June 04, 2024

50 years of the Canadian Grand Prix (Part 1)

41 minutes

Today we're going to learn about the exciting 50 years of Formula One racing at the Canadian Grand Prix, and we have three speakers with years of stories to tell. In order of appearance, we're honored to be hearing from: George Webster, Lionel Birnbom, and Tim Meddaugh.

George was a Canadian Automobile Sports Club appointee to the Stewards Committee for the Grand Prix races during the Mosport years and early Montreal years. He was Chief Steward, chairing the Committee of Race Stewards from 1977 through 1980. He has attended 71 Formula One Grand Prix.

George is a retired high school teacher from Oakville, Ontario. He's been working part time as motorsports writer and photographer since the mid 1970s. And he has covered road racing, NASCAR, Cart, and Formula One for the publications including: Autosports Canada, PRN Ignition, National Speed Sport News, and the website goracing.com.

CHECK OUT THE FULL-LENGTH VIDEO VERSION ON YOUTUBE!

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00:00 George Webster's Early Involvement in Canadian Grand Prix

01:24 Challenges and Milestones of the Canadian Grand Prix

02:32 Memorable Moments from the 1967 Canadian Grand Prix

04:32 Evolution of Formula One in Canada

04:53 The Role of Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs

06:36 Significant Races and Drivers in the 1960s and 70s

08:13 The Impact of Weather and Safety on Races

18:23 Controversies and Confusions in Race Results

21:33 American Influence and Iconic Moments

22:06 Bernie Ecclestone's Negotiation Tactics

23:31 The 1976 Grand Prix and Nicky Lauda's Return

24:40 Controversies and Crashes at MoSport

27:05 Gilles Villeneuve's Rise and Ferrari Debut

30:44 The Move to Montreal and the 1978 Grand Prix

36:52 Sponsorship Conflicts and the 1987 Race Cancellation

38:25 The Legacy of the Canadian Grand Prix

38:37 Closing Remarks and Sponsorship Acknowledgements

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This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

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