Bills Z06

Hi guys,
My wife and I are planning to attend the LeMans race at Mosport on Aug 26th, and I need a little help from my Canadian friends.
We're flying into Toronto on Friday evening Aug 24th, and I have a hotel room in Oshawa. I've never been to that area of Canada before, and I'm not sure how far the airport in Toronto is from Oshawa, or how far Oshawa is from the track. I have arranged for a rental car.
Also, do you know if there is a currency exchange at the airport or should I take care of that before I leave Houston?
What's the weather like this time of year up there? It's over 100' F. down here in Texas.
We'll be at the Corvette Corral, and we're looking forward to meeting you guys (and gals).
Any tips will be appreciated
See you in 2 weeks
Thanks
Bill

use2bl8

Glad to help.

Airport to Oshawa, 45 mins with no traffic, could be up to 2 hours during rush hour.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...UTF8&z=10&om=1

Oshawa to Mosport, another 45 mins
http://www.mosport.com/directions.htm
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...7966&z=12&om=1

Satellite of track

I find it best to exchange money at a bank because they have the best rates.

Weather forcast is here

Enjoy your trip.
Jeff

MOSPORT1

Bill: I'll be at the track all weekend,,,
The airport in Toronto is about 40-60 mins from Oshawa BUT depending what time you get in,, there is always something to slow up traffic.
I'm staying at the track all weekend,, otherwise I'd cruise back and forth with you as I live in the next town over from Oshawa.
Mosport is only 20-30 mins from Oshawa with little or no traffic.
The weather is a funny thing at Mosport,,, one minute it's sunny,, then the clouds will roll in and rain,,, meanwhile in Oshawa it's beautiful,, but generally it should be in the 75-80 range and cooling off at night.
last year it was perfect on Friday,, then on the weekend we got the tailend of a hurricane come through and made a big mess,, but the show went on.
There are currency exchanges at the airport that shouldn't be a problem.
Couple of points about the track,, come prepared for all weather,, like I said you never know,,, Bring food and beer,,, all you want,, no problem walking around with a cool bevy in your hand. There really isn't whole lot of food to buy,, just at the snack bar and maybe Pizza Pizza,, but that's it. Beer and liquor are available in a small town 10 mins from the track or you can pick that up in Oshawa. The Corvette Corral is a little bit of a walk from the paddock area but not bad,, wear good shoes because it's all dirt roads inside the track.
Mosport is really fan friendly,,, you don't need any special paddock pass. Only to enter the hot pits. There are a couple of grandstands scattered around but it's best to just walk around and pick your favourite vantage point.
PM me if you need anything else at all....

Steve

Bills Z06

Thanks for the info guys. See you in a couple of weeks.
Bill

4GTABODT

Bill, you got the right guys here telling you about Mosport so I can't really add anything. THe only thing I would comment on is the currency exchange thing. Yes, they do have exchange houses at the airport but working for a Bank up here, I'm always amazed at the usery rates charged by these exchange kiosk's...what a rip off!! But thats the price you pay for convenience.

Your best off changing your USD for CAD at your bank in Texas.

Nice to see some diehard US race fans making the trek up to Toronto...enjoy the weekend...I understand its a great time!

OhioDave

Bill,

That is good advice. We just let our local bank know we will be needing some money exchanged and they make sure they get enough for us. They don't keep alot of Canadian currency on hand at our small town bank in Ohio.

Dave

Look forward to seeing you up there.

Bills Z06

Thanks guys! Hope to meet some of you at the track!

JUSTAKAR

So you are coming after all....Good for u Dave, wish I could meet but will be in Carlisle...

As always best regards Ian

Back to the thread..

I will add only this ...which will let you plan....rush hour from airport to East end of the city is 3-7 pm if you are coming from the airport to the east end in this timeframe take the toll route 407 it's worth it....401 can be very tedious during these hours

The folks who are corvetteforum guys who will be attending have piped in already Steve (PSOD) so you are in great hands with him as he is as knowledgeable as anyone about Mosport....
Another fella called Bruce will be travelling back and forth from Ajax each day and loves to run his car 7T2Vette hook up and drive up.
There are hotels on the 401 at Whitby to Oshawa on each side plus the Holiday Inn in Oshawa...should you need something else please pm me.
Call me for any details or items you may want before your trip
905 744 7530 cell phone.
I live in Port Perry just across 10-15mins away.
oh yea Google Mosport Park Ontario toPearson Airport Toronto and see the401 and 407 variances.
Regards Ian

FFIN90

There will be a few of us hooking up to travel to the track, if you would like to join us let me know and I'll PM my cell #. C'ya in a few weeks.

Awesome Dave , so this means you ARE coming up after all.?

Patman

Whenever I go to the US, I find the best thing to do is spend as much as I can on my credit cards, then I get the best exchange rate that way. Even when I want to have some cash for spending on things where I can't use credit, I'll go to an ATM and get a cash advance on my credit card. So the same would hold true for you guys travelling up here to Canada.

Bills Z06

Thanks guys - man I love the forum! Where else can you get such great advise and offers of help from people you've never met. Thank you!

psod (Steve) - Thanks for all the info. So I can bring my own food and beer in? Man that's crazy. The US tracks want to sell you their $5.00 beer and $7.00 hamburgers.

use2bl8 (Jeff) - Thanks for all the links

4GTABODT - Thanks for the financial advise

dcblackc5 (Dave) - Thanks for your input

JUSTAKAR (Ian)- Thanks for the local info and your cell number. Nice to know I can call for help if I get lost. BTW, we have a room at the Holiday Inn in Oshawa.

FFIN90 - What time and where are you guys meeting to go to the track? Is where I'm staying on your route? Your cell number would be great to have.

Thanks again guys - you're the best!
Looking forward to meeting you.
Bill

MOSPORT1

Wow,, no idea how you go into the Holiday Inn,, they are usually booked solid for the big GM Autofest.

http://www.autofestoshawa.com/

They are the host hotel for that event,, you're going to have hotrods ALL over town that weekend as well,,,

oh ya and don't get too exited about not having to pay for $5 beer at the track,, wait till you see what it costs at the Beerstore. FYI you can't just buy beer in the corner stores like you can in the US. Same goes for the hard stuff....Beer is sold at the "Beerstore" and Liquor at the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) both are 5 mins from your hotel just north of you.

FFIN90

Hi Bill, I believe the Holiday Inn is at Harmony Rd and Highway 401 ( someone correct me if I'm wrong ) so we can meet you at the hotel, it's on the way there for us east end guys. As far as times go we can set them when the days get closer. You also have a PM, c'ya soon.

Ray

Cdn Z06 Mike

That's where the hotel is but There must be a nicer one somewhere. For a holiday Inn it's nothing to write home about.

7t2vette

Hey Bill, pay attention to this sticky thread:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1764574

There will be several of us making the trip to Mosport each day, and you are welcome to join us...even in a rental car!!

Look forwad to meeting you!

Bills Z06

Thanks guys for all the help.
The Holiday Inn we're staying at is located at 1011 Bloor Street in Oshawa. I don't know if that's the one you're referring to.
BTW, my wife wants to know if any of you guys are bringing your wives or girlfriends. I think she would like some female company.
Bill

MOSPORT1

Mine will be riding shotgun

JUSTAKAR

I was at a wedding at the Holiday Inn and it's had many renovations ..I was quite impressed ..so I think our texan Friend will do fine...
Ian

JUSTAKAR

Bill,
Hotel is at Harmony just north of the 401 and a couple of hundred yards East.
I knew the guys who were here would post in so you should have a great time at Mosport.
Your right these folks are just terrific on the forum.
Some of the nicest folks will be in Carlisle but you can run with the locals at least those who were left behind.....
Don't ride behind Bruce that beast will make your eyes water if he abides the speed limit like his bride tells him to...
Regards Ian

Bills Z06

Thanks Ian.
See you guys on the 25th.
Bill