Chevrolet Grand Prix: A Legacy of Speed and Performance

Chevrolet Grand Prix: A Legacy of Speed and Performance

Precision, Performance, and Power

The Chevrolet Grand Prix, held at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (formerly known as Mosport Park) in Bowmanville, Ontario, has long been a staple of North American sports car racing. Since its inaugural race in 1975, this event has attracted top-tier teams, world-class drivers, and some of the most technologically advanced race cars. As of January 2022, the Chevrolet Grand Prix continues to be a highlight of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, delivering high-intensity competition and unforgettable moments.

Race Overview & Format

Originally known as the Mosport 6 Hours, the event has evolved into a 2-hour and 40-minute sprint featuring multi-class racing. The race requires precise strategy, exceptional driving skills, and finely tuned race cars capable of handling the demanding 2.459-mile (3.957 km), 10-turn circuit at high speeds.

The Chevrolet Grand Prix hosts some of the most competitive and technologically advanced sports cars in endurance racing, divided into multiple classes:

Car Specifications & Classes

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship follows strict regulations governing the cars' specifications. The race features the following primary classes:

Daytona Prototype International (DPi) (Now replaced by GTP in 2023, but active in 2022)

  • Engine: 5.5L V8 (Cadillac) or 3.5L V6 twin-turbo (Acura)
  • Horsepower: ~600 hp
  • Top Speed: ~200 mph (320 km/h)
  • Weight: ~2,050 lbs (930 kg)
  • Chassis: Carbon-fiber monocoque, built to IMSA and ACO regulations

These are the fastest cars in the field, purpose-built prototype race cars designed for maximum speed and aerodynamics.

LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2)

  • Engine: 4.2L V8 Gibson spec engine
  • Horsepower: ~540 hp
  • Top Speed: ~190 mph (305 km/h)
  • Weight: ~2,050 lbs (930 kg)
  • Chassis: Open-cockpit prototype with aerodynamic bodywork

LMP2 cars are slightly slower than DPi prototypes but still offer incredible speed and downforce capabilities.

LMP3 (Le Mans Prototype 3)

  • Engine: 5.6L V8 naturally aspirated Nissan
  • Horsepower: ~460 hp
  • Top Speed: ~180 mph (290 km/h)
  • Weight: ~2,050 lbs (930 kg)
  • Chassis: Standardized prototype designs from Ligier, Duqueine, and others

Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD Pro) & Grand Touring Daytona (GTD)

  • Engine: Varies by manufacturer (V8, V10, flat-six, turbocharged V6)
  • Horsepower: ~500-550 hp
  • Top Speed: ~170 mph (273 km/h)
  • Weight: ~2,900-3,200 lbs (1,315-1,450 kg)
  • Cars: Production-based GT cars like the Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, Porsche 911 GT3 R, Lamborghini Huracán GT3, BMW M4 GT3, Aston Martin Vantage GT3

The GTD Pro and GTD classes showcase high-performance road-based GT3-spec cars, modified for endurance racing with enhanced aerodynamics and performance.

Legendary Drivers & Teams

The Chevrolet Grand Prix has seen some of the best drivers and teams in motorsports history take the checkered flag.

Most Wins by a Driver

  • Lucas Luhr holds the record with five victories, dominating the event across multiple seasons.

Most Successful Teams

  • Audi Sport North America leads the way with six victories, proving their engineering and racing prowess over the years.

Top Manufacturer Performances

  • Porsche sits at the top of the leaderboard with eight wins, showcasing their long-standing tradition of excellence in sports car racing.

Memorable Moments

The Chevrolet Grand Prix has delivered countless thrilling battles, dramatic overtakes, and historic victories.

2015: A Corvette Prototype Victory

  • Dane Cameron and Eric Curran piloted the No. 31 Action Express Racing Corvette Prototype to victory, securing an important win for Chevrolet on home soil.

2017: Taylor Brothers Take the Win

  • Jordan and Ricky Taylor claimed victory in the Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac DPi, showcasing dominance in the prototype class.

Why the Chevrolet Grand Prix Matters

This race is more than just a stop on the IMSA calendar—it’s a showcase of technology, endurance, and racing talent. The high-speed corners and flowing nature of Canadian Tire Motorsport Park make it one of the most challenging circuits in North America, requiring a perfect blend of skill, power, and precision to conquer.

As of January 2022, the Chevrolet Grand Prix continues to serve as a battleground where manufacturers, teams, and drivers push the limits in their pursuit of victory and legacy. Whether it’s the lightning-fast prototypes, the roaring GT3 machines, or the high-intensity competition, this race offers some of the best action in endurance racing.