Norris McDonald

As the editor of the Toronto Star’s Wheels section, Norris wrote about manufacturers’ newest models that he tested, in some cases in exotic parts of the world. Norris knew everything about specs and features, but he managed to weave some of his life experiences into his pieces that often read more like something out of a John Steinbeck or Ernest Hemingway novel than a review.

He also had a site devoted specifically to his passion about motor racing, covering all aspects of the sport from the grassroots level all the way to the highest pinnacles of the sport, finding his way into paddocks and the pits to develop ideas. He also used his platform to champion car safety and motorsport racing safety and helped develop motorsports and automotive writers because of his generosity and experience.

As a one-time driver in Supermodified Racing who only stopped because he realized his limits, Norris transformed his interest owning a team which he named Ride Like The Wind in honour of a song written by Christopher Cross, whom he admired and often saw in concert.

Norris was inducted into the Oswego Speedway Hall of Fame because of his many talents. He regularly rode inside the first response truck providing reports to the crowd of any accidents. He also did an annual walkthrough of pit lane for Oswego’s signature race, The Classic, providing nuggets of information on the drivers, live and off the cuff in lickety-split style.

Sadly, Norris passed away last November at the age of 81, following health issues the last two years.

When The Star became the title sponsor of the Canadian International AutoShow in 2015, Norris became involved in moderating daily panel discussions that featured an eclectic lineup of guests. He also wrote and edited the Star’s daily supplements for the show. He could often be heard from a distance loudly tapping away on his computer like a maestro on a piano in his makeshift office. He had an endless supply of energy that manifested itself in everything he did at the AutoShow, and he’d wake up and do it all again.

He developed a friendship with Jason Campbell, who in 2014 was hired as the AutoShow General Manager following an extensive career in motorsport marketing in the United Kingdom, including working with the Renault FI Team.

Jason trusted Norris’s guidance with respect to implementing new ideas to continue to make the show current and relevant. In 2017, the AutoShow featured an exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada with historic cars and driving legends.

Norris also lent his expertise toward the show creating a Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Tribute, in which the annual inductees would be celebrated the night before the show opened with Norris doing the MC duties. In 2013, Norris became the first journalist inducted into the Hall of Fame. This year there will be a special vehicle exhibit showcasing some of Canada’s top drivers in the Hall of Fame to have raced in the IndyCar series. The exhibit will include a tribute to Norris.
In 2022 Norris received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. It happened because I asked Stephanie Wallcraft, then the AJAC President, if something could be done for Norris for all he had done for the industry. A week later Stephanie told me the AJAC Board of Directors gave the idea the green light.

I was supposed to drive Norris and his partner Susan to the ceremonies but couldn’t go because of a lingering cold. Norris texted me during the dinner to say I had won the Environmental Award for a story I wrote for the Star. I think he was as excited for me as I was for him.

I often described Norris as my friend and mentor. We lived on the same street, though I only came to know him eight years ago, and we’d often go on road trips in his beloved bright red Ford 150. He’d regale me with so many of his life experiences.

I often spent Wednesdays with him when his health started to decline. It was sad seeing this giant of a man succumb to sickness, and yet Norris believed he would become well again and be part of this year’s show.

When Norris passed, it affected the many people who knew him personally or knew of his work and his contributions to the automotive industry.

He will be missed and there will likely never be anyone quite like him.

Goodbye, Norris, may your spirit forever ride like wind.