Something's Happening At Area 27

Area 27 is  Canada’s first motorsports country club, located in the southern Okanagan region of British Columbia. The Club’s name honours legendary Canadian F1 driver, and project partner, Jacques Villeneuve. Area 27 is modeled after the private golf club concept where members pay a $30,000 or $35,000 initiation fee plus yearly membership dues, in exchange for 15 days per month of track use for themselves and immediate family members up to the age of 25.

 

Construction is scheduled to start this spring on phase one of the club, which includes a five kilometer Jacques Villeneuve designed track, a Richard Spenard driving school where members can be race certified, a karting center, and related infrastructure. As membership grows, so will track amenities, with plans for a member clubhouse, on-site vehicle servicing, and even condominium style ‘arrive and drive suites’, for those die hard racers who literally want to live at a track.

 

Versatility is a key factor in the proposed race track. While most of the racing will be done on four wheels, elements of the track design will be suitable for motorcycles as well. Specifically the design of the curbing, with both  the turn apex and exits built to accommodate motorcycle racers who wish to test their prowess on the circuit.  Another key feature of the track is separate track configurations for high and low speed races ensuring drivers of all class and skill levels get the most out of Area 27.

 

While the club will be reserved primarily for the use and enjoyment of its members and their guests, it will be built to FIA level two standards. This will allow the club to host special events, including vintage racing and touring race series. In addition, to help cover the considerable operating expenses of a facility such as Area 27 these special events also help ”rubber in” the new facility, improving the longevity and performance of the racing surface. 

 

Time will tell if other race facilities will follow the Area 27 model, where tuning  in  the pits replaces chip shots at the driving range or timing laps replaces  counting strokes on the golf course. In the meantime if someone invites you to a club in Osoyoos, you may just want to pack a helmet instead of golf clubs.