We all kinda knew it was coming — but still hoped for the best — but now regrettably it’s official….

For the first time in 20+ years — there will not be a version of Grand Bend Motorplex’s Canadian Nationals.

The iconic Eastern Canadian event – originally set for July 31-August 2 — has been deleted from the season schedule.

The revelation comes despite Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford’s most recent announcement (yesterday) which did reclassify the provincial COVID alert level to a 3 (including for this area).

“The parameters within the Ontario Government’s Stage 3 announcement was what we had been waiting for before we made a final decision,” confirmed Paul Spriet, the track’s Chief of Operations. “But unfortunately that limits us to a maximum of 100 spectators per day (in addition to our racer/crew program already in effect). So even if that was expanded in the near future there was still no way it would get to a level were we could accommodate the crowd that can make our Canadian Nationals a success.  In addition to that — we now know with the border closure to the USA is again extended (now into August) – which eliminated many of the teams that would come north to perform for us.”

GBM’s official website does go on to state that there will be a race event that weekend. In addition to featuring their normal ET Bracket racing program, an event menu including competition in Pro Mod, Top Sportsman/Dragster and for Can-Am Stock/Super Stock is being designed up.

Posted by Bruce Biegler