Throwback – The origins of the Canadian GP

For much of its history, Canadian supercross has existed in the shadow of the United States, where stadium racing was born and evolved into a global spectacle. Canada, however, developed a motocross culture of its own, even if it often played host rather than setting the pace in supercross.

The Pioneers

The sport’s origins in Canada date back to 1 September 1951, when the first sanctioned “scramble” was held in Ancaster, Ontario. Through the 1950s and 1960s, motorcycle clubs across the country promoted off-road racing under the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA). A defining moment came on 2 November 1969, when Copetown, Ontario hosted the nation’s first high-profile international motocross event. While this was not stadium supercross, it proved a crucial step in the sport’s evolution, helping launch the CanAm Series and attracting top riders from Europe and North America.

The Golden Era

The 1970s marked a golden era for Canadian motocross, driven by factory support, media attention, and large spectator crowds. That momentum eventually carried into stadium racing, with Canadian fans getting their first real taste of supercross during the 1980s and 1990s. Major events began at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium in 1980 before moving to the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre) in 1989. However, despite early success, rising costs, economic pressures, and shifting industry priorities led to a gradual decline in the following years.

By the mid-1990s, the sport began to rebuild. Improved organisation, renewed industry backing, and a stronger national structure helped stabilise Canadian motocross and re-opened the door for international events. Toronto returned to prominence in 2004 as part of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship, before then hosting races from 2008 through to 2014 and reconnecting Canadian fans with elite-level stadium competition.

World Supercross arrives in Vancouver

A new era began in 2024 when World Supercross selected Vancouver’s BC Place as its Canadian venue. After years without a major international stadium race, the event marked an important turning point. The championship then returned again in 2025, with global stars such as Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen delivering a world-class spectacle, the former making his highly anticipated world debut riding for KTM in what was to prove to be an iconic night of racing.

Calgary Calling

Now, in 2026, the spotlight shifts to Calgary. McMahon Stadium will host the season opener, bringing top-tier supercross to Alberta for the first time at this level. Expanding beyond the West Coast introduces the sport to a whole new audience and helps establish a broader national footprint.

With strong off-road racing roots, Alberta provides a natural link between grassroots participation and the international stage. Set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary represents more than just a new landmark stop on the global tour but it reflects commitment and momentum for the Championship in North America.

With three consecutive years of World Supercross events in Canada, the country is reasserting itself as a key destination on the global calendar. After decades on the fringes and watching on from across the border, Canada now has its own race to celebrate and is starting to tap back into its supercross roots.