Proposed C$400M Canadian Motor Speedway In Ontario Approved For Groundbreaking

The Ontario Municipal Board yesterday "rejected all appeals against the proposed Canadian Motor Speedway in Fort Erie, opening the door for groundbreaking" on a C$400M, 65,000-seat facility near the Peace Bridge, according to Michael Clarkson in a special to the TORONTO STAR. The land has been purchased and "it’s believed the major investors are from Kuwait." Construction is "expected to take 18 months." CMS Partner & Exec Dir Azhar Mohammad said that track officials "will try to attract NASCAR and other auto racing events, as well as rock concerts." NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon is "designing the Fort Erie project’s 1.6-kilometre banked oval track and a 4.2-kilometre road course." It would be the "largest track in Canada." Plans call for "60,000 grandstand seats, 5,000 club seats and 80 suites." Sources said that officials may also approach the NHL "to discuss hosting an outdoor game" (TORONTO STAR, 11/6).

NEW & IMPROVED: In Toronto, Norris McDonald noted the Castrol control/scoring tower at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park "was demolished" yesterday after "50 years of service." The tower was "removed in order to lengthen the pit lane for an anticipated NASCAR race in 2013." It was "about to become redundant in any event because a new corporate and media centre, plus offices, is under construction across the track on driver's left at turn ten" (THESTAR.com, 11/5).