Grand Prix: Patrik Laine will be at the big party Saturday night in Montreal

Thursday sees the famous Pit Stop Challenge, a tradition that continues year after year in Montreal. I’m told that NHL players, at least one internationally renowned boxer and Olympic athletes will attempt to change an F1 tire in just a few seconds. It seems that even Patrice Bernier and Ludivine Reding might give it a try this year..

Remember: Nick Suzuki, P.K. Subban, Jean Pascal and Zach Fucale have all taken part in the event in the past.

Friday will be a busy day, with Jean Pascal and Michal Cieslak facing off for the WBC title at the end of the month at Place Bell. Max Lalonde will (for the ninth year) host the day, and BPM Sports will broadcast live from Crescent Street.

There will also be a ticketed event at Windsor Station (renamed Station 1889 for the weekend) from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., featuring a performance by Hugel.

My spies tell me that several Canadiens players should be in a private box on Friday night. Keep an eye out if you’re going…

Saturday is the highlight of the traditional Sports Illustrated Party, formerly the Maxim Grand Prix Party. Now that’s the famous party with the red carpet, the stars and all that goes with it. The party will once again be held at Windsor Station, and international electro artist Fisher will be performing.

From what I hear, Patrik Laine, Georges St-Pierre and Matthew Bergeron (Atlanta Falcons) should all be on the red carpet this evening..

Laine, who is spending the summer in Montreal, is scheduled to fly to Florida late Sunday. He’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the Grand Prix this year, before spending a few days in Florida.

Besides, when a guy like Laine decides to spend the summer in Montreal, brags about how the city has given him back his taste for hockey, and takes part in summer events downtown, that tells me he’ll be at the team’s camp in September, doesn’t it?

OnSunday, the festivities will come to a close around 11:00 p.m. on Crescent Street.

In short, from Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Crescent Street will be vibrating to the rhythm of the Grand Prix. All activities are free of charge.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, Windsor Station will be buzzing with the big party. Tickets are required to attend and participate.

Jean-Paul Mouradian is the man behind many of the Grand Prix festivities. Mouradian is president of JPM Marketing and vice-president of Feldman Entertainment Québec, co-producer of the Grand Prix Festival on Crescent, the Maison S.I. at Windsor Station and the La Rosa Nera evening. He is also a new partner of New Era, promoter of Jean Pascal’s championship fight.