Grand Prix history

Jan. 1, 2020

I walked around a fair bit of the track but couldn’t locate the spot where the history of Grand Prix racing changed.

I couldn’t find it at first. I walked around a fair bit of the track but couldn’t locate the spot where the history of Grand Prix racing changed. Walking back to the start / finish line along the back straight I noticed there was a left right chicane that looked vaguely familiar. I continued along and proceeded to the top of a grassy spot overlooking where the track straightened out. Looking to my right I noticed how the track went for a short distance and then disappeared over the crest of the hill.

For those who have been following The Ride you’ll know of my interest in Formula One racing. Last week was the 30th anniversary of the death of Gilles Villeneuve. Although he only won 6 Grand Prix races he is still heralded as one of the greatest drivers of all time. At the least he was certainly one of the most exciting.

Canadian race fans seem to have a special affinity with the little French Canadian. I was fortunate because my brother who has an equally passionate interest in motor sport took me out to Mosport in 1977 to see Villeneuve in his first race for Ferrari. He finished 12th after spinning off the track on a competitor’s oil, but he had clearly made his mark.

About the Author

Chris Travell

Chris Travell is the Vice President, Strategic Consulting, for Maritz Research, Automotive Group.

Travell is responsible for working with Maritz’ Insight Teams to further the understanding and application of the firm’s automotive research findings in various key markets around the world.

His MBA is from McMaster University, specializing in Marketing and International Business. Travell then received a graduate scholarship to attend the renowned Institute for International Studies and Training in Tokyo, Japan.

Attempting to combine his Japanese experience with his lifelong interest in the automotive industry, Travell started out his career working for Mazda Canada and Toyota Canada in various capacities. Travell joined Maritz in 1996 where he was responsible for consulting with automotive manufacturers in areas of strategic and tactical information application.

Travell has appeared on CBC, CTV, and Global Television, CBC Newsworld, TVO and is often quoted in the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, Macleans, the National Post and various other publications in regard to issues related to the Canadian automotive industry.

About Maritz Research

As one of the world’s largest marketing research firms, Maritz Research helps many of today’s most successful companies improve performance through a deep understanding of their customers, employees and channel partners. Founded in 1973, it offers a range of strategic and tactical solutions concentrating primarily in the automotive, financial services, hospitality, technology, telecommunications, and retail industries. The company has achieved ISO 20252 registration, the international symbol of quality. It is a member of CASRO, ESOMAR, MRA, and is the official sponsor of the American Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.MaritzResearch.com or contact us at 1-877-4MARITZ.