Race car workshop up in flames: $350K in damages, 2 stock cars destroyed

A late-night fire in Oro-Medonte Ont. engulfed a detached garage, reducing the structure to rubble and destroying two race cars housed inside on April 23, 2025. (Roree Payment)

A late-night fire in Oro-Medonte engulfed a detached garage, reducing the structure to rubble and destroying two race cars housed inside.

Officials say the call came in shortly before 2 a.m. on Wednesday, as passerby’s reported flames visible from Highway 11.

The couple driving along the highway said they spotted the blaze from a distance, turned around, and rushed to alert the residents—who were asleep at the time and unaware of the incident.

The garage was located approximately 50 feet from the main home, and there was no risk of the fire spreading to the residence, according to fire officials with Oro-Medonte.

Crews responded swiftly with nine apparatus and a team of 30 firefighters. Upon arrival, officials say that the garage was already fully engulfed.

According to the residents, the structure was being used as a race car workshop. The flames were brought under control within 30 minutes of the call, but not before sustaining total destruction.

Officials confirmed that two stock cars were destroyed in the 2 a.m. blaze. They estimate the total damage at approximately $350,000.

While the building was insured, the contents inside including the vehicles and equipment were not covered, according to Roree Payment with Oro-Medonte Fire.

The blaze is not considered suspicious and remains under investigation.