Speedways and car racing in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Honda Indy

One of Ontario’s largest sporting events, the Honda Indy Toronto is a world-famous motorsports festival that transforms the streets near downtown Toronto into a speeding track for some of the fastest race car drivers in the world.

Running annually since 1986, this event is part of the NTT IndyCar Series, a premiere racing championship in North America. It showcases a series of races over a weekend, with famous drivers like Scott Dixon, Will Power and Josef Newgarden competing in an intense race on the tight streets of Exhibition Place.

Don’t miss the many beer gardens, food trucks, interactive displays, charity events and other attractions at the Honda Indy. Single-day and multi-day tickets are available online.

Date: July 19–21, 2024

Location: Exhibition Place, 100 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto

Niagara Region

Merrittville Speedway

With a variety of exciting racing events held throughout the season, Merrittville Speedway is a popular destination for car racing enthusiasts.

This speedway is known for its Big-Block Modifieds: powerful, open-wheel race cars with high horsepower. They compete in thrilling races like the Super DIRTcar Series. You can also catch Sportsman Modifieds, Hoosier Stocks and other great racing events.

Racing typically begins at 7:00 p.m. If you forget to bring eye protection or blankets, you can pick some up at the novelty booth. You’ll find Merrittville Eats on the property, which features hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, chicken fingers and more.

Tickets are available for purchase at the gate. Cash and debit are accepted.

Date: Saturdays from late April to mid-September

Location: 2371 Merrittville Highway, Thorold

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Ohsweken Speedway

Attracting a wide range of local and international drivers, the Ohsweken Speedway is a great regional location to watch dirt track races.

Between spring and fall, this venue dazzles fans with its 360 sprint cars: high-speed race cars with 360 cubic engines that are designed specifically for dirt track racing. You’ll also see Crate Sprint Cars, Thunder Stocks and Mini Stocks on the dirt oval during weekly divisions. For special event divisions, catch NASCAR’s Pinty’s Series, Sportsman Modifieds, Vintage Modifieds and more.

Watch from the stands during the day and stay overnight in the nearby camping area or in one of the recommended hotels. Enjoy access to pit barn washrooms and concession booths, plus room for your trailer, tent and vehicle.

Purchase event tickets for the Ohsweken Speedway on showpass. Prices vary depending on the event and where you sit.

Date: Friday nights from May to September

Location: 1987 Chiefswood Road, Ohsweken

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Sauble Speedway

Located east of the pristine Sauble Beach, the Sauble Speedway is a 400-metre oval race track.

Open since the summer of 1969, this lively speedway has been entertaining families with events like CSRA Snow-Cross racing, monster trucks, freestyle motocross, demolition derbies and much more.

Behind the grandstands is a concession stand with an array of foods and cold beverages.

Purchase your admission at the gate with cash or a credit/debit card.

Date: June to September

Location: 1095 Bruce Road 14 Road, Hepworth

Sunset Speedway

Experience the thrill of short-track oval racing at Sunset Speedway, a hub for the local racing community.

This family-friendly spot hosts a variety of racing events from spring to fall. Watch several racing divisions like Pro Late Models, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks and Thunder Cars for entertaining, high-speed action.

Feast on a variety of delicious foods available at concession stands, including brand-name snacks from Lay’s, Domino’s Pizza and Fox’s Bakery & Deli.

Purchase your tickets at the gate.

Date: May to September

Location: 6918 Yonge Street, Innisfil

Southeastern Ontario

Brockville Ontario Speedway

Known for its fast-paced, short-track dirt racing competitions, the Brockville Ontario Speedway is a competitive racing speedway that thrills drivers and spectators alike.

With a passionate local racing community, this is a fan-favourite speedway for motorsport lovers across the region.

It features racing divisions like Sportsman Modifieds, 358 Modified, Pro Stocks and Street Stocks, with a wide range of drivers and race cars. Watch these fast and powerful race cars speed around the dirt track and race to beat their competitors. You can also see special events and series races when they tour across Ontario and stop at this location.

Tickets are available for purchase at the gate.

Date: Saturdays from May to October

Location: Temperance Lake Road, Brockville

Southwestern Ontario

Grand Bend Motorplex

Situated on 165 hectares near the picturesque tourist town of Grand Bend, the Grand Bend Motorplex is a perfect weekend getaway for fans of fast cars and tricky carousel turns.

It’s home to Ontario’s largest drag race events and other popular race series. Attracting fans from nearby major Canadian and U.S. cities, this multi-purpose motorsports facility includes a 400-metre dragstrip, a 400-metre high banked oval and a multi-circuit road course for cars and go-karts.

In addition to its incredible circuits, enjoy the food and beverage court, paved roads throughout the pit area and plenty of parking. If you want to stay overnight, the Grand Bend Motorplex camping area includes modern facilities for your basic needs.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or ahead of time on the pre-booking page.

Date: May to October

Location: 70292 Grand Bend Line, Grand Bend

Toronto Motorsports Park

The Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga is a renowned haven for motorsports enthusiasts. Boasting a quarter mile drag strip and an exhilarating road course, this facility offers a dynamic range of racing experiences.

At the drag strip, speed lovers can revel in quarter mile (402 metres) drag races in muscle cars and experience their raw power in intense straight-line contests. These cars accelerate from 0 to 150 km/hr (100 miles/hr) within a few seconds.

The road course, on the other hand, caters to those who relish the twists and turns of road racing. Customers can get behind the wheel of a F-2000 racing vehicle and experience what it is like to drive a formula level racing car.

Visitors can also participate in the Exotic Dream Car Experience, which is a chance to drive one or more exotic cars, such as a Lamborghini Gallardo, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 997 Turbo, and others, on the 1.8 kilometre road racing circuit. Pre-register online for this event.

Along with these individual experiences, this location also hosts racing events in all these categories where professionals and motorsport enthusiasts can compete and enjoy their love for motorsports.

Ticket prices vary for each event. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

Date: Major events from May to September

Location: 1040 Kohler Road, Cayuga

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

Formerly known as Mosport Park, the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is a world-renowned motorsport facility known for its historic racetrack.

In 1958, this 182-hectare tract near Bowmanville was chosen by the British Empire Motor Club (BEMC) to be its new road racing course. They designed a 4000-kilometre challenging course with sweeping curves, elevation changes and 90-degree right turns to make the show more interesting.

It has hosted various prestigious racing events over its long history, including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, NASCAR Pinty’s Series and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Racing legends, Formula One world champions and Indianapolis 500 winners have all driven here.

In addition to the fun Canadian Tire Motorsport Park events, you can explore the scenic parkland, open fields and incredible viewpoints around the property. Shop at the vendors in the park’s Marketplace, enjoy meals and refreshments at CTMP Trackside Grill and visit the special driver autograph sessions to meet the crew and race cars.

Tickets must be purchased online. The park offers general tickets and SuperTickets, which come with admission for three days of racing, free parking and free access to the race team paddock. Purchase group or corporate tickets if you’re visiting in a group of 20 or more, which comes with reserved seating, behind-the-scenes paddock tours and team-building games.

Date: Major events from May to September

Location: 3233 Concession Road 10, Bowmanville

Brighton Speedway

Brighton Speedway is a 1/3-mile (536 meters) clay stock car racing oval located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Brighton, Ontario. The speedway hosts five weekly divisions and races Late Models, Modifieds, Thunder Stocks, Comp 4, and Stingers.

They also boast of a full schedule of events including many 360 Sprint events, Monster Truck Madness, Labour Day Classic, Applefest Shootout and Eve of Destruction.

The track is home to the popular 360 Sprint Series, which includes drivers racing winged and wingless sprint cars equipped with 360 cubic inch engines.

In addition to season passes, visitors can purchase individual tickets for races. 360 Sprint Series races are priced higher.

Date: May to October

Location: 775 County Road 64 Brighton, Ontario

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Calabogie Motorsports Park

Calabogie Motorsports Park is a world-class racing venue with a safe yet challenging track for drivers of all skill levels.

It boasts the longest speedway track in Canada at five kilometres in length, with 20 turns and a 610-metre-long straightaway. It’s a favourite destination for drivers of North American luxury sports cars like the Porsche, BMW, Viper and more.

Enjoy an exciting assortment of Calabogie Motorsport Park events like Track Days where you can bring your own vehicle and test out the circuit yourself, or racing events like club races, regional competitions and other motorsport championships.

Admission prices vary. Tickets must be purchased online.

Date: Events from April to October

Location: 462 Wilson Farm Road, Calabogie

Northern Ontario

Laird Raceway

Just a 30-minute drive from Sault Ste. Marie, the Laird Raceway features a short-track oval for dirt track racing.

One of the most popular venues for motorsport lovers in Northern Ontario, this stock car track hosts a selection of racing divisions like Late Models, Super Stocks and other classes. Witness high-performance race cars as the talented drivers get to show off their skills.

You’ll find food from the on-site concession stand and race car memorabilia from the souvenir booth. This family-friendly place also has a large play area with balls and toys for the little ones. You can supervise your kids while enjoying drinks from the beer garden.

After the race is over, all fans are welcome to come into the pits and meet their favourite drivers.

All grandstand seating is general admission and tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Date: June to August

Location: 127 Lake George Road East, Echo Bay

Tips for attending speedways and car races

If you’re new to watching speedways and car racing in Ontario, here are some tips that will help you enjoy the ride:

• Arrive early: If you get to the track early, you’ll have time to explore the course, get autographs from drivers and walk through the pit to soak in the racing experience. There may also be extra events like concerts or live shows that you can take part in before the race starts.
• Wear comfortable clothes: You’ll be outside and on your feet often, so make sure you have comfortable clothes and shoes. If it’s a sunny day, remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Some places let you bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
• Bring earplugs or headphones: With the loud roar of car engines and cheering fans, car races can be very loud, especially for young children. Bring a pair of earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones if you’re sitting at the track—it will help protect your eardrums from damage.
• Bring cash: If you plan to buy drinks or souvenirs at the speedway or car race, make sure you have some cash on hand. These vendors may not accept credit cards, debit cards.