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Archive for the ‘AUTOSHOWS’ Category

NEW ADDITION TO CANADIAN MOTORSPORT HALL OF FAME FEATURED IN DISPLAY AT THE CME

TORONTO, ON / FEBRUARY 2, 2012 – The Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame will feature the latest addition to the Hall’s collection at its display during the Canadian Motorsports Expo. The three-day show runs February 10, 11 & 12 at the International Centre, adjacent to Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

The vehicle is a Grand-Am Daytona Prototype, owned by the Wilkins Family. The car – Riley Chassis #001 – is the first-ever Riley DP produced for Grand-Am competition, and was active between 2003 and 2011. Originally owned by Chip Ganassi, the car won several races for Ganassi Racing. It also won while being race-prepped and run by Woodbridge, Ontario’s AIM Autosport.

The car’s appearance at the Canadian Motorsports Expo, Powered by Inside Track Motorsport News, will mark the first time that the vehicle – restored to its most memorable ‘AIM era’ colours – will be publicly displayed by the Hall of Fame. The vehicle was loaned to The Hall late last year.

In addition to exhibiting the AIM Daytona Prototype, the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame (CMHF) booth at the CME will be staffed by several inductees to the Hall, including Canadian racing champions Craig Hill, Bill Brack, Ron Fellows and Ross de St. Croix. Hall of Fame Chairman Dr. Hugh Scully and motorsport journalists Dean McNulty (Toronto Sun) and Norris MacDonald (Toronto Star) will also be making guest appearances at the CMHF booth during the show.

“Having Riley DP Chassis #001 make its public debut for the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame – in the AIM colours that Canadians remember so well – is very big news for the Canadian Motorsports Expo,” said the CME’s David Weber. “The car, the inductees and special guests will educate and entertain racing fans at the show. We appreciate that the Hall is making the CME part of its efforts to promote Canada’s great racing history.”

Several other members of the Hall of Fame are also expected to be on hand to meet with show visitor and to discuss the Hall’s future plans. Be sure to stop by the CMHF exhibit (Booth #417) in Hall 6 for details on inductee and special guest appearances during the CME. For more information about the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, contact Sid Priddle at sidpriddle@yahoo.ca. Or visit them on the web at www.cmhf.ca.

The Canadian International Auto Show is once again coming to Toronto. Register before December 31st, and get a 25% discount off your admission fee.
The show is open to the public from February 17 to 26, 2012.
Here’s a direct link to the Auto Show’s website – AUTOSHOW

The World’s Largest Free Automobile Event Makes Canadian Debut, June 20-24 2011

TORONTO, June 15, 2011 /CNW/ – From Monday June 20 through Friday June 24, Brookfield Place in the heart of Toronto’s downtown financial district will be transformed into a free to enjoy auto extravaganza; showcasing a selection of the very latest vehicles. Established in London, Los Angeles and New York; June 2011 marks the first time that Motorexpo – the world’s largest free automobile event – is presented on Canadian soil, and organizers are anticipating a fully charged first showing that will lead to Motorexpo becoming a major fixture on Toronto’s business and social calendar. Read the rest of this entry »

Media day starts early which means an early rise to ride the wave of commuted traffic headed along the QEW to Toronto. As it turned out, the traffic wasn’t too bad and the weather cooperated. With registration out of the way, it was time to tune the sniff receptacles to the coffee setting and follow the aroma. Breakfast, courtesy of Castrol, was a substantial improvement over recent years – perhaps a reflection of the improved state of the auto industry.

Let’s face it, the auto industry has gone through some rough times as of late but has somehow managed to weather the storm. But one has to reflect that it also saw some tremendous growth in the decade prior to the economic “adjustment” of 2009 and yet, 2010 saw some companies having to deal with their shortsightedness, arrogance and complacency.  Hopefully, lessons were learned.

Let the Awards begin -

First up was the ecoEnergy Awards for the most fuel efficient vehicles. Of the twelve most fuel efficient models, only two were diesel.  Sadly, I feel we are only paying lip service to the importance of finding more economical means to propel vehicles. When hybrid vehicles come with a premium price, not many people are going to be lining up to buy them. When the public doesn’t appear to be interested in hybrid vehicles regardless of price, we are going to be forever in the gasoline rut. Having just returned from a trip to the UK and seeing the number of diesel powered vehicles, I can’t help but wonder what message we in North America are missing. Let me explain something, I rode in many a diesel powered vehicle while in the UK. They were fast, powerful, didn’t smell, and didn’t sound different and the resale value was as good as any other vehicle. The British pay over 2 dollar a litre for petrol and diesel, so they don’t give much thought to the economy of Diesel – it’s a given.  Perhaps, when the price of fuel exceeds $2 per litre here, people may wake up. To find out more and see the award-winning vehicles  visit – ecoENERGY.

Next up – the Automobile Journalists’ Association of Canada’s Technology, Best new Design, Truck and Car awards. The Technology Award went to Ford for its inflatable rear seat belts. The Best New Design went to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The Truck of the Year award when to Ford for the Ford Edge and the coveted Car of the Year awards when to General Motors for the Chevrolet Cruz. For the full list of winners – AJAC awards

CLICK HERE for pictures from the awards and media presentations

A tribute to Carrol Shelby

While attending the 2010 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, take a moment and visit the Carroll Shelby collection of vehilces on display.  Also on display will be the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500, with Shelby’s autograph prominent on the hood.  This was auctioned live at a Gala Reception held on February 10th. The GT-500 has been generously donated by the Toronto Ford Dealers Association.  The net proceeds of the event, hosted by CIAS and supported by the Toronto Automobile Dealers Foundation, was donated to the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Canadian Motorsport Heritage Foundation.