Crossing border with racecar/trailer

[Ralph A Powell]

Always have a list of all your parts it's more for US Side coming home and Always say yes sir or yes mam!

[Myron Piatek]

It's been a while, but I had to throw out a package of lunchmeat I purchased in Canada. Also, DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INSTRUCTED TO! After I saw a U.S. border guard & Terry Knott walk around and inspect his trailer, I started to get out when he got to me. Bad move.

There was also a story that got a little interesting when a T/AD or T/AF racer was asked if he had any alcohol with him going into Canada! It was laughed off afterwards, but don't joke around in case a guard doesn't have a sense of humor. As mentioned, be prepared and polite!

[Dan Fletcher]

I've lived in western NY all my life and have been to Cayuga many times over the past 30 years. Most of what everyone has said is correct. With that said, I've never had a problem going into Canada. The Canadian border agents make it pretty straightforward. Like has been said, no bull****, be respectful. Have your passport out and ready, answer the questions directly. No phone, no smoking, no sunglasses, no radio. They are going to ask "citizenship, where are you going, what is the purpose of your trip, how long will you be in Canada, and do you have any alcohol or tobacco". That will be the end of it. I used to make an extensive list of everything in the MH and trailer, but I haven't bothered with that in forever

Coming back into NY, they are cocks, plain and simple. I've had them look in the MH and trailer on several occasions. Absolutely love it when its raining and they walk into the MH with their wet shoes like they own it. Don't even try to make a joke about anything. Just seem to be jerks for the sake of being jerks. Same sorts of questions with the added "are you bring anything back".

As long as you've got your ducks in a row you'll be fine. BTW, I don't even have a passport. In NY, we can have an "enhanced license" that serves to get us in. You obviously will need a passport. Good luck and enjoy the race, track is a little rugged but its a great event.

[HR9121]

Just tell them you know Fletcher, should get you right in!

[Jim Kaekel]

Originally Posted by ss3011

Michigan has an Enhanced Drivers License , that is easier to get than a Passport , takes less time . Might be better to cross at Port Huron , seems to take a shorter time . Good to have the title of your car , but that is more for getting back into the US . Be friendly to the Border Officer , don't wear a hat , turn your radio off . I have never had a problem crossing the border , we had many races up at Grand Bend and Cayuga .

Andrew: What Russ said X2. I've went across several times at Port Huron/Sarnia with my car to go to Grand Bend without a problem. I have a Michigan enhanced driver's license. Always prepare for the extra time to cross, particularly on the way back in on Sunday. You may spend at least an hour waiting in line on the way back.

[Bob Don]

No weapons, including pepper spray. Yes, they'll ask.

[X-TECH MAN]

Stay the hell in the usa !!!!

[jmcarter]

No ammo either, if they find any they will tear your rig apart looking for guns (this found out from fellow bike riders on the Alaska trek). One year we took our Weimaraner into Canada to earn her Canadian championship (she was # 5 Weim in the country in 2005 and yes dog lovers brag about their dogs as much as their kids, sometimes more) and in the process she won some items including two bags of dog food. The food was processed in Canada and was confiscated coming back into the states, along with lots of associated hassle. Can’t be stressed enough, no joking and clear direct answers only.

[Andrew Hill]

I do have an enhanced license, along with a Nexus card, as I commuted to Chrysler's plant in Windsor daily for several months, so that should help out getting through in a timely fashion. I'll make sure to leave the alcohol and weapons at home and will probably make a list of everything in the truck/trailer, just in case I need it. Thanks for the advice everybody, I'm looking forward to the event!

[Chris1529]

I have travelled to Europe 3X for vacation. Its always more difficult or seems like a hassle when coming back into the US than going through customs at your destination point.
Even on trains travelling through different countries in Europe, as soon as they see the color of your passport, they have just walked right on by without even asking to see it.