Champ Car Grand Prix of Montréal

[Slippery_When_Oiled]

With the Formula One Grand Prix of Canada behind us, we now look forward to the 5th edition of the Champ Car Grand Prix of Montréal, which will also be held at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on August 25, 26, & 27. Although the Champ Car series may not be the same as F1, it does offer something different and exciting to race fans. It also provides another opportunity for Montréal to be an international host to the world.

Here is the official site: http://www.champcarmontreal.com/

As we get closer to race week, let's do what we did here for the F1 and let's report on the sites and events that will take place in and around Montréal. This will be useful for Montréalers and visitors alike.

 

[Slippery_When_Oiled]

Super Deal & Great Cause

In the Montréal Gazette of today (Sunday, July 2, 2006), Wal-Mart took out a full page ad. It seems like Wal-Mart is a major sponsor of this year's Champ Car Grand Prix of Montréal. Not only is Wal-Mart selling tickets to the Grand Prix at a very reduced price, Wal-Mart is also making a cash donation to Opération Enfant Soleil for every ticket sold.

For the F1 Grand Prix of Canada, 3-day tickets in the Gold Grandstand (at the start/finish line) were selling for $440 per person. For the Champ Car Grand Prix of Montréal, the ticket office is selling the 3-day tickets in the Gold Grandstand for $219 per person. However, Wal-Mart is selling the 3-day tickets in the same area for $81 plus tax, and this also includes Paddock Passes. And, Wal-Mart will make a $27 donation per 3-day tickets sold to Opération Enfant Soleil. This is a super deal and it also helps a great cause.

If you want to see the ad, look at Page A6 of today’s Montréal Gazette or click on this link (I'm not sure how long this link will work):

http://shopping.montrealgazette.canada.com/ROP/ads.aspx?advid=269650&adid=3185379&cat=4573

 

[Techman]

That is an amazing deal! I wonder how long the tickets will last?

 

[HonestAbe]

Isn't the reigning champ (Sebastian Bourdain?) from Quebec? I think Paul Newman owns the team he races for doesn't he? I saw a show on Real Sports(HBO) w/Bryant Gumbel where he talked in depth with Newman about his love of the sport.

Any experts here have some quick stats to share about the quality of the racing? How do the cars stack up to F1? The tickets certainly sound more reasonably priced. Does the city treat the event with any regard? I would be interested if the downtown Hotels didn't charge $500 a night +tax. Money better spent hobbying IMO unless the event if truly top notch.

 

[Techman]

HonestAbe, the quality of the event is very good. Crescent will be closed off as it was for the GP. But overall it is a smaller event for the city. The number of people doesn't come close to the GP, nor the money they spend. For someone that's into racing, they will have a more enjoyable time at the track. There are fewer grandstands which gives general admission ticket holders an opportunity to actually see something and the prices are much lower than for the GP. Also you have the ability to visit the paddocks and the pits for a small upcharge on your ticket and get up close with the cars and drivers. It's definately worth the money if you're a racing fan.

 

[agentleman27]

Isn't the reigning champ (Sebastian Bourdain?) from Quebec? .

No, Sebastien was born in Le Mans, France Link to Sebastien's Bio

I think Paul Newman owns the team he races for doesn't he?

Yes Paul Newman co-owns the Newman-Haas team

A27

 

[CMA]

Originally Posted by Doc Holliday
To be honest, i don't think anyone cares about Champ Racing anymore. Not only in Mtl, but pretty much everywhere else. It's a mess!! The IRL isn't doing much better.

I fully agree with you Doc. I guess that the best thing who could append to both series is that they get reunited again otherwise, I'm not shure that they can both survive.

CMA

 

[DirtyOWL]

In the Montréal Gazette of today (Sunday, July 2, 2006), Wal-Mart took out a full page ad. It seems like Wal-Mart is a major sponsor of this year's Champ Car Grand Prix of Montréal. Not only is Wal-Mart selling tickets to the Grand Prix at a very reduced price, Wal-Mart is also making a cash donation to Opération Enfant Soleil for every ticket sold.

Does anyone have one of these ticket packages for sale? Do you know if they are still available? I'm willing to pay a premium for one of these ticket packages from someone. I doubt there will be any left by the time I get to Montreal for this race. Thanks.

 

[Hondo]

The circus comes to town this week starring Canadian Strongman Paul Tracy, who has been duking it out with the competition the last two races, in the shadow of his red hot teamate American A.J. Allmendinger. The series offers 750hp, 200mph speeds, very competitive racing, and great fun at affordable prices. The city is at its festive best, without the Huge crowds and High prices of F1, and the Jazz Fest. Not the "che-che" glitz and glamor of F1, but lots of pretty ladies, and good times at a world class racing facility, and on Crescent Street. Check it out.