Montrealers find a way to get a Prix fix

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When Montreal's Grand Prix was dropped from the 2009 Formula One calendar, it stung the city hard. But as the race weekend nears, there's at least one way to recapture the grit and glamour of the annual event.

Le Circuit Mont Tremblant will rev up the Historic Grand Prix this summer, a retro version of the big race, with all the noise, thrills and even the authentic cars of Formula One.

The race stars authentic Formula One machines that date from the 1960s to the 1980s. The competition features many of the vehicles driven back in the day by such celebrated gladiators as Gilles Villeneuve, Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill.

The competition, to be held July 10 to 12, has special significance because Le Circuit Mont Tremblant was the host track for the Formula One Grand Prix in 1968 and 1970. Avid fans in the stands included Hollywood actors Paul Newman and James Garner.

"The big attraction this year at Les Sommets des legendes will be the old Grand Prix cars, treasures like Villeneuve's Ferrari, Andretti's Lotus and Stewart's Tyrell," said Vincent Loughran, track manager of Le Circuit. "These are the actual cars that raced in the early days ... and many of them raced at Grand Prix competitions in Mont Tremblant or in Montreal."

The racing season at Le Circuit gets into gear with the Spring Classic, May 29 to 31, showcasing drivers from all over Quebec in various categories, including GT racing of large-horsepower, souped-up machines. The action will go full throttle with the annual Ferrari Festival, July 24 to 26, a jamboree of races and exhibitions for fans of the sleek Italian machine.

If you prefer to be behind the wheel, the Ferrari Driving Experience is a series of two-day, two-night sessions throughout the summer. It's limited to Ferrari owners -- there are about 18,000 in North America and 350 in Montreal -- and it is an ultra-posh getaway that includes luxurious lodging and gourmet cuisine at the lakefront Hotel Quintessence, workshops and on-track training with professional instructors. This racing retreat is so expensive that, like the upkeep on J. P. Morgan's yacht, if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. For details, call 866-551-2828 or visit experienceferrari.com.

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IF YOU GO - Mont Tremblant is an 80-minute drive from Montreal. Take Highway 15 and Route 117 north to Montee Ryan, and turn right. - Le Circuit Mont Tremblant: 866-802-8867 or 819-425-6363, lecircuit.com. Tickets approximately $15 on Saturdays or $25 for Saturdays and Sundays. Children under 12 years old are free when accompanied by an adult. - Hotel Quintessence: 866-425-3400, hotelquintessence.com. On weekends, $395-1,500 per night for two, including gourmet breakfast and spa.

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