Area 27

That’s a wrap..on another club racing season

  

 

The 2019 season expanded to host five club racing weekends that had nearly 300 registrants in the four different classes – Radical SR3, GTU, RS1 Challenge & RS1 Cup. We saw the grids continue to grow, the lap times continue to diminish, and the competition become more fierce as the season carried on. For one series it came down to the final race to decide the champion. Continue reading to find out more!

But first…with the final club races having just taken place on October 12th, you can download the race results by clicking on the corresponding links:

Before we carry on with the announcing the champions, please download the updated Club Racing Rules & Regulations HERE.

Congratulations to our series champions!

 

Radical SR3: MURRAY ROTHLANDER – Finishing 1st place in 7 out of 10 races and 2nd place in the 3 other races, driving the #10 “bat mobile”, he is the 2019 Colin Morris Radical Canada West Championship Winner.

 

GTU: Coming down to the last race day of the season the ever so close GTU series championship was awarded to BRAD WENDT in the #26 Porsche. In a very tight race, congratulations are also due to our 2nd and 3rd place finishers, JF Launier and Ramin Towfigh. For complete GTU standings please click HERE to download.

 

RS1 Track Cars: The RS1s ran two classes, the Challenge and the Cup, and although there was no champion awarded this season, we were happy to see these classes continue to attract more cars and drivers. Honourable mention goes out to SEAN MCINTOSH for his “sweep” of the Cup class on the September race weekend. Having finished with the fastest time in qually and taking home 1st place in both the races is no easy feat.

Dutchway presents the 1st Annual GT Enduro Race at Area 27 on November 2nd.

We will require a minimum of 10 cars (20 drivers) to register prior to October 30th for the race to proceed. Registration is done through the following link: I WANT TO GO RACING.

The Dutchway GT Enduro Regulations are as follows:

1) There will be one thirty minute practice and one 1-hour enduro race open to Area 27 GTU eligible race cars.

2) There will be no qualifying session. Race grid will begin in the order registration is received on Eventbrite.

3) There will be one mandatory 5-minute pit stop. Entrants must have completed the 5-minute pit stop between the 15-minute and 45-minute point in the race.

4) Pit Stop Procedure: when a car enters the hot pits,  pit lane speed of 50km/h is in effect. The car must proceed to the east facing lane and stop on the concrete at their assigned pit. The car must remain stationary and engine off for 5-minutes minimum. Driver changes shall occur at this time. REFUELLING IS FORBIDDEN

5) Everyone in the pits must wear long pants, closed toe shoes and be at least 18 years of age or older – no exceptions.

6) Pit Stop Timing: Pit stops will be timed by the teams on an honor basis but Area 27 race personnel will be verifying pit stop times at random. Time will start as the car comes to a complete stop. Cars may not proceed at pit out unless instructed to do so by the Pit Lane Marshal.

7) Race Procedures: There will be one pace lap behind the pace car. The race time starts as the lead car crosses the starting line after the drop of the green flag and ends after 60 minutes. In the event of an incident, the pace car may be used with double yellow flags displayed at all stations around the course. Pits will remain open. No passing is permitted while yellow flags are displayed and no driver may pass the pace car unless waived by. Car must cross the finish line and take the checkered flag under own power for official position or will be scored as DNF. Procedures will be discussed at the mandatory driver’s meeting.

8) Driver’s Meeting: There will be a mandatory Driver’s meeting on November 2nd, at 11:00am in the Academy 27 classroom. Each driver will receive a helmet sticker at the driver’s meeting. You must have a helmet sticker in order to participate in the event. Drivers who miss the Driver’s Meeting will not be allowed to participate.

9) Black Flag: If you are Black Flagged, you must stop at the Black Flag station on pit lane for consultation. Black Flag stops will not count as a mandatory pit stop. You must return to the circuit after consultation and do at least one lap before making a mandatory pit stop. Cars receiving a Mechanical Black Flag (meatball) must stop at their assigned pit box for necessary repairs, this may count as your mandatory 5 minute pit stop.

10) Race Cancellation: No refunds will be administered after October 30th unless determined the minimum number of entries (10) is not met or there is snow on the track. Fee charged by Eventbrite ticketing services is non-refundable.

11) Transponders: A working transponder is required to be eligible to compete. There will not be transponders availble for rent at the track.

Non-Members competing in the race must be a guest of a Member and use a Members’ guest pass or, be in good standing on the Prospective Members waitlist.  Non-Member guests, not including those on the waitlist, must still comply with the maximum three (3) driving day rule.

Entry Fees are $150/car + tax & Eventbrite fees. All prices are in CDN funds. Entry fees go towards covering costs for additional marshals, race personnel, insurance, tow truck on standby and medical services on-site.

For any questions regarding the race regulations or procedures please contact Jim Keller at jim_keller@telus.net. For any questions regarding registration please contact Felicity Johnson at felicity@area27.ca.

Oliver B.C. – Camaro Driving Academy

Area 27 Motorsports Park is very proud to announce a new partnership with General Motors Canada and Chevrolet.

Area 27 is now the official home of the Camaro Driving Academy, featuring a fleet of Chevrolet Camaros equipped with the 1LE track package. The 2.5 day high performance 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 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 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.

Canada’s only private Motorsport club now enjoys facilities only previously available to Yacht or Golf Club Members. The new 11,000 square foot Clubhouse at Area 27 is complete and open for business.

The building features a large Members lounge & dining area, shaded patio, classroom, locker rooms, show room, 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. Members recently enjoyed the Clubhouse grand opening celebrations this past June 14th & 15th weekend.

The Area 27 Clubhouse was conceived as a mix of art, science, and nature. A combination of form and function with the perfect balance of technology and natural building materials. Upstairs the Finish Line Bar takes center stage, complete with a beautiful stained-glass tribute to Canada’s own legendary driver, Gilles Villeneuve. High ceilings and large windows afford unobstructed views of the circuit and surrounding mountains to all who enjoy the members lounge. A state of the art eleven zone heating and ventilation system provides comfort in every room of the building. The Academy 27 classroom is the perfect environment for Camaro Driving Academy students to learn the theories of performance driving. Beautifully appointed locker rooms and showers let drivers change and cool off after a few hot laps.

The clubhouse is packed with features ideally suited to those auto manufacturers who are looking for a prestigious location to launch a new vehicle, entertain clients, or reward employees. The Area 27 facility represents a new and unique option to those who are planning a corporate retreat, wedding, or birthday party. The addition of the Clubhouse is the perfect complement to the outstanding Area 27 race track, in a location that couldn’t get any better, the stunning South Okanagan Valley.

The highly anticipated karting track at Area 27, Kartplex, will be opening this Saturday!

Hours of operation will be from 11:30am to dusk. Here’s what you need to know:

For more information please visit their website at www.kartplex.ca

Special limited offer available exclusively to Area 27 and Apex Motor Club Members, only 12 spots available. Ever want to drive a Formula 4 car on a Grand Prix circuit? How about a Le Mans GT, a Formula 1 car, or even better, how about all of the above? Show that you are the best and you get to race a whole season alongside Jacques in the 2020 European NASCAR series.

Jacques Villeneuve and Patrick Lemarié have created the ultimate driver experience, the FEED MASTER CHALLENGE. Stay in an ancient French castle, be treated to the best French cuisine and wine, and drive on the Magny-Cours Grand Prix circuit.

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.

Announcing Area 27’s “Unveiling” event this summer. On June 14thand 15th over 200 members, founders, media and distinguished guests descended upon the facility to take in the “Unveiling” of the new Area 27 Clubhouse, marking the completion of construction of the 11,000 square foot building. It features a large Members lounge & dining area with food service by Crave Creative Kitchen, shaded patio, classroom, locker rooms, show room, pro shop, and offices for executive staff.

The Clubhouse was conceived as a mix of art, science, and nature. A combination of form and function with the perfect balance of technology and natural building materials. Upstairs the Finish Line Bar takes center stage, complete with a beautiful stained-glass tribute to Canada’s own legendary driver, Gilles Villeneuve. High ceilings and large windows afford unobstructed views of the circuit and surrounding mountains to all who enjoy the members lounge. A state of the art eleven zone heating and ventilation system provides comfort in every room of the building. The Academy 27 classroom is the perfect environment for Camaro Driving Academy students to learn the theories of performance driving. Beautifully appointed locker rooms and showers allow you to cool off after a few hot laps.

Check out some more pictures from the event by clicking HERE.