The driving season in Canada may be shorter, but that doesn’t mean the BMW CCA’s Trillium Chapter doesn’t have a packed schedule for the summer, starting with a corral at the Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (formerly Mosport) IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship race, and including multiple on-track driving events throughout the season.
The festivities begin July 5-7, 2019, with a corral and hospitality program partnered with Pfaff BMW as BMW Motorsport takes on the IMSA field in GTLM through the wooded Ontario hills of the historic Mosport course. Members in attendance will be part of the action, too; per the Trillium Chapter’s release, you will receive everything included in a general weekend access pass, plus the following:
- Refreshments and meals
- Parking for your Bimmer at the BMW Corral
- Guided tours in the paddock, meet the drivers of the BMW Pro teams
- Technical and race discussion by members of the professional IMSA teams
- Guided tours to select corners during the race with a former pro racer, who will narrate the intricacies of racing at Mosport
- BMW parade laps with your Bimmer on the track
- Access to view any part of the track
- Closed circuit TV in the Corral, in case you would rather watch the race in comfort
For more information, please contact info@trilliumbmwclub.ca.
While the Trillium Chapter hosts four high-performance driver’s education events at Mosport, the next event on the calendar for our northern neighbors is the chapter’s first Advanced Driving School event, held at Calabogie Motorsports Park (CMP) from July 19-21, 2019. Saturday and Sunday will consist of on-track and classroom sessions for all levels of drivers, novice through advanced, as well as pre-approved solo. Friday lapping on July 19, however, is only available to experienced “A” students (drivers who have completed three or more events in the “A” group at a Trillium or other BMW CCA school), pre-approved Solo group “S” students, and instructors.
In addition, the event includes a banquet Saturday evening (guests may attend for an additional fee). Register here on Motorsport Reg or contact the Trillium Chapter for more information.
If parade laps at the season-opening IMSA race aren’t enough (or if the BMW drivers have you inspired), BMW CCA Club Racing participants (which could include you!) will have the opportunity later in the season to race on the CTMP course where BMW Motorsport has competed for more than forty years. On August 1-4, 2019, the Trillium Chapter invites you to one of the fastest tracks in North America, coupled with a Canadian dollar that offers US members cheaper hotels, food, and track fees. The hospitality is superb too, with a paddock BBQ on Friday evening, banquet in the event center on Saturday evening, and the friendly support of local Trillium members!
If you want an extra day to develop intestinal fortitude, there is a Test and Tune day on Thursday, followed by practice, qualifying and racing Friday through Sunday. This is a BMW CCA Club Racing Premier Event, held at a premier track; Jackie Stewart once said that Mosport’s Turn 2 is still the scariest corner he has driven on any track, anywhere—but come and find out for yourself in August.
Still waiting to hone your skills for BMW CCA Club Racing? For Advanced Solo students, Trillium is offering four days of Advanced Student Lapping (ASL) sessions in between race sessions. If you are in the permanent Solo group of any BMW CCA chapter or BMW Clubs Canada chapter, you are qualified to participate.
Register here for the CTMP Club Race, and here for the ASL sessions. Our Canadian neighbors are excited to welcome US and Canadian drivers to these events, and they hope to see you there!—David Rose
[Photos courtesy BMW CCA.]