Legendary Race Car Driver Tours New Okanagan Track

World-renowned race car driver Jacques Villeneuve was in the Okanagan recently as he toured a brand new track being built near Osoyoos.

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

More than 80 people walked the soon-to-be track called Area 27 with Villeneuve in late February.

“It should be fun and probably very frustrating,” Villeneuve joked with the group, setting aside his serious professional race car driver side and effortlessly stepping into the role of coach. “The land was made for this.”

The Formula 1 champion wasn’t the international superstar known for his skill and precision on that sunny day, but rather just the leader of a group of people, laughing and answering questions.

Those in attendance for the walkabout (Photo Credit: Area 27)

“Walking the track brought into perspective just how amazing the design is,” said Area 27 member Brett Knelson of Vancouver. “I realized that what we’re creating is a world-class legacy for the province of BC, especially for car enthusiasts who are lucky enough to be part of it.”

After the walk along the track, which took nearly two hours, Villeneuve took time to speak with fans and pose for photos. The invited members then headed to Spirit Ridge for a dinner and reception and a special speech by Villeneuve.

Jaceque Villeneuve with an member of the club (Photo Credit: Area 27)

“The main thing is to believe,” said Jacques. “I would be second in the race and there was no time I thought I wouldn’t make it.” Jacques detailed his experience at Indy500 in 1995, when he came back to win the race despite a two-lap deficit. “You’re still in the race. Don’t give up. You never know what will happen.”

Area 27 has been designed by Villeneuve and was founded in 2013. The target opening date is for the spring of 2016, with construction expected to take six to eight months.

Cars ready to hit the track (Photo Credit: Area 27)