Mirabel (Québec), March 18, 2011.- Less than a month ago, the creation of Chamonix’s 24 Hours on Ice “Revival” was announced and now, the organizers of this motorsporting event are pleased to inform competitors, media, and spectators that on March 11th, a five-year deal was signed with Mirabel’s ICAR Complex to host its first 24 Hours on Ice on February 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2012. This exciting event, restricted to vehicles from the 1970s and 80s, will take place at the ICAR complex, situated on the site of the Montreal’s Mirabel International Airport (Québec, Canada).
Based on Chamonix’s 24 Hours, a European sporting concept that was very popular from the 1970s to the early 2000s attracting international (including Formula 1) champions, this event will be the only one of its kind in the world. The 24 Hours on Ice will reunite some of the best World Rally Championship cars to have competed between 1973 and 1981, as well as the vehicles that contested the victory in Chamonix during those same years.
As for the line-up, internationally re-known drivers will be at the wheel of at least forty cars including the Ford Escort MK2, Porsche 911, Talbot Lotus, BMW 2002, Lancia Stratos, Fiat 131 Abarth, Alpine-Renault and many others.
American, Canadian, and Quebec drivers will not be left out of this event as several places will be available on teams that have already announced their desire to contest the race in some of the most beautiful historic cars available. In addition, the 2011 champions from the NASCAR Canadian Tire series and Canadian Rally Championship will be offered a seat in this thrilling event.
Support races, in addition to special on-site activities, will complete the weekend’s 24 Hours on Ice itinerary.
A course specifically designed for the 24 Hours
The ICAR complex (www.circuiticar.com), situated in Mirabel, is a multifunctional site offering high quality infrastructure to facilitate motorsporting events. It is comprised of a road course approved by ASN Canada FIA, a karting track, a drag strip, a drift track, an autocross track, and a skid pad. With the addition of the ice course for next winter, ICAR will be the first location in the world to offer such a wide variety of events, ranging from NASCAR (the Grand Prix de Mirabel held next June 4th and 5th will host the NASCAR Canadian Tire series; the first Quebec event of the season) to the internationally anticipated ice racing.
« The course for the 24 Hours on Ice will resemble that of the infamous track in Chamonix, but will boast a wider lane in order to allow the competitors to enjoy themselves to the fullest while offering the public a fantastic show at all times » mentions Marc Arseneau, the president of ICAR.
« The biggest names from rally, endurance, and open wheel competition once took part in Chamonix’s 24 Hours at the foot of the Mont-Blanc. Many of them will be present at ICAR next winter for the inaugural edition of the 24 Hours on Ice for the "2012 Chamonix Revival" » indicates Franz Hummel, event promoter.
Schedule details, as well as the initial list of registered drivers, will be announced in the fall. Tickets will also be for sale at that time. More information can currently be found at www.circuiticar.com (schedule of events) and www.24heures-sur-glace.com for periodic bulletins and event news.
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For information :
Circuit ICAR (event organizer)
Ph.: (514) 955-ICAR (4227)
Email : info@circuiticar.com
