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| The control tower and press box |
On Sunday, it was announced that more than 70,000 spectators had turned up during the weekend. According to Mosport executives, it's the largest crowd ever at this racetrack.
Similar to Watkins Glen, New York, there is a vast camping ground inside the track. Fans are able to park there and never miss a beat of the action. Speed fanatics and thrill seekers are delighted.
This is one heck of a technical track, but the drivers love it.
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| Fans found great spots to catch the action. |
Upon my arrival at the media registration room, I immediately realized that the people here have a lot of experience and that they are well prepared to deal with journalists and photographers. No time is wasted; all the press kits are readily accessible, including a parking licence to a spot near the press box.
Unlike most other places, we don't have to ''beg'' for a reasonable parking spot and walk long distances with our heavy material on the shoulders. Kudos to the organizers for offering journalists such a convenient parking lot.
As odd as it may seem, it was this old journalist's first ever visit to Mosport in his 30-year career. I guess conflicting schedules and the long trip from my home to Mosport discouraged me to come here.
Some colleagues thought that was a lame excuse, especially since they saw me in Toronto five or six times over the last few years to cover the Molson Indy. I will have to be extremely creative if I don't come back to Mosport at least once a year.
The race schedule at the Grand Prix of Mosport was very promising. Obviously, the main event was the ALMS race on Sunday afternoon with Audis, Porsches and other beautiful machines.
GT1 and GT2 classes are also spectacular and entertaining with cars like Corvettes, Ferraris and Porsches competing with the mighty LMP1s and LMP2s on the same track.
As for the ''sub-series'', we were in for quite a treat as Star Mazda open-wheel cars and Formula BMW cars were driven by young wolves who stopped at nothing to showcase their talent.
I also enjoyed watching the SCCA Touring Car Series and the exciting GT Series with gorgeous Cadillacs, Vipers, Corvettes and Porsche 911 GT3s.
Finally, there were the IMSA Lites and IMSA GT3 Cup which featured some 30 Porsches driven by amateurs and semi-professionals.
I was glad to be on hand to see Ron Fellows' last race on his lucky track. Fellows is widely considered as the mayor of Mosport and a special ceremony was held to honor his outstanding contribution to this racetrack over the last quarter of a century.