Panoz sells Mosport to Fellows group
Recognized as Canada’s Home of Motorsports, Mosport is the country’s largest automotive performance and racing facility. It has hosted almost every class of road racing on its famed 3.96-km (2.459-mile) circuit including the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n, Formula 1, IndyCar, stock cars, sports cars, motorcycles, motocross, showroom stock, historic vintage racers, “Big Rig" trucks and karts. Under the new ownership, Myles Brandt will continue to serve in his role as President and General Manager at the facility.
“Myles and his staff have done an extraordinary job with Mosport," said Dr. Don Panoz, Chairman of Panoz Motor Sports Group and Founder of the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n. “There is no deeper tradition or racing history in Canada than what exists here at Mosport. I am personally very gratified that we have been able to help this crown jewel grow and improve for both racers and fans alike, and I am very happy to now turn it over to a group that loves this place as much as I do. And I want to say a special thank you to Ron Fellows, who has always been a true gentleman, champion and the greatest representative of Canadian racing that I have known. The fact that he is now one of the owners of Mosport is a dream come true for both of us."
“We want to thank Panoz Motor Sports Group for making Mosport what it is today – a world-class racing venue that is host to some of North America’s best road-racing series and a place of inspiration for generations of racers in Canada," said Boughton, on behalf of Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd. “We are excited to pour our racing passion and business expertise into Mosport and look forward to working together with local government and tourism authorities to take this historic race facility to the next level in delivering the best excitement and entertainment motor racing has to offer."
The new leadership team brings a renewed focus, fresh thinking, and a strong vision on how to maximize the potential of Mosport. Over the next 18 months, plans include the construction of a new events and meeting facility, the restoration of current buildings and spectator facilities, and track improvements to deliver the high-caliber racing experience that drivers and fans want. The company’s three key players will utilize their unique areas of strength and knowledge to guide Mosport into the future:
• Al Boughton – President and Managing Partner of Trailcon Leasing and a long-time classic car enthusiast and restorer with a passion for racing.
• Ron Fellows – Canadian racing legend with a distinguished racing record and a deep relationship with Mosport, which started at the age of 11 where he attended his first race. A three-time American Le Mans Series class champion for Corvette Racing, Fellows ranks in the Series’ Top 10 in career wins with 27 and was voted Most Popular Driver five times. Mosport is also where Ron won his first Drivers Championship, first Trans-Am Series victory, first prototype sports cars win, and – most recently in 2010 – an SCCA World Challenge race victory in Mosport’s 50th anniversary year.
• Carlo Fidani – Chairman and CEO of Orlando Corporation and an accomplished businessman who brings a wealth of development insight and experience to Mosport.
“We could not be more pleased to be returning Mosport back to Canadian ownership and stewardship," said Scott Atherton, President and CEO of Panoz Motor Sports Group and the ALMS. “The new owners represent the best possible combination of top-quality business professionals, enthusiasts and resources. Canadian race fans have a lot of very positive things to look forward to at Mosport. And we will look forward to bringing the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n back to Mosport for many years to come."
Atherton also stated that the sale of Mosport is an isolated example. While Mosport was not for sale, the group that approached PMSG had such a dynamic plan for Mosport’s future that all concerned recognized that the future of the facility could be better served in the hands of the Canadian group. Atherton acknowledged PMSG’s extreme pride for the many improvements that were made over the past 13 years and emphasized that the best is yet to come for the American Le Mans Series and its fans at Mosport.
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patr¢n returns to Mosport for its only north-of-the-border stop, July 21-24, as part of the Mobil 1 presents The Grand Prix of Mosport – Canada’s biggest sports car race of the year.