MEDIA PRESS KIT: Can-Am Nationals

For Immediate Release

Classic Reporter and Gearhead Media Announcement:

Vision to Bring a World-Class National Classic Car Show Back to Winnipeg in Summer 2027

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WINNIPEG, MB — September 18, 2026 - Classic Reporter and Gearhead Media have officially unveiled a bold cross-border vision to restore a legendary automotive tradition: bringing a massive, premier national classic car event back to Western Canada.

The proposed three-day automotive destination event is targeted for July 24–26, 2027. Organizers are currently exploring two of Winnipeg’s premier entertainment venues to serve as the ultimate backdrop: Red River Exhibition Park or Assiniboia Downs.

The event pulls deep inspiration from the historic 1974 Winnipeg Can-Am event, which brought together over 250 pre-1948 street rods from across Canada and as far away as California and Texas. The 2027 vision aims to drastically expand that footprint. Organizers are targeting an untapped, passionate network of builders, collectors, and fans spanning Manitoba, Saskatchewan (including Regina), Western Ontario, and stretching down across the US border into North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

Organizers highlight that Winnipeg alone features hundreds of high-caliber classic cars ready for a major spotlight, creating a massive potential regional footprint.

The 300-Entry Green Light Milestone

To validate the project, organizers initiated a conditional pre-registration campaign at $50 per vehicle. Venue selection and official dates will be locked in once the event reaches 300 serious entries before May 01, 2027. Fees are fully refundable if this benchmark is missed.

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Fast Facts & Event Backgrounder

  • The Event Name: Can-Am Nationals
  • Proposed Dates: July 24–26, 2027 (Three-Day Event)
  • Proposed Venues (Winnipeg, MB): Red River Exhibition Park OR Assiniboia Downs
  • Target Geographic Footprint: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Western Ontario, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
  • The Launch Target: 300 pre-registrations required by May 01, 2027 to officially green-light the event.
  • Early Registration Cost: $50 (100% fully refundable if the entry threshold is not met).
  • Historical Legacy: Inspired by the 1974 Winnipeg Can-Am show that successfully united hot rodders from across North America over 50 years ago.

Anticipated Economic & Community Impact

The three-day event expects to drive immediate revenue into Winnipeg through hospitality, tourism, automotive services, and temporary infrastructure jobs.

  • Surging Hospitality and Tourism: High-volume influx of multi-night hotel bookings and restaurant traffic from out-of-town participants and spectators.
  • Direct Retail and Service Stimulus: Increased regional spending on fuel, retail, and premium demand for local specialty automotive shops and detailers.
  • Job Creation and Event Services: Local infrastructure requirements directly support jobs in event management, security, catering, and operations.

Suggested Media Quotes for Outlets

"Our Canadian summers are short. By establishing the Can-Am Nationals, we aren't competing with the incredible local car culture we already have—we are fueling Winnipeg’s economic engine and creating a permanent, cross-border signature tradition." — Gearhead Media Editorial Team
"In 1974, Winnipeg proved it could pull hot rodding royalty from thousands of miles away. Fifty years later, we have the cars, we have the passion, and we have the venues. We can absolutely do it again."

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