I had the privilege of attending my first Drive Festival this past weekend, hosted at the iconic Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, also known as Mosport. This event marked the third installment of what can only be described as the Canadian equivalent of the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s a gathering that brings together automotive enthusiasts of all stripes, whether their passion lies in street cars or racing machines. What sets Drive Festival apart is the emphasis on actual driving experiences; many of the showcased vehicles aren’t mere garage queens, but rather, they hit the track and demonstrate their prowess throughout the three-day event. The sensory overload of sights, sounds, and scents makes the ticket price truly worthwhile.

While Drive Festival is undoubtedly a haven for petrolheads, it’s not just about traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The event pays due respect to the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with manufacturers like Polestar and Lucid showcasing their offerings. A plethora of mainstream EV models were also on display. This inclusivity highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.

Modern and vintage race cars shared the limelight, and it was a treat to witness an Alfa Romeo Formula One car on display. For those familiar with Formula One, modern cars may have appeared surprisingly small!  The event catered to sports and supercar aficionados as well, with marques like Porsche, Pagani, McLaren, Ferrari, and more flaunting their wares from past to present. Seeing a Pagani up close is a truly remarkable experience, with attention to detail and craftsmanship that borders on artistry. The pièce de résistance was the new Pagani Utopia, commanding an eye-watering price tag of $5 million Canadian dollars.

Fans of Singer vehicles were not disappointed, as a couple of examples were on hand for closer inspection. Among them was the Singer DLS Turbo, reminiscent of the Porsche 934/5. While some may find these creations over the top, many appreciate Singer’s classic studies for their timeless appeal.

The event wasn’t just about cars on display; it also featured a diverse array of vendors, offering everything from automotive accessories to scale models. Surprisingly, the scale model booths were bustling with activity, proving that this hobby still has a devoted following. Fueling the attendees’ appetites were numerous food trucks, with burritos our choice to satisfy this day.

Drive Festival went beyond static displays. Attendees could witness dream cars in action during speed runs, try out various vehicles on test tracks, explore the latest in electric mobility at the EV launch pad, and engage with numerous exhibits.

Considering that this event is still in its relative youth, I was genuinely impressed with the experience it offered. My one-day visit was filled with excitement and the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones who share my passion for all things automotive. I can confidently say that Drive Festival 2024 is already on my calendar—it’s an event that promises to grow and evolve, continuing to delight car enthusiasts of every stripe.