Mosport has been sold

[Fogelhund]

http://americanlemans.com/primary1.php?cat=news|15816

Panoz Motor Sports Group today announced the return of Mosport International Raceway to its Canadian roots with its sale to Canadian Motorsport Ventures, Ltd. Comprising that group are transportation industry leader, Al Boughton; famed Canadian racer Ron Fellows; and real-estate developer Carlo Fidani. The new owners intend to build upon Mosport’s storied history and respected reputation to create new and exciting opportunities for race fans, corporate partners and racers on an international scale.

More at link

[AstonGeoff]

I wish the new owners well with their venture.

We found Mosport most friendly and a great track when we visited back in 2007 for the ALMS race.

[ptclaus98]

I wonder what effect this will have on Shannonville and the Bridgestone Racing Academy.

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by ptclaus98

I wonder what effect this will have on Shannonville and the Bridgestone Racing Academy.

I can't imagine it will have any effect. Shannonville has been around for nearly 40 years now, not sure how this would change things for them.

[chernaudi]

Not to mention that one of the investors is Ron Fellows, after all...

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

Not to mention that one of the investors is Ron Fellows, after all...

Which means what?

[chernaudi]

He lives/lived near the track, was (and may still be) a racer, and his racing career started there. I don't think that Ron would shut down the track or any programs there, at least willingly, as it's sort of hollowed ground to him.

Any word on if they'll make some improvments to the track, namely beefing up the guardrail down the Andretti Straight where that accident happened last year?

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by chernaudi

He lives/lived near the track, was (and may still be) a racer, and his racing career started there. I don't think that Ron would shut down the track or any programs there, at least willingly, as it's sort of hollowed ground to him.

Any word on if they'll make some improvments to the track, namely beefing up the guardrail down the Andretti Straight where that accident happened last year?

Certainly this has very positive implications for the track. The Panoz group made some nice investments in the track early on, and the result was improvements at Mosport. Really this parallels the investment they put into the ALMS at the start of the decade too. Panoz had plans for a Hotel, a private driving club and a couple of other things. The new owners apparently may take these and run with them.

Panoz wasn't going to invest further monies, and it was time for new ownership. Hopefully the same can be said for the rest of their businesses, it's time.

I haven't heard anything regarding improving guardrails etc.... Having said that, you would think the insurance people took a look at that, and screamed liability....

[FordCosworthPanoz]

Originally Posted by Fogelhund

Certainly this has very positive implications for the track. The Panoz group made some nice investments in the track early on, and the result was improvements at Mosport. Really this parallels the investment they put into the ALMS at the start of the decade too. Panoz had plans for a Hotel, a private driving club and a couple of other things. The new owners apparently may take these and run with them.

Panoz wasn't going to invest further monies, and it was time for new ownership. Hopefully the same can be said for the rest of their businesses, it's time.

I haven't heard anything regarding improving guardrails etc.... Having said that, you would think the insurance people took a look at that, and screamed liability....

Exactly, as soon as I heard theFellows name mentioned, it made me look very positively to the future of the circuit. Certainly much more confident than if ISC, SMI, or a non racing development company had purchased Mosport.

[TWRv12]

Does this deal indicate problems at Panoz Motor Sports Group, or is it a change of strategy?

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by TWRv12

Does this deal indicate problems at Panoz Motor Sports Group, or is it a change of strategy?

Neither.
Mosport wasn't for sale, despite PMSG getting several approaches a year. The only reason that they even explored this approach was because Ron was involved.

This isn't the start of a massive sell-off. Dr Don doesn't need the money, after all!

[Fogelhund]

Originally Posted by sceptic

Neither.
Mosport wasn't for sale, despite PMSG getting several approaches a year. The only reason that they even explored this approach was because Money was involved.

Fixed for accuracy.

[HJJ]

Originally Posted by sceptic

Neither.
Mosport wasn't for sale, despite PMSG getting several approaches a year. The only reason that they even explored this approach was because Ron was involved.

This isn't the start of a massive sell-off. Dr Don doesn't need the money, after all!

100% correct.

[AGD]

I wonder how this will impact NASCAR/Grand-Am's relationship with the circuit. The new ownership will probably make the relationship better, but we'll see if any new races come to Mosport.

I certainly hope that the new owners are willing to and have the ability to make the infrastructure changes necessary to the track. It's a beautiful circuit, but things like the barriers (as mentioned earlier) need upgrading.

[Jonerz]

They did have the Conti series there (stupidly on Le Mans weekend) for a few years, I'd like to see at least them come back... maybe the Rolex Series too.

Chris