Two dead in racetrack collision at Area 27 in Oliver: RCMP

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A driver and passenger in a sports car were killed Wednesday in a high-speed crash on a private racetrack in the Oliver area.

Oliver RCMP say officers were informed of the collision at about 5:30 p.m. at a local track called Area 27.

The driver of the sports car participating in a private event, failed to make a turn in the course, and hit a concrete barrier at high speed,  RCMP Cpl. James Grandy said in a statement Thursday.

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“Tragically, both the driver and passenger succumbed to injuries they sustained,” said Grandy.

“Criminality is not believed to be factor, and the matter is now being investigated by the B.C. Coroners Service.”

Area 27 in Oliver is a private motorsports club catering to luxury sports car enthusiasts and kart racing drivers and has a 4.83-kilometre circuit track with 16 corners.

The track was designed by Canadian and former Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve.

The South Okanagan Motorsports Association provided a statement Thursday saying it’s not yet clear how the crash occurred.

“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,” it said.

“The entire team at Area 27 is sending its deepest sympathies to their families, friends and the motorsports community.”

Police and the racetrack said no further information is available.

jruttle@postmedia.com

With a file from Canadian Press

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