It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of fellow Area 27 Member and friend, Colin Morris. After a long courageous fight he succumbed to complications from cancer on the evening of June 22nd.

Colin first heard of Area 27 back in 2016. From just a pick-up truck ride around a gravel “track” he knew this was something he had to be a part of. As a bucket list item, he joined as a member and was one of the first to set wheels on the track. Since this time, he spent many-a-days at Area 27 fulfilling his “need for speed”. Following the 2016 season, Colin was the first ever recipient of the Driver of the Year Award, which will be renamed the Colin Morris Driver of the Year Award in his honour. He split his driving time between a Corvette, a formula BMW, a couple of Miatas and a Radical SR3. Maximizing his track time in a variety of vehicles earned him the Ironman Award following the 2018 track season – this award is presented to the individual who achieves the most laps in a season. Also, in 2018, in his first year of wheel-to-wheel racing, Colin was the winner of the Radical Canada West Cup Championship. To many of us who knew him, he will forever be remembered as the man with the Miata who passed the Ferrari.

More importantly, apart from his driving accomplishments, Colin was an incredible person to be around – always smiling, always positive, and always ready to lend his tools or expertise on how to fix something. He truly was an inspiration to everyone at the track. The friendships he fostered are a testament to the man he was. Anyone who was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to meet Colin would say that his passion for life was contagious. He lived his life to the fullest with his beautiful wife Cindy until his very last days – whether it was at the track, flying his airplane, ripping up sand down south in the “dunes”, jetboating or travelling in their RV. He was a shining example of what many of us aspire to be. He will be truly missed but his legacy will carry on. Our deepest condolences to Cindy, his family and all who were blessed enough to call Colin a friend. Our time here on Earth is merely borrowed from a being that’s greater than all of us. We don’t have a say on when we go, how we go or why we go. So, when our time is finally up, we’re bound to leave a mark on another person’s life one way or another and Colin has surely left his mark on many of us as his memory will live on forever in our hearts and at the track.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Colin on July 14th after the track day at 5:00pm in the Area 27 Clubhouse. 

All members are also invited to attend and share with his family a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. July 22nd, 2019 in Langley. Details are posted on Henderson Langley Funerals. 

 “As you know so well, the passage of time never really heals the tragic memory of such a great loss, but we carry on, because we have to, because our loved ones would want us to, and because there is still light to guide us in the world from the love they gave us.”

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. Jacques was recently on site working with the crews from Penticton’s Grizzly Excavating, meticulously shaping the various corners and undulating terrain. The special polymer modified asphalt racing surface will soon be applied by the expert crews of Penticton’s own Peters Bros. Paving company. 

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 our booking system and reserve your 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.

Each of the Kartplex’s racing programs are tailored to the needs of the group regardless of the group type or size. Area 27’s Kartplex will offer several private rental opportunities including events such as corporate entertainment, birthday parties, bachelor / bachelorette parties, sports teams, and family reunions allow you to reserve the facility privately. This will be the first karting centre in North America to feature “Smart” electronic timing and safety systems by RaceFacer. It will feature a Social Network to easily book races, share experiences, and compare your performance with a network of kart racers from around the world. Stay tuned for an official opening date for the Area 27 Kartplex.

Although the Area 27 Kartplex is an ‘open to the public’ opportunity that provides a full-service karting centre to all ex

perience levels and customers 8 years and older (some exceptions apply), Members will have access 7-days a week during the karting season. Racers can simply drop in and go for a race or log-on to their booking system and reserve a 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.

Each of the Kartplex’s racing programs are tailored to the needs of the group regardless of the group type or size. Area 27’s Kartplex will offer several private rental opportunities including events such as corporate entertainment, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, sports teams, and family reunions allow you to reserve the facility privately. This will be the first karting centre in North America to feature “Smart” electronic timing and safety systems by RaceFacer. It will feature a Social Network to easily book races, share experiences, and compare your performance with a network of kart racers from around the world. Stay tuned for an official opening date for the Area 27 Kartplex. For any questions on Kartplex please contact Craig Finer –  (250) 488-4630 or craig@kartplex.ca

We are very proud to announce a new partnership with General Motors Canada and Chevrolet which makes Area 27 the official home of the Camaro Driving Academy, featuring a fleet of 18 Chevrolet Camaros equipped with the 1LE track package. These cars will predominantly be for use for the 2.5-day high performance driving course, open to members and the public. It is the perfect way for someone who is new to track driving to gain certification to be your guest on an Open Members’ Lapping day – hint, hint.

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 4-cylinder turbo, V-6 RS models, and the V-8 SS models, all equipped with the 1LE track package. 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.

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.