The NASCAR Canada Series heads east to Nova Scotia on June 27 for a return to Riverside International Speedway. Located just outside Antigonish and approximately two hours from Halifax, the 1/3-mile high-banked asphalt oval, known throughout the racing world as “Canada’s Bristol,” has been one of the country’s premier stock car racing facilities since opening in 1969.
A Canadian Version of Bristol
The origins of Riverside International Speedway can be traced back to founder John “Nova” Chisholm and a vision to bring major stock car racing to Atlantic Canada.
Seeking guidance while planning a new facility in the 1960s, Chisholm met with NASCAR founder Bill France. France recommended building a smaller version of Bristol Motor Speedway and locating it near a major highway interchange to maximize accessibility.
Chisholm subsequently traveled to Tennessee with an engineer to study Bristol’s design. The result was Riverside Speedway, a scaled-down version of the famed Tennessee oval featuring steep banking and a compact layout designed to produce competitive short-track racing.
Riverside opened on May 18, 1969, and has since established itself as one of Canada’s most recognizable racing venues.
The Legacy of John “Nova” Chisholm
Chisholm’s influence extends far beyond the facility he built. Widely regarded as the man who put Maritime stock car racing on the map, he enjoyed a successful driving career during the 1970s and became the first Maritime driver to start a NASCAR-sanctioned race. After selling Riverside in 1989, his passion for the sport eventually brought him back, and he repurchased the facility in 2006.
Chisholm remained deeply connected to racing throughout his life. His contributions were recognized with induction into the Maritime Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2014. Following his passing later that year, his legacy continues to be felt throughout the region.
A Proven NASCAR Canada Battleground
Since joining the NASCAR Canada Series schedule, Riverside has consistently produced memorable races and attracted some of the biggest names in Canadian stock car racing.
Among active drivers, D.J. Kennington leads all competitors with three victories at the Nova Scotia oval, while Kevin Lacroix sits second with two wins.
Fans can secure their tickets through the Riverside International Speedway website and experience the first night race of the 2026 season when the green flag drops on June 27.