Construction Soon to Start on New Okanagan Racetrack

The new racetrack to be built near Osoyoos is getting closer to starting construction.

The track to be built (Photo Credit: Area 27)

Having received approval from Osoyoos Indian Band back in January, Area 27 is in the midst of its last preparations before track construction begins. Organizers report that funding is in place and the circuit itself is at the final stage of engineering. Currently, the people behind Area 27 are working with the band and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada for the 99 year lease.

Organizers estimate that the project will be ready for earthworks starting summer 2015, once the lease is finalized. In late February, more than 80 people walked the soon-to-be-track with world-renowned race car driver Jacques Villeneuve. On that track walk, the racing enthusiasts were able to see things not noticeable through computer simulation and therefore make some necessary subtle improvements.

The group who attended the track walk in late February. (Photo Credit: Area 27)

“Our intention is to host a wide variety of vehicles and motorsport activities, from vintage racers to superbikes, exotic cars, and stockers,” says South Okanagan Motorsports Corp. “In anticipating this type of use, the engineering demands are far greater than what is required for a driver training circuit or simple country club style track.”

Much of the engineering work that is still yet to be done is for pit lane functionality and the paddock area.

Photo Credit: Area 27

The organization has recently released more regular memberships for reservation, which start at $35,000.

Area 27 has been designed by Villeneuve and was founded in 2013. For more information on plans for the track, click here.