Canadian Tire revs up its commitment to racing fans

Canadian Tire partners with Mosport International Raceway

BOWMANVILLE, ON, Feb. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadian Tire today announced a long term partnership with Mosport International Raceway, a renowned racing facility located in Bowmanville, Ontario. The track will be renamed Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. As part of a commitment to further establishing itself as Canada's automotive authority, Canadian Tire is increasing its investment to support motorsports in Canada through this partnership.

"As Canada's largest automotive retailer, Canadian Tire has a long tradition of supporting auto racing and motorsports in Canada," said Allan MacDonald, Senior Vice President, Automotive. "Canadian Tire is excited to give back to the racing community by working with Mosport International Raceway to improve this racing landmark in Canada and create an enhanced experience for both drivers and fans."

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is home to some of the biggest races in Canada, hosting the only Canadian stop for North America's premiere sports car championship - the American Le Mans Series.  The facility will also host two races in the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

"We are thrilled to partner with Canadian Tire, an important supporter of Mosport and auto racing fans for many years. Together we're building a world-class facility that will draw racing enthusiasts and grow our fanbase which continues to evolve year over year," said Myles Brandt, President and General Manager of Mosport International Raceway.

Support from Canadian Tire will continue to help upgrade the facility and improve the experience for spectators, participants, race teams and corporate partners. Spectators and fans will be able to see the improvements first-hand at the Victoria Day SpeedFest Weekend, which also kicks off the start of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

The new partnership is one of many initiatives that showcase Canadian Tire's commitment to its automotive customers. Last year Canadian Tire launched a new automotive concept store in four different locations as well as the online tires and wheels store allowing customers to make informed tire purchases from their home. Canadian Tire also launched the all-new Driver Magazine, which is poised to become one of Canada's leading resources for all things automotive. The third issue of Driver is slated to launch this April.

About Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a) (TSX: CTC) is one of Canada's most-shopped general retailers and the country's largest sporting goods retailer, with more than 1,700 retail and gasoline outlets from coast-to-coast. Our primary retail business categories - Automotive, Living, Fixing, Playing and Apparel - are supported and strengthened by our Financial Services division, which offers such products and services as credit cards, retail deposits, in-store financing, product warranties, and insurance. Nearly 68,000 people are employed across the Canadian Tire enterprise, which was founded in 1922 and remains one of Canada's most recognized and trusted brands.

Jessica Culp, Communications Advisor
[email protected], 416-480-8261 (office), 647-618-8231 (mobile)

Ryan Chalmers, Mosport
[email protected], 800-866-1072 (office), [phone] (mobile)