2023 Drive Festival Returns to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

The third annual Drive Festival, scheduled for Sept. 8–10, is heading back to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, located in Bowmanville, Ontario, just east of Toronto. Event organizers promise a unique and interactive experience, along with an opportunity to enjoy some of the world’s most iconic and exotic vehicles.

“We’re always looking to enhance the experience for passionate car lovers and this year will be even more compelling with our exciting added features,” says festival director, Adam Ruppel. “This event truly has something for everyone – from the adrenaline junkies to the seasoned collectors.”

Organizers have planned a variety of attractions, including manufacturer displays, test drives, and ride-alongs. Performance junkies are sure to enjoy the Mobil 1 Dream Car Speed Run, which offers spectators an opportunity to see exotic vehicles in action on the eastern half of the Grand Prix track.

Test Tracks to Suit Every Taste

In addition, anyone with a valid driver’s licence is welcome to test drive some of the newest vehicles on the market on a dedicated three-kilometre track on the western side of the Grand Prix track. A number of manufacturers will be offering the opportunity to drive some of their latest models, including electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids, in a setting meant to reflect everyday driving conditions (minus the stoplights).

While off-road enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the dedicated 1.5-km off-road track, complete with gullies, ditches, dunes and other obstacles, the performance track is sure to attract those with a need for speed. Organizers promise an array of sports cars, muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, available to drive on the Driver Development Track.

Those who prefer to experience motoring excitement on two wheels are invited to enjoy the motorcycle test rides, available to anyone with an M or M2 class licence. Although helmets, jackets, and gloves will be available for those who want to ride, be sure to bring your own since organizers may not have your size on hand.

New Attractions

This year’s event includes a number of new attractions, including the Aviva EV Launch Pad, which offers performance enthusiasts an opportunity to ride shotgun with a professional driver as they rocket a 576-horsepower Kia EV6 GT from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

The Overland Park attraction is also new, and features an off-road test track with vehicles from Nissan, Kia, and Toyota, as well as a Kawasaki side-by-side ride-along adventure. The attraction will include overland adventure equipment, RVs, vans and more.

Finally, The Collection is a curated collection of the rarest and most collectible cars in the world including a Lamborghini Miura, Porsche 959, McLaren P1, and Ferrari LaFerrari.

Family Fun

The Family Fun Zone is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Activities include a kids test track with miniature exotic cars, Hot Wheels, e-bikes, and racing simulators.

For more show information and tickets, visit www.DriveFestival.com.