Area 27 founding members Bill Drossos, Jacques Villeneuve and Trevor Siebert.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
June 24, 2019 - 12:15 PM
OLIVER - Ever fantasize about getting behind the wheel of one of North America's most iconic cars and driving it in a professional racing environment?
Oliver's Area 27 Motorsports Park is where you want to be.
A 2.5-day high-performance Camaro driving course is open to the public and offers a curriculum approved by the ASN FIA for Canada. Instruction is provided by a roster of Canada’s top racing professionals including chief instructor Kees Nierop.
"The Camaro 1LE is a perfectly balanced drivers’ car that is just as ideally suited to your favourite road as it is to Area 27’s many challenging, and undulating corners. The fleet includes the four-cylinder turbo, V-6 RS models, and the V-8 SS models, all equipped with the 1LE track package," reads a press release from Area 27.
"To provide the ultimate grip, consistency, and predictability on the track, the cars are fitted with specially developed Goodyear F-1 Supercar 3 tires. Stopping power is supplied by massive Brembo brakes engineered to meet the demands of the most challenging circuits."
Area 27 - Grand Opening - Film from Thomas Bowerbank on Vimeo.
The 1LE track package traces its history back 30 years to the Canadian GM Motorsport racing series. The demands of road racing required upgraded suspension, brakes, cooling, and drivetrain components. It is a fitting tribute to the Camaro 1LE’s origin to have the official Camaro Driving Academy hosted at the Area 27 circuit, a track designed by Canada’s own World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve.
"The combination of the Camaro 1LE, Area 27 track, and expert Academy 27 instruction, will provide for the highest level of driver education. Area 27 welcomes General Motors Canada and Chevrolet to the South Okanagan, being honoured to continue a tradition of excellence," states the release.
The new 11,000 square foot Clubhouse at Area 27 is complete and open for business. The building features a large members' lounge and dining area, shaded patio, classroom, locker rooms, showroom, pro shop, and offices for executive staff. The amenities are similar to what you would expect at a golf course, only now geared and tuned for the Motorsports enthusiast.
Next on Area 27 development plans include the construction of the new Area 27 Kartplex, which is now underway. Paving is expected to begin by the end of June with an anticipated opening later in July. Once completed, Motorsports enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the purposeful challenges of a kart track designed by Canada’s most accomplished racer, Jacques Villeneuve.
The Area 27 Kartplex is an ‘open to the public’ opportunity that provides a full-service karting centre to customers of all ages and experience levels 7 days per week. Racers can simply drop in and go for a race or log-on to the booking system and reserve time in advance. A fleet of state-of-the-art TB race karts, driving suits, and helmets will be on-site ready for those drivers looking to test their skills.
Similar to the full road circuit, the Area 27 Kartplex will be home to its own driving academy, staffed by experienced driver coaches and accomplished kart racers from all around the world. Kids camps, karting workshops, seminars, and private coaching will be available services to all customers regardless of whether you own or rent a kart.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2019