Track Preparation for Rocky Mountain Motorsports Drivers in Calgary
With the opening of Rocky Mountain Motorsports in Carstairs, Calgary-area drivers once again have access to a permanent, purpose-built road course. Participation in private memberships and structured driver education events continues to grow — along with the need for proper track-day vehicle preparation.
Modern performance vehicles are highly capable but sustained lapping on a circuit is very different from spirited road driving.
Brake temperatures rise quickly. Fluid systems are stressed. Uneven tire wear accelerates. Alignment settings optimized for road use may not provide the stability or predictability required at the limit of adhesion.
Preparation is not about peak engine output. It is about balance, control, and confidence.
Track Driving Is Part of Our Foundation
Since its inception, Tunerworks has remained closely connected to grassroots motorsport and driver development.
Tunerworks founder Rob Leech began competing in autocross in the 1990s and progressed into track days and advanced driver education programs with the BMW Car Club of America, the Porsche Club of America, and the Calgary Exotic Auto Group. During that period, time spent driving Germany’s Nürburgring further strengthened his experience in sustained high-speed circuit driving.
He later earned track instructor certification through the Porsche Club of America — reinforcing a driver-first philosophy grounded in experience and focused learning.
Beginning in 2004, Tunerworks hosted its own events at Race City Speedway, supporting clients with both vehicle preparation and foundational driving development. That era helped shape Calgary’s modern performance community.
When Race City closed in 2011, organized activity in Calgary slowed. Drivers remained active at Castrol Raceway (now RAD Torque Raceway) and beyond, maintaining momentum until a permanent circuit returned to Southern Alberta.
The opening of Rocky Mountain Motorsports in 2022 marked that return. With a dedicated, world-class facility once again accessible to Calgary drivers, demand for properly prepared, driver-focused vehicle upgrades followed.
Track preparation is not a recent addition to our services. It has been part of our foundation for decades.
Preparing Your Vehicle for the Circuit
Drivers participating at the RMM road course quickly recognize that preparation influences not only performance, but vehicle and component longevity.
Even well-engineered factory platforms benefit from evaluation before sustained circuit use.
At Tunerworks, preparation commonly includes:
- Pre-track vehicle inspections
- Track-oriented precision wheel alignments
- Brake component and high-temperature fluid upgrades
- Dedicated tire and wheel sets
- Cooling and reliability enhancements
- Suspension and chassis development
Recommendations are determined by vehicle platform, driving style, and intended use — never a one-size-fits-all solution.
Our approach remains consistent:
Brakes first.
Alignment second.
Tires third.
Power last.
Calgary Track Vehicle Inspections
For drivers preparing to attend RMM events, a comprehensive pre-event inspection is often the most valuable first step.
Brake condition, fluid type and moisture content, suspension integrity, and overall mechanical readiness are assessed during our process. Most on-circuit issues originate from overlooked fundamentals rather than the vehicle’s performance limitations.
For Calgary and Southern Alberta drivers, proper vehicle preparation provides confidence before the first hot lap.
Consultation for Your Specific Platform
Each vehicle responds differently to sustained circuit use. A Porsche GT model requires a different strategy than a BMW M platform, an Audi RS model, or a dual-purpose high-performance SUV.
If you are planning to participate in a track driving event, we welcome a discussion regarding your vehicle, driving objectives, and preparation strategy.
Ever since Race City Speedway closed permanently in 2011 Calgary track driving enthusiasts and racers have been travelling 3hrs north to Castrol Raceway in Leduc.
The nearly 600kms round-trip commute to drive a fairly short road course adjacent to the Edmonton Int’l Airport has been enough to put a damper on the Calgary track day scene but there is finally good news on the horizon!
For almost a decade two groups, Badlands Motorsports Resort and Rocky Mountain Motorsports, have been raising capital, sketching road courses and negotiating with the counties to make a new track close to Calgary a reality. The Badlands location in Kneehill County near Rosebud has an exciting track layout with lots of elevation changes designed by internationally renowned track designer Alan Wilson but there is no firm timeline for when this facility will open. The good news is that Rocky Mountain Motorsports (RMM) development 25mins north of Calgary expects to start paving their TILKE GMBH & CO-designed 3.5km track very soon for a summer 2020 opening date!
The options for gaining access to the RMM track will be similar to how the Area 27 track in Oliver B.C. (designed by none other than Jacques Villeneuve) is run; paid members will have access to approximately 50% of the track time and the other 50% of the time will be available to rent for car and motorcycle club lapping days, driving schools, timed events and corporate events. Individual RMM memberships start at $37,500 and climb $225,000 for the top-tier investor equity level membership. The good news for grassroots level motorsport driving enthusiasts is that RMM is committed to creating plenty of opportunities for non-members to access track time which should create a lot of excitement for those of us who want to drive their cars at the limit and improve car control skills without fear of endangering road users or getting huge speeding fines!
Good memories from Tunerworks Track Days at Race City
