Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie and Bill Drossos, the co-founder and president of the Area 27 racetrack facility, shake hands after signing a 99-year lease agreement last week. Construction on the facility is underway this week. (Photo supplied)
Gentlemen, prepare to start your engines; the lease agreement for Area 27 motorsports club in Oliver has been signed.
The South Okanagan Motorsports Corporation (SOMC) has signed a 99-year lease agreement with the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and the federal government, securing 227 acres to develop a five-kilometre (three-mile) racetrack and facilities southeast of Oliver.
“We’re thrilled to get the build underway,” said Bill Drossos, Area 27 president and co-founder. “We have been in negotiation with the band and Canadian government for some time and are happy to have them as partners in this capacity.”
Despite the perception that the project was delayed, Drossos said the agreement was one of the quickest he has seen completed in the South Okanagan. They only started working vigorously on the project in 2013.
Construction was scheduled to begin this week by clearing the land of invasive weeds. The site is located on a bench east of Black Sage Road, off Nk’Mip Road.
Drossos acknowledged that native land does host “red-listed” species, but the site in question has already been dug up and used for agricultural purposes, such as growing corn and alfalfa.
Drossos said they plan to do some xeriscaping to restore some of the desert land surrounding the property.
Drossos assures nearby residents that they won’t be bothered by the noise of the track.
He noted that a lot of thought and planning went into minimizing the noise impact, stating the noise will be projected into the surrounding forest. He added there will be a natural buffer – hills and vineyards – between the track and the Town of Oliver.
Drossos said they conducted their own sound test by taking a Chevy engine without an exhaust and running it at full RPM. The nearest residence could barely hear it, according to Drossos.
“I really don’t think there’s going to be an issue.”
The corporation’s private circuit is designed to FIA-standards by Canadian motorsport legend Jacques Villeneuve, whom Drossos met at Richard Spenard’s driving academy in eastern Canada more than 25 years ago.
“Every race car driver dreams of having their own track,” said Drossos. “Many motorsport lovers have the same dream. We’re making it a reality.”
Funded by private investment and memberships, Area 27 welcomes members of all skill levels.
“It’s like booking a tee time at the golf club,” explained Drossos. “Instead of golfing, members learn how to safely push their limits and be better drivers.”
If you want to be a regular member, you’ll have to come up with a one-time initiation fee of $35,000 to $45,000. Yearly membership dues ($3,000 for Phase 1) are also charged.
This gives you 15 or more track days per month. Guests can drive the track for $100 a day.
The Area 27 construction phases include a full-size, five-kilometre road circuit, a clubhouse, industry-related businesses, luxury on-site accommodation, and a karting centre for the public.
People will be able to rent go-karts and take them for a spin at 70 km/h.
“There will be something for everyone,” Drossos said.
The biggest impact to the economy will be auto manufacturers hosting corporate entertainment events on site, he stated.
Special events may include vintage car races, super bike races and Ferrari challenges.
Professional motorsport driver and Area 27 co-founder Trevor Seibert leads the build with his company, Lake Excavating.
Drossos pointed out that some members have already purchased vacation properties in the South Okanagan.
He believes the motorsports venture will be good for local homebuilders and wineries in the region.
Area 27 is scheduled to have its track available to members by late spring of next year, with select events open to the public seasonally.
OIB Chief Clarence Louie could not be reached for comment, but he previously stated that Area 27 will create many jobs and attract a whole different class of business people to the region.
He said Area 27 will be a huge improvement over what the land was used for during the past 35 years.
“Hay fields and corn fields don’t bring in tourists,” said Louie.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
