A few days ago, someone I was speaking with was surprised to learn that auto racing still takes place at Quebec's legendary Circuit Mont-Tremblant. They believed all activities had been shut down because of the noise from race cars. And yet...

And yet, activities are very much alive at Circuit Mont-Tremblant, as demonstrated by the Fall Classic, held during the final weekend of September and marking the conclusion of the local racing competitions.

Founded in 1964, Circuit Mont-Tremblant remains operational, now under the ownership of automotive businessman Gad Bitton, president of the Holand Group. The circuit continues to host auto races, including three annual events known as the Spring, Summer and Fall Classics. However, competitors must comply with existing noise restrictions and equip their vehicles with exhaust mufflers. Following numerous complaints from local residents, participants in regional races must adhere to a 92-decibel noise limit! Fortunately, racing enthusiasts have risen to the challenge, one that several other racetracks across North America are also beginning to face. They've found ways to reduce the noise coming from their race car engines. No, Circuit Mont-Tremblant hasn't closed its doors, as we witnessed during the final weekend of September!

But Tremblant's Classics are much more than just racing competitions. They also provide unique opportunities for mechanically minded enthusiasts to learn more about both old and new technologies, some of them highly advanced. Admission tickets allow visitors to explore the paddocks, where mechanics work on their race cars. And, as funny as it may seem, some can only handle the most basic mechanical problems, while others must turn to fellow competitors, and even their rivals, for repair advice or to borrow essential tools and parts. There's a real sense of camaraderie and a truly unique atmosphere!

The paddocks also attract many mechanical enthusiasts who come not only to admire unusual engines and equipment, but also to learn something new, whether it's about vintage components, modern configurations or even highly exotic technologies. After all, how many places do you know where an apprentice can watch the maintenance of an engine imported from overseas and designed exclusively for racing? Where else could they learn so much about specialized racing mufflers designed to reduce noise without sacrificing engine power?

Tremblant, as racing enthusiasts affectionately call the track, is also a place where visitors can see production cars modified for competition while retaining many of their original components. It's also somewhere they can meet well-known figures from the automotive world, past and present, who are often happy to strike up conversations with visitors.

The 2026 season has now come to an end, but Circuit Mont-Tremblant is already preparing its 2027 schedule. If you'd like to learn more about automobiles, auto racing or automotive mechanics, past and present, visit www.pistemonttremblant.com for more information!

(Photo Éric Descarries)