Corvette ZR1: Lap Record Dominance & Video

Corvette ZR1 Shatters Mosport Production Car Record with 1:18.2 Lap

The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 continues its reign as a track weapon, adding another record to its impressive tally. The latest achievement comes at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Mosport) where a 2026 model, piloted by racing legend Ron Fellows, posted a blistering time of 1:18.2.

Earlier in 2025, Chevrolet embarked on a mission to demonstrate the ZR1’s capabilities across several iconic circuits. This latest success at Mosport builds upon those earlier accomplishments,solidifying the ZR1’s position as a dominant force on the track.

The new record bests the previous benchmark of 1:22.12, remarkably set in 2023 by – you guessed it – Ron Fellows, driving a Corvette Z06. This demonstrates the important performance gains achieved with the next-generation ZR1.

Fellows’ deep connection to both Canadian Tire Motorsports Park and the Corvette brand made him the ideal driver for this endeavor. A co-owner of the circuit and a veteran Corvette racer with decades of experience, he possesses an unparalleled understanding of the track and the car’s potential.

“When you’ve got more downforce, you can be that much more aggressive with corner entry,” Fellows explained. “Into Turn 8, for example, I was braking about the same place as I was with the Z06, but going over 20 miles per hour faster.”

Did you know? – Ron Fellows is nicknamed the “Magician of Mosport” due to his numerous successes at the Canadian track, including multiple racing championships and now, record-setting laps in Corvettes.

The ZR1’s performance is fueled by a potent twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine, delivering a staggering 1,064 horsepower. Chevrolet claims the car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a mere 2.3 seconds. The optional ZTK package,providing up to 1,200 pounds of downforce,plays a crucial role in the ZR1’s exceptional handling and speed.

This record-breaking lap at Mosport adds to a growing list of fast times achieved at Watkins Glen, Road America, Road Atlanta, and Virginia International Raceway. The even more extreme ZR1X variant has also conquered the legendary Nurburgring in Germany.

Interestingly, the Corvette used for the Mosport record run appears to be finished in the new Stars & Steel collection livery. This suggests Chevrolet is strategically showcasing the limited-run 2026 ZR1 while simultaneously highlighting its performance prowess.

Ultimately, the ZR1’s performance at Mosport is a testament to both the car’s engineering and the skill of Ron Fellows, who continues to earn his moniker as the “Magician of Mosport.” The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 firmly establishes itself as a true North American supercar.

Pro tip: – Downforce is critical for high-speed cornering. The ZR1’s optional ZTK package generates up to 1,200 pounds of it, essentially pressing the car onto the track for increased grip.

Why: Chevrolet aimed to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the 2026 Corvette ZR1 on a variety of iconic race tracks, culminating in a record attempt at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Mosport).
Who: Racing legend Ron Fellows piloted the 2026 Corvette ZR1. He is a co-owner of Mosport and a veteran Corvette racer.
What: The 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 set a new production car lap record at Mosport with a time of 1:18.2, besting the previous record of 1:22.12 set in 2023.
How: The ZR1’s record-setting performance was achieved through a combination of its powerful twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine (1,064 horsepower), the aerodynamic benefits of the optional ZTK package (1,