in the evening, making it easy to race and get back home.

If you are not sure about the CMP Challenge series, why not come out to an event to see what they are about and meet some of the competitors? The admission is free!

Visit the Calabogie Motorsports Park Website to learn more about the Challenge Series.

CASC-OR

The competition in the CASC-OR classes is fierce, but our members have risen to the challenge and have been class champions. Crystel Charest was the 2018 champion for PIRELLI GT5 in her pink Mini and was the OSCC 2018 ‘Competitor of the Year’.

Racing in CASC-OR events will require a race license, which can be obtained from one of the accepted 2-day race schools, such as the Perry Performance / Calabogie Racing & Lapping Academy. You will learn the basics of high-performance track driving and race craft, as well as a good foundation in the rulebook.
 
Other Options

There are many other series that are available to race, volunteer or be a spectator at. These Include:
The Super Production Challenge, has events at all three of the Ontario tracks, including Calabogie
The IMSA series, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and MX-5 Cup at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, just outside of Toronto and about 4 hours away from Ottawa.
FEL Motorsports SportsCar Championship & Radical Canada Cup has races at Calabogie and Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

Ottawa is only 45 minutes from the US border, and only 4 hours to Watkins Glen. A few of our members compete with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Lime Rock Park and many other tracks are also within a reasonable driving distance from Ottawa.