Round 2 of the 2025 Miata Canada Cup takes place this weekend at Shannonville Motorsports Park (SMP) two-hours east of Toronto. Not the biggest or most glamorous track in Ontario, it is still significant to many racers. Established in 1974 as Nelson International Raceway it was originally designed for motorcycle racing, but has expanded over the years to now include four different configurations. With its tight turns and plentiful run-off, SMP is an excellent location for racing schools.
During its peak, Shannonville was the go-to place for Canadian race teams. Even today, Shannonville still holds a special place in the hearts of the Demaras Racing family because of the many events held at SMP over the past 5 years. Here’s just a few:
October 2020: NASCAR Canada Test Drive
As a reward for his 2020 TRAK Kart Racing Championship, young Daniel Demaras was given the opportunity to drive a NASCAR Canada Series race car on the shorter ‘Fabi Track‘ at Shannonville. Car owner Anthony Simone also ran the New Speed Motorsports team Daniel raced for, and gave several young champions a once in a lifetime opportunity.
August 2021: Pole Position at KartStars Nationals
After a decade-long absence, the Canadian Karting Championships returned to its original home at Shannonville. Colloquially called the ‘Bear Hunt’ the event drew competitors from across the country. In 2021 at the conclusion of his kart racing career, Daniel Demaras qualified the No. 412 New Speed Motorsports kart on pole position.
October 2021: Road Racing License for Daniel
After a highly successful kart racing career that saw Daniel with back to back TRAK Kart Racing Championships, and represent Canada at the K1 Speed e-World Championships twice, Demaras made the decision to step up to racing cars. He signed up for the Brack Racing Solutions licensing program and received his CASC Class B Racing License under Ken Pavri.
August 2022: First Formula 1200 Wreck
Non all memories of Shannonville are positive ones! During Daniel Demaras’ First season in the Canadian Formula 1200 Championship, he was paired with a young teammate whom he could not get along with. Each teenager was trying to prove they were the Alpha. Daniel’s racing rival was so determined to prevent a pass that he cut off Demaras in a braking zone and caused an airbourne collision.
August 2022: Road Racing License for Chris
Since Demaras Racing is the family business, Chris attained his CASC Class B Road Racing License at the same time Daniel did, despite not being signed up to compete. This made sure Chris never became a ‘hockey dad’ who only shouts and never shoots. Demaras Sr. ended up driving the Miata in Ontario Time Attack competition the following season.
July 2024: Final F1200 Victory
The final season of Formula 1200 racing brought a new sponsor. With his No. 12 F1200 car painted to match his Bugeye WRX (which Can Jam Motorsports had installed a new EJ257 engine from a WRX STi into) Daniel defeated some tough competition to take a big win at Shannonville. Daniel now had wins at every single track the F1200s raced at.
The Demaras Racing team has driven a go-kart, NASCAR, Subaru WRX daily driver, Miata road car and Formula 1200 open-wheeler at ‘The Birthplace of Champions‘ and this weekend Daniel Demaras will add to the list the No. 12 MagiSeal Miata. Such a diverse group of vehicles.
Great place. Good memories.
I hope the new-ish owners continue to restore the place to its peak glory years.
That would be nice.
A brand-new race track is being built in my province of Ontario. It’s called Oro Station Motor Circuit and will be an hour north of Toronto, compared to Shannonville 2 hours east of Toronto. It looks amazing, and will definitely be serious competition for existing tracks.
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So if there was ever a time for a fresh coat of paint and a re-pave of the track, now would be the time for good ol’ Shannonville.