Canadian GP May Return, As NASCAR??

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal will host a NASCAR race for the next three years following a deal between ISC and the Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Stock-Car Montreal, a subsidiary company of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), which owns the majority of NASCAR tracks in the United States, announced it has signed a three-year lease with the Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montreal to host events at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

The event will be the most important one for the track this year after it was axed from the Formula One calendar following disagreement over rights fees between Bernie Ecclestone and the race's promoters.

"We are thrilled with today's announcement and our team looks forward to hosting this unique motorsports event for years to come," said Francois Dumontier of Stock-Car Montreal.

"With the experience we've gained over the last two years, the on-track performances of Canadian drivers such as Ron Fellows and Patrick Carpentier and the growing popularity of NASCAR in our province, we are confident this third edition will be a resounding success.

"Furthermore, with this year's race occurring on an off weekend for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, we plan to attract some of the biggest names in racing to challenge the tight turns and fast straight-aways of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve."

Normand Legault, who had been involved in the running of races at the including the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix, sold his part of the event to ISC to allow it to continue this year. Legault pulled out from his previous role in October.

"This is the best thing that could happen for Montreal's racing future," Legault said. " I've promoted races with ISC for a few years - they have an excellent reputation and sincerely wish to develop a long lasting relationship with Montreal and its thousands of race fans."

Last year Montreal was the scene for the first ever NASCAR race held in the rain, which was won by Canadian Ron Fellows.

This year's Nationwide Series event is scheduled for August 29 and 30.