Inducted 2016 – Significant Contributor
Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec
Terry Dale’s passion for motorsport and extensive background in the industry have played a significant role in shaping his illustrious career and paving the road to his 2016 induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
Terry’s journey in motorsports began in 1963 when he joined CASC/ASN Canada. Since that time, he has remained a member of FIA-affiliated clubs including the St. Lawrence Automobile Club (ST.LAC), Triumph Sports Owners Association (TSOA), Motorsport Club of Ottawa (MCO), and British Automobile Racing Club (BARC). He is also the Founder and past President of the Ottawa SportsCar Club (OSCC).
In 1967, Terry obtained a national level racing license at Mosport, marking the beginning of an exciting racing career that spanned over two decades. He showcased his skills behind the wheel, participating in various cars such as the Cooper S, Corvette, and Mazda RX7. Notably, in 1971, Terry set “A Sports Racing” (Corvette) class lap record at Le Circuit Mont Tremblant, which he still holds to this day.
In addition to his impressive skills as a driver, Terry began making important contributions to motorsports in administrative and sporting roles. In 1974 he became President of the MCO. That same year he also served as the Chief Scrutineer for CASC (Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs) Quebec Region where he was responsible for ensuring that race cars met all required safety and technical standards.
It was Terry’s expertise and understanding of motorsport rules and regulations that led him to gain international recognition and respect as a steward, race director, and clerk of the course. Since 1975 he has held an International ‘A’ License from the FIA, allowing him to fulfill these roles at the highest levels of the sport.
His involvement with Formula 1 began when he served as a steward in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix in 1978 and continued in 1979 serving as the ASN Event Chief Steward. He continued to contribute to Formula 1 as the FIA Deputy Clerk of the Course from 1980 to 1989, upholding the integrity and safety of the races.
Terry’s leadership abilities and knowledge of the sport led him to take on additional responsibilities within motorsport governing bodies including as Chair of the National Race Appeals Board from 1985 to 1988 where he ensured fair and just resolutions for racing-related disputes.
Throughout his career Terry held key positions as a senior race official for various racing series and championships in North America including Players/GM, Firestone Firehawk, Michelin Enduroseries, SuperTouring Championship, Indy Lights Championship, IMSA/Grand Am and the Trans Am Series, among others.
He served as the Manager for a Canadian GT2 Porsche team in international races like the Daytona, Sebring, and Le Mans 24 Hour events. He also held the position of FIA International Steward for the American Le Mans Series from 2005 to 2013.
Terry holds various certifications, including being a licensed automotive technician, truck and coach technician, motorcycle technician, and alternate fuels technician-inspector. He is a certified driving instructor/trainer, specializing in special needs wheelchair ramp-equipped vehicles and holds an MTO ‘F’ Driver License.
Terry Dale has not only been successful in motorsports management as a contracted race official for more than 35 years, but he also found time to recognize, develop, mentor and assist others in finding their niche as Canadian race officials. This critical and often overlooked role is perhaps his greatest legacy as a true lifetime contributor to Canadian motorsport.
Terry has been recognized by the leaders at ASN Canada, FIA, LASQ, and CASC-OR for his significant contributions to motorsports in Canada.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the world of motorsport, Terry Dale was inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2016.
