Circuit Mont-Tremblant facts for kids
 
Circuit Mont-Tremblant
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| Location | 1281 Chemin du Village Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada |
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| Owner | Lawrence Stroll |
| Opened | September 1964 |
| Architect | Alan Wilson (2000 redesign) |
| Major events | Formula One Canadian Grand Prix (1968, 1970)
Mont-Tremblant Champ Car Grand Prix (2007) |
| 2004 Road course | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 2.65 mi (4.26 km) |
| Turns | 17 |
| Race lap record | 1:17.327 ( Sébastien Bourdais, Panoz DP01, 2007, Champ Car) |
| 2000 Road course | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 2.65 mi (4.26 km) |
| Turns | 15 |
| Race lap record | 1:22.961 (Didier Theys, Doran Lista Racing, Dallara LMP-Judd, 2002, SRP1) |
| North Course | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 1.529 mi (2.46 km) |
| Turns | 12 |
| South Course | |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Length | 1.187 mi (1.91 km) |
| Turns | 7 |
Circuit Mont-Tremblant is a famous race track in Quebec, Canada. It is about 4.26 kilometers (2.65 miles) long. The circuit is located near the village of Mont-Tremblant. Before 2000, the nearby village of Saint-Jovite was often part of the circuit's name. However, Saint-Jovite became part of Mont-Tremblant in 2000.
Contents
History of the Race Track
The first parts of the circuit were built in 1964. By September 1965, the track was made longer by about one mile. This new section had long straight parts and a small hill. This hill was called "the Hump." It became famous during the first Can-Am race in 1966. During practice, two cars actually flew into the air when they went over "the Hump"! Luckily, both drivers were okay, but they couldn't race.
The cold Canadian winters made the track surface very bumpy. Because of this, many cars had problems during races. For example, in the two Formula One races held here (in 1968 and 1970), many cars had to drop out.
In 2000, a fashion businessman from Montreal, Lawrence Stroll, bought the track. He hired a track designer named Alan Wilson to make the circuit safer and more modern. This was done to meet the rules of the FIA, which is the main group for motorsports. Because of this big project, the track was closed for all of 2000 and 2001.
In 2004, the circuit got another major upgrade. The pit road, where cars stop for service, was made longer and wider. A new exit from the pits was also built. A special turn called a "chicane" was added in Turn 2. Other turns were changed so that two different races could happen at the same time. For safety, "the Hump" was lowered by about 3.5 meters (11.5 feet). The track also has many ups and downs, with a total height change of 28 meters (92 feet).
On July 1, 2007, Circuit Mont-Tremblant hosted a Champ Car World Series race. This was the first time these types of Indy cars raced there since 1967 and 1968. Back then, the famous driver Mario Andretti won all four races. The 2007 race was exciting, with many lead changes. It ended in the rain, and Robert Doornbos won. A French driver, Tristan Gommendy, set a very fast lap time during qualifying that year.
Current Race Series
Today, Circuit Mont-Tremblant hosts many exciting races. Some of the main series that race here include:
- Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship (motorcycles)
- Canadian Touring Car Championship (touring cars)
- Ferrari Challenge (Ferrari cars)
- Historic Motor Sports Association (classic race cars)
- Formula Tour 1600 (open-wheel cars)
Famous Races and Winners
Circuit Mont-Tremblant has been home to many important races over the years.
Formula One Grand Prix
The circuit hosted two Formula One races, which are the highest level of car racing.
- In 1968, Denny Hulme from New Zealand won the Canadian Grand Prix.
- In 1970, Jacky Ickx from Belgium won the Canadian Grand Prix.
Champ Car and IndyCar Races
The track has also seen exciting Champ Car and USAC Championship Car races.
- In 2007, Robert Doornbos won the Champ Car race.
- The legendary American driver Mario Andretti won four races here in 1967 and 1968.
Can-Am Series
The Can-Am Series featured powerful sports cars.
- Famous winners include John Surtees (1966), Denny Hulme (1969), Dan Gurney (1970), and Jackie Stewart (1971).
Trans-Am Series
The Trans-Am Series was known for its muscle cars.
- Mark Donohue was very successful here, winning four times in a row from 1968 to 1971. He won in a Chevrolet Camaro and later in an AMC Javelin.
Other Notable Races
The circuit has also hosted races for:
- United States Road Racing Championship
- Formula 5000
- Atlantic Championship, where Canadian racing legend Gilles Villeneuve won in 1976.
- Grand American Road Racing Championship (now called IMSA SportsCar Championship), which included long endurance races like the "6 Heures du Circuit Mont-Tremblant."
See also
In Spanish: Circuito Mont-Tremblant para niños
