Area 27
Location
Oliver, British Columbia, Canada
Current Local Time
Track Info
Area 27 Motorsports Park - Oliver, British Columbia, Canada
Private motorsport club in the South Okanagan - designed by Jacques Villeneuve around natural hills, long straights and challenging corner sequences
When was the track built?
The idea was developed by former racer Bill Drossos, who wanted to create a motorsport equivalent of a private golf or yacht club. He joined forces with Jacques Villeneuve, Trevor Seibert and David King to establish the project in 2013.
Construction began on 2 February 2016. The course was completed in only seven months, with Villeneuve shaping its corners around the existing hills instead of flattening the land.
The number 27 honours Gilles Villeneuve, who famously raced with it for Ferrari. The name also suits the circuit's secluded location, hidden behind large earth banks in the South Okanagan countryside.
When was its first race?
The first cars completed laps on 30 August 2016, and the circuit officially opened two weeks later. Public records do not identify one inaugural race or winner because Area 27 began primarily as a private members' driving club rather than a conventional public racing venue.
Member competition soon developed into organised championships for sports cars, GT machinery and purpose-built racing cars.
What's the circuit like?
- Long and varied: The lap combines slow technical sections with straights long enough for powerful cars to build substantial speed.
- Constant elevation: Crests and descents affect visibility, braking and the amount of grip available to the driver.
- Turn 7 Carousel: The circuit's signature corner uses 11 degrees of banking to support higher cornering speeds.
- Connected corners: The correct line through one bend is often chosen to prepare for the next, rather than simply to maximise immediate speed.
The circuit is 12.2 m wide and its longest straight measures approximately 800 m. It rewards smooth driving, good planning and confidence through corners where the exit may not be immediately visible.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Sports prototype benchmark: 1:54.377 - Richard Basford, Stohr WF1, 2023.
- Radical SR3 XX benchmark: 2:01.300 - published full-course onboard lap.
- Modern road-car benchmark: Approximately 2:04 - Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
These are published driver and track-session benchmarks rather than a single official circuit record list. Vehicle specification, tyres, timing method and session type can make a major difference.
What events are held here?
Area 27 operates several members' racing championships. The GT27 series is intended as an accessible introduction to competition, while GT54 features faster machinery such as Porsche Cup, Ferrari Challenge and Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars.
The calendar also includes Radical SR3 racing and appearances by the RS1 series. ORRA 27 sanctions the competition and manages licences, officials and sporting regulations.
Can the public drive here?
Although the main circuit is membership-based, Academy 27 is open to the public. Its programmes range from beginner experiences to advanced coaching in performance cars, open-wheel machinery and participants' own vehicles.
The public can also use Kartplex, a separate 1.21 km circuit with 20 corners and arrive-and-drive racing karts. An off-road academy operates on the Birds of Prey course elsewhere within the complex.
Why go?
Area 27 combines a challenging circuit with views across British Columbia's South Okanagan wine region. It is only a few minutes from Oliver and approximately 30 minutes from Penticton.
The main clubhouse includes a dining room, classroom, drivers' shop, member changing facilities and a large terrace overlooking the track. Public visitors normally need an academy, karting or private-event booking rather than a general spectator ticket.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Clubhouse terrace: Provides broad views across the circuit and is the main comfortable viewing area for members and invited guests.
- Turn 7 Carousel: Watch vehicles use the banking while balancing speed and tyre grip through the long corner.
- Turn 1 braking area: Competitors arrive after crossing the start and finish line and must prepare for the following sequence.
- Final sector: The connected Turns 13-16 show how drivers sacrifice speed in one corner to improve their exit from the next.
Area 27 is a private club rather than a regularly open spectator venue. Access must normally be arranged through membership, an invited event, Academy 27, Kartplex or a private booking, and every guest must complete the required waiver.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Area 27 (Oliver, British Columbia)
Area 27 is in British Columbia's South Okanagan wine country, just east of Oliver. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive. The main circuit is a private motorsports club, so check that your event or booking gives you access before travelling.
Before you travel
Area 27 is not a normal public spectator circuit. The main facility operates as a private motorsports club, so only travel to the circuit if you are a member, accompanying a member, attending an authorised event or have another confirmed booking.
If you simply want a motorsport experience, Kartplex at Area 27 offers public arrive-and-drive karting.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Penticton or Kelowna: follow Highway 97 south towards Oliver.
- From Osoyoos: take Highway 97 north towards Oliver.
- From downtown Oliver: head east on Fairview Road, continue via McKinney Road, then turn onto Black Sage Road and follow signs towards Nk'Mip Road / Area 27 Drive.
- Parking: follow the instructions supplied by Area 27 or your event organiser, as access and parking areas depend on the activity taking place.
Tip: Do not enter the main facility simply to look around. Area 27 is private and access should be confirmed before arrival.
Bus & public transport
- Penticton → Oliver: BC Transit Route 40 connects Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos.
- In Oliver: Route 40 stops in town rather than at Area 27 itself.
- Oliver → circuit: arrange a taxi, private pickup or other road transport for the final journey.
For an early track session or a weekend event, driving is considerably easier than relying entirely on regional buses.
Airports & transfers
- Penticton Airport (YYF): the closest commercial airport. Current scheduled services connect Penticton with Vancouver and Calgary.
- Rental car: the simplest way to continue from Penticton to Area 27.
- Kelowna International Airport (YLW): a useful alternative if it offers better flight choices. Rental cars, taxis, rideshare and scheduled coaches are available at the airport.
- From Kelowna: follow Highway 97 south through the Okanagan towards Penticton and Oliver.
Where to stay
- Oliver: the closest and easiest base for reaching Area 27 each morning.
- Osoyoos: a good option south of the circuit with a wider resort and restaurant selection.
- Penticton: useful if you are flying into YYF or want a larger choice of hotels and services.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: car travel is generally the simplest option because regional buses do not reach the circuit entrance.
- Before travelling: contact Area 27 or your event organiser to confirm the best entrance, parking area and facilities for your needs.
- Flying via Kelowna: YLW offers accessible taxis and rental-car options, including vehicles with hand controls when arranged in advance.
Quick guide
- Driving? Follow Highway 97 to Oliver, then navigate to 127 Area 27 Drive.
- Flying? Penticton is closest; Kelowna offers another useful option with more ground transport.
- Without a car? Take BC Transit Route 40 to Oliver and arrange the final ride separately.
Most importantly, confirm your access before travelling. The main Area 27 circuit is private, while Kartplex is the public-access part of the facility.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Area 27 (Oliver, British Columbia)
Whether you’re here for a driving experience, member track day or karting, Area 27 sits in the sunny South Okanagan - surrounded by vineyards, lakes, desert landscapes and some of British Columbia’s best food and wine country.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Kartplex at Area 27: The public karting centre offers arrive-and-drive racing on a purpose-built circuit, making it the easiest way for non-members to get some track time of their own.
- Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre: Learn about Syilx/Okanagan culture and the local landscape through interactive exhibits, trails, immersive displays and seasonal programs.
- Osoyoos Desert Centre: Follow the interpretive boardwalk through rare desert habitat and learn why this dry corner of British Columbia supports such unusual plants and wildlife.
- sẁiẁs Park: This narrow peninsula on Osoyoos Lake combines beaches, swimming, paddling, wildlife and an important cultural landscape managed by the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Oliver & District Museum: A small local museum explaining the people, agriculture and communities that shaped Oliver and the surrounding valley.
- Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre: Indoor exhibits and cultural interpretation make this one of the strongest options when outdoor plans are less appealing.
- District Wine Village: Visit several wineries, a brewery, distillery, restaurant and shops in one compact location rather than driving between separate vineyards.
Eat & drink like a local
- Oliver: Known as Canada's Wine Capital, the surrounding countryside is packed with vineyards, tasting rooms, farm produce and winery restaurants.
- Golden Mile Bench: Follow this famous wine-growing area west of town for vineyard views, tastings and restaurants overlooking the valley.
- District Wine Village: A particularly easy choice for groups because several drinks producers and food options are gathered in one place.
Wine tastings are for adults, but many estates also offer food, views and non-alcoholic options that make them worthwhile stops for mixed groups.
Active outdoors away from the track
- International Hike & Bike Trail: Follow the Okanagan River between Oliver and Osoyoos on an 18.4 km route, with almost 10 km paved and several access points for shorter rides or walks.
- Golden Mile Trail: Hike through the semi-arid hills above the vineyards for wide views across the South Okanagan.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Osoyoos: Spend the day swimming in Osoyoos Lake, visiting the desert attractions and stopping at Anarchist Mountain Lookout for a panoramic view over the valley.
- Penticton: Around 30 minutes from Area 27, with beaches on two lakes, restaurants and easy access to the family-friendly Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
- Baldy Mountain Resort: Head into the mountains east of Oliver for skiing and snowshoeing in winter or a cooler escape from the valley during suitable seasons.
Good to know when visiting Area 27
- The main track is a private club: Normal circuit access is for members and their approved guests. Public visitors should look at Academy 27 experiences or Kartplex instead of assuming they can simply arrive for a track day.
- The season is weather dependent: Area 27 normally aims to operate from April through the end of October.
- Prepare for hot weather: The South Okanagan can be very warm and dry in summer, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat for long outdoor days.
- A car is useful: Wineries, lakes and attractions are spread throughout the valley, so driving makes it much easier to explore beyond Oliver.
Circuit access, Academy experiences, karting, winery hours and seasonal outdoor activities can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.