By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
A high speed, single vehicle collision at the Area 27 racetrack has left two people dead.
Oliver RCMP responded to the accident at the race track located just outside of Oliver on Wednesday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m.
The driver of a sports car participating in a private event, failed to navigate a turn in the course, resulting in it striking a concrete barrier at a high-rate of speed, said Cpl. James Grandy, BC RCMP spokesperson.
“Tragically, both the driver and passenger succumbed to injuries they sustained,” Grandy said. “Criminality is not believed to be factor, and the matter is now being investigating by the BC Coroner Service.”
As the matter is now with the BC Coroners Service, no further information is being made available.
Area 27 is a private motorsports club that caters to luxury sports car enthusiasts with a 4.83 km world-class car racing circuit.
“It is with heavy hearts that Area 27 Motorsports Park management is reporting the passing of two track-day participants involved in a client entertainment event on June 5, 2024,” the race track said in a press release.
“The deceased were travelling in the same vehicle as driver and passenger. The experienced driver appeared to have lost control in the braking zone for Turn 1.
“It is unclear at this time as to what the root cause of the accident was. The entire team at Area 27 is sending its deepest sympathies to their families, friends, and the motorsports community.”
