Ahead of its planned opening in Spring 2008, ICAR outlined its mission to redefine motorsport in Québec with its revitalization of the former airport facility. With work having already started on what will be one of the most prestigious private motorsport complexes in Canada, including a permanent 3.8km road course, Wednesday's guests were treated to an overview of ICAR's plans for the site.
With an impressive 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.
"I'm thrilled to have officially introduced ICAR's plans for the Mirabel complex and I'm delighted with the progress we've already made here," commented ICAR Chief Executive Officer, Frédéric Senay. "We're on-schedule to open in Spring next year and put simply we'll be offering ICAR's users a unique facility in the region. From day one we've wanted to redefine what we could offer the automotive and motorsport industries and I believe we're on-track to meet that objective."
Jean Teasdale, Vice President of Cargo and Industrial Development for Aéroports de Montréal shares Frédéric Senay's enthusiasm for the ICAR project. He commented, "ICAR's strategy for the revitalization of the Montreal-Mirabel Airport complex shares our vision for the development of the site and we couldn't be more excited to have found partners with such a dynamic, class-leading business model. I look forward to returning in 2008 to witness the dream become a reality here at Mirabel."
Wednesday's official introduction was capped with a one-lap display race comprised of some of the vehicles that will feature in ICAR's plans for the site, with Mr. Hubert Meilleur, Mayor of Mirabel, enjoying the honour of waving the checkered flag.
PHOTO: From left to right, Jean Teasdale, Vice President of Cargo and Industrial Development for Aéroports de Montreal (ADM), Hubert Meilleur, Mayor of Mirabel, Frédéric Senay, President of ICAR and Bertrand Godin, spokesperson for ICAR pose after the unveiling of the ICAR model track during Wednesday's press conference at Mirabel.
From Audrey Marleau / ICAR
