Private Okanagan racetrack looks to add spectator events in 2020

The year 2020 is bringing with it the prospect of more spectator activities at the Okanagan’s Area 27 racetrack.

Area 27, a private motorsport club with a 4.83 kilometre race track designed by Jacques Villeneuve and located just east of Oliver, released its 2020 track schedule this week.

Track general manager Felicity Johnson says free public viewing is available outside the track gates, above turn one. The viewing area is open every day.

“We’re working on securing a sanctioned race sometime in October, which would be a ticketed event, where people will be allowed inside the gates,” Johnson says, adding the track hopes to put together another possible public event in June.

Johnson says activities at the track that are fun to watch are club racing weekends. There are events in April, May, June and September.

“This is competitive racing where we are looking at the possibility of selling tickets for those events,” she says.

Johnson says those interested can follow what’s happening at the track on their website, or join the track’s mailing list, located at the bottom of the track's web page, to keep informed of upcoming events.

“If we end up with a big, sanctioned race like an international race, we’ll be certain to send out a newsletter outlining how people can purchase tickets,” she says.

Johnson says the track continues to garner attention, with increasing interest south of the border.

Two other ways non-members can participate in the track is through the driving academy and kart track.

"Since we have our Camaro driving academy, it provides a full arrive and drive service for those who maybe don’t have their own car but are looking to set wheels on the track, that’s open to the public. So is our go kart track," Johnson says.

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