Five Questions With ... Scott Maxwell

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Scott Maxwell of Toronto will right at home this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park when he joins Jade Buford in the No. 15 Multimatic Motorsport Ford Mustang Boss 320R.

Maxwell is a two-time champion of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, winning in 2002 and 2008. He’s also a nine-time winner in the series, including victories at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in 2007 and 2008.

Maxwell won the pole and class in the first Daytona Prototype race, the 2003 Rolex 24 At Daytona, driving a Multimatic Motorsports Ford, and also won his class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2000.

Congratulations on your recent induction into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame. What were your thoughts when you learned of that honor?

“It makes me feel very old! But in all seriousness, up here it’s quite an honor. I was quite flattered. It’s much appreciated.”

How is your season going in the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge?

“It’s more or less going as we expected. We knew going in this year that we pretty much have an outdated car. We’re looking forward to next year with the new Ford Mustang. We’re doing the best we can and trying to get consistent finishes. The car is solid, but it’s a five- or six-year-old design. As far as I know, we’re going to start testing the new Mustang pretty soon, but Multimatic and Ford don’t want to race it until Daytona next year.”

How does it look for this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park?

“I think we’ll be OK. It’s a very similar circuit in terms of setup as Watkins Glen. Obviously, it’s my home track, but I haven’t raced here in a few years. I know there have been a few changes to the track – all positive changes – so it will be nice to get out on my home circuit.”

What’s your favorite memory racing at CTMP?

“I’ve got quite a few, because I basically grew up at Mosport. Around 2002 I ran the NASCAR race there – at the time it was called CASCAR – and also the Canadian GT championship. They were on the same day, and I won both events. That was a pretty special day, winning in CASCAR and in the Porsche GT1 car.”

What advice do you give to first-time drivers and spectators at CTMP?

“For drivers, you have to treat it with respect and build up to it, because it can really bite you. It’s an old-style, old-fashioned circuit and it can really catch you out. For fans, it’s fantastic spectating, a neat track. Go to Corner Two, Moss Corner, Corner Nine – they’re all great viewing spots, and they’ll see lots of passing.

“The guys that are winning at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are truly great drivers. It’s not an easy, cookie-cutter track; it takes a lot of skill. That’s why we produce so many good drivers. If you can drive fast here, you’re going to do well internationally.”