The Canadian automotive and journalism industries are mourning the loss of Norris McDonald, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 81. He had been battling health issues for the last two years.
McDonald was the longtime editor, and later editor-emeritus, of the Toronto Star Wheels section. He travelled the world writing about new cars and products. McDonald also contributed regularly to the newspaper’s race car coverage, combining a passion he developed in super-modified racing. He also helped mentor and develop many automotive writers.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear that he’s passed,” said Bob Verwey, who was President of the Canadian International AutoShow in 2015 and is President of Owasco Inc. “We were blessed to have him in the industry.”
McDonald’s work earned him many honours, including becoming the first journalist inducted into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, the Canadian Automobile Sport Club’s Media Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, and induction into the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame.
He also contributed to the Canadian International AutoShow as a consultant to General Manager Jason Campbell when he was hired in 2014. The Star became the title sponsor of the show, and McDonald wrote and edited the daily supplements produced for it. He also hosted daily segments with various personalities and emceed events.
A robust individual who proudly dressed in suspenders, McDonald worked for several newspapers and various sections in a career spanning about six decades. In many ways, he was a throwback to a different era of writing and reporting, while also telling stories.
Retired racing writer Dan Proudfoot covered many events with McDonald and paid him the ultimate compliment. “He’s hard to equal as a storyteller,” said Proudfoot.
Campbell said McDonald was a great colleague. “We would sit and have many discussions about strategy, themes for the show, discussions about what kind of motorsport features we thought the people would love to see, from celebrating 100 years of Indy 500 to 50 Years of Formula One in Canada,” said Campbell.
“He was full of enthusiasm, back at the end of October, about what he could do to help us (for the 2024 show). That kind of joie de vivre was something I’ve taken great comfort in and felt really energized (when) around Norris. I think everybody (who) was in the room with him (feels the same way).”
Verwey first met McDonald at the annual Trillium Automotive Dealers Association (now called Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario) Presidents Dinner and was immediately taken aback.
“What I liked about him the best was he said it like it was,” said Verwey. “We chatted and chatted and didn’t stop. We clicked, and then I watched him professionally interview race car drivers and race car teams and I was blown away by his knowledge, his professionalism, and how (he) wouldn’t stand up for someone who was (not telling the truth).”
Sandy Liguori, President of Woodchester Auto Group and also the 2013 AutoShow President, became friends with McDonald from their mutual love of motor sports.
“He always had the time for you no matter how busy he was,” said Liguori. “He definitely knew his craft and is the last of a dying breed, obviously. It’s sad to see that people like him are slowly leaving us. An all-around good guy and great Canadian.”
Ron Fellows, one of Canada’s most decorated race car drivers and also a member of the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame, marvelled at McDonald’s enthusiasm for all forms of auto racing.
“You probably won’t see another guy like him,” said Fellows. “There was such an appreciation for the old tracks. He was a huge fan of it and a great friend to the sport, everything from continuing to write about it, to helping where it was needed, just a fun guy to sit around and talk about racing.”
NASCAR sent out a statement about McDonald, calling him a “true giant in motorsports journalism.”
McDonald is survived by his longtime partner Susan Greene, sons Cameron and Duncan, daughter Carolina and two grandchildren. A small private service will take place, followed by a celebration of life at some point in the future.
