Penticton Speedway changes ownership

Avion Developments is getting involved in the oval racing business.

Avion, led by cousins Trevor and Ingo Seibert, has reached an agreement to purchase Penticton Speedway, taking over operation of the facility immediately.

Johnny Aantjes has owned and operated the track, located east of Penticton, the past 24 years.

The two sides have been working on a deal for months, and when Avion committed to keeping the facility on Carmi Ave. a racetrack, the paperwork was finalized.

“The condition of the property remaining as a functioning Speedway is a top priority for the sale,” stated Aantjes when news of the impending sale was posted on the Speedway Facebook page Feb. 24. “This transaction will help maintain racing at a higher level for many years to come.”

According to Avion Developments, the company plans to invest significant capital for facility improvements.

“It became evident over the last few years that the South Okanagan has a significant customer base looking for the next level of entertainment and participation in motorsports and other motorsports-related attractions,” said Chief Executive Officer Trevor Seibert - who is also the co-designer, engineer, constructor and founding partner of Area27. “After designing and constructing Area27 and developing the Avion Motorsports RS1 Series, we see Penticton Speedway as an excellent fit for our growth.”

Trevor Seibert began his racing career in 1984 on a small asphalt oval in his hometown of Williams Lake, BC, and quickly advanced to the professional level. His experience includes wins and championships on ovals, road and street circuits throughout North America. His resume includes NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, Player’s GM, Formula Atlantic & Indy Lights.

Ingo Seibert sees a bright future for Penticton Speedway.

“We are very excited about the opportunity that Penticton Speedway presents for the Avion team and the surrounding area. My cousin Trevor and I have spent several years looking for the right opportunity in the South Okanagan to bring new types of entertainment to the market,” said Avion’s Chief Operating Officer. “I want to thank Johnny Aantjes and his wife Jasmine for working closely with us during the due diligence phase. We look forward to seeing them at the track with Johnny running up front in the Street Stock division”.

Penticton Speedway has been the go-to place for oval racing in the BC Interior for decades, routinely drawing thousands per race event from across the province.

Last season was the exception, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing Aantjes to hold events without fans for the most part. Only one race, on July 4th, had fans in attendance.

“Our next steps are to work on facility improvements as we plan to host events while closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19. We are hoping we see some return to normalcy in late summer to run full spectator events.” continued Ingo Seibert. “We are confident that tourists and residents in the South Okanagan will be looking for the types of entertainment and enjoyment we will offer at the Penticton facility.”

For more on Penticton Speedway, click here.