The International Center of Advanced Racing (ICAR) hosted a distinguished group of VIP's and media Wednesday October 24 as plans for the company's on-going development and construction of a state-of-the-art motorsport facility were unveiled on-site near the Montreal-Mirabel International Airport terminal.
Ahead of its planned opening in Spring 2008, ICAR outlined its mission to redefine motorsport in Quebec with its revitalization of the former airport facility. With work having already started on what will be one of the most prestigious private motorsport facilities in Canada, including a permanent 3.8-km road course, Wednesday's guests were treated to an overview of ICAR's plans for the site.
With an multi-configuration track layout, where advanced safety features will be showcased, ICAR hopes that the site will serve as an unrivalled platform for automotive manufacturers and dealers to present their products while attracting the corporate sector as an event venue. The ICAR complex will also serve as a key motorsport facility for professionals and amateurs alike. Attracted by the ultra-modern design of the circuit, meeting approved FIA design standards, and with virtually the entire track visible from a single viewing point, the motorsport community will have at its disposal a cutting-edge home situated just 20-minutes drive from Montreal. The new ICAR Club will allow members to have exclusive track time as well as VIP access to events held on-site with full use of the restaurant and lounge situated in the complex's stunning pavilion. In addition, the site will host the ICAR Academy, helping to ensure the future of motorsport by initiating a trainee and sport-study program for young drivers while offering advanced driving courses. The Mirabel base will also serve as the official home and testing facility for the ICAR Star Mazda racing team and the ICAR Karting team - the latter making full use of the brand-new kart track located on-site. "We are planning to open the facility during the Spring of next year," said ICAR Chief Executive Officer, Frédéric Senay. "The road course offers several difficulties while being extremely safe. The entire tracks as well as the run-offs areas are completely paved with concrete. If a car leaves the track, there's no problem as there is nothing to hit. The circuit offers 128 different layouts. We intend to propose our members 150 days of lapping next year. We are also thinking about organizing winter activities such as driving courses on ice."
Several organizers and promoters of the Quebec racing series attended the launch, including Serge Bernier of the Formula Tour 1600 Series and Bertrand Lambert, the owner of the Toyota Pirelli Series. For more information: www.circuiticar.com Photos: Philippe Champoux
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