Inside the 2025 Victoria Day SpeedFest at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

With the May Long Weekend taking place across Canada, it also marked the return of major motorsport racing. I had the opportunity to visit Canadian Tire Motorsport Park to check out the track, the facility, and some of the preliminary races ahead of Victoria Day Speedfest. As someone with limited racing knowledge, just seeing the cars up close and experiencing the atmosphere was incredible. Of course, I was also on the lookout for purpose-driven elements, and CTMP didn’t disappoint. I came across some unique initiatives that really set this venue apart. So without further ado, let’s dive in.

What is Canadian Tire Motorsport Park?

If you’re not familiar with Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP), it’s one of Canada’s premier racing venues, located in Bowmanville, Ontario. The track roared back to life this past weekend with the Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest (May 16–18) an annual event that signals the start of CTMP’s major event season.

Headlining the weekend was the NASCAR Canada Series, where the country’s top stock car drivers took on CTMP’s legendary F1 road course. The race weekend also featured a strong lineup of support series, including the Nissan Sentra Cup, Emzone Radical Cup Canada presented by Michelin, Super Production Challenge, and Toyo Tires F1600 Championship, offering fans non-stop action across all three days.

Even with limited motorsport knowledge, I found the energy and intensity of the event impossible to ignore. Seeing the variety of cars and racing styles up close gave me a new appreciation for the sport, and set the stage for discovering some purpose-driven elements unique to CTMP.

Family Oriented Cost Effective Sporting Event

What really made the Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest at CTMP stand out is its affordability and family-oriented atmosphere. At a time when attending live sports can feel out of reach for many, CTMP delivers an exciting, immersive experience at a fraction of the cost of most pro sports events.

With free admission for kids 16 and under (with a paying adult), weekend-long access to racing, and even on-site camping options, CTMP creates a space where families can enjoy a full weekend of motorsport without breaking the bank.

The event also serves fans from the east side of Toronto and beyond, where professional sports are less accessible. CTMP fills that gap with top-tier racing and a welcoming community vibe.

From the Canadian Tire Fun Zone for kids, to behind-the-scenes paddock access and a Saturday night concert and fireworks show, there’s no shortage of things to do, and it’s all included with your ticket. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or just looking for a fun, affordable weekend with the family, CTMP checks all the boxes.

CTMP’s Bottle Drive with The Beer Store

One of the standout purpose-driven initiatives at this year’s Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest was a powerful partnership between The Beer Store and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, aimed at supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). 

Right in the middle of the event grounds stood a dedicated beer can and bottle return station, where fans were encouraged to drop off their empties. All proceeds from returns went directly to the LLSC, supporting vital research, patient care, and advocacy for those affected by blood cancers. 

Since 2001, The Beer Store has raised more than $24 million for this cause, funding breakthroughs in treatment and providing critical resources for families across the country. This on-site activation at CTMP turned a simple fan behavior into a small act of generosity in the fight for a cure.

And while the focus was firmly on community impact, the program also carried an environmental benefit, helping keep the track clean and promoting sustainable practices throughout the weekend. A win for the cause, and a cleaner experience for the next wave of race fans.

Final Thoughts

The Castrol Victoria Day SpeedFest at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park wasn’t just a thrilling start to the 2025 motorsport season, it was a reminder of how live sports can be accessible, community-driven, and purpose-filled. From the roar of the engines on the legendary F1 road course to the relaxed family-friendly atmosphere off the track, CTMP delivered an experience that felt both high-octane and down-to-earth.

As someone new to the racing world, I left with a deeper appreciation for the sport and the people behind it. What stood out most was CTMP’s ability to blend entertainment with impact, from inclusive ticketing and engaging fan zones to meaningful initiatives like the Returns for Leukemia bottle drive.

In a time when many live sports events feel increasingly out of reach, CTMP offers a refreshing reminder that top-tier experiences don’t have to come with a top-tier price tag. It’s a place where families, casual fans, and motorsport die-hards can all find something to love, and that’s a race we can all get behind.