“The centre, developed by the Island-based GAIN Dealer Group (German Auto Import Group) promises members up to 350 driving days a year, thanks to the area’s temperate climate.”

It’s what B.C. performance car enthusiasts have dreamed about for years – a first class, high-speed track.

And that dream will become a reality next spring with the opening of the Vancouver Island Motorsport Resort, just north of Duncan, in the picturesque Cowichan Valley, less than an hour from Victoria.

The centre, developed by the Island-based GAIN Dealer Group, promises up to 350 driving days a year, thanks to the area’s temperate climate.

“This is not aimed just at people with very expensive, new high performance cars,” explains GAIN chief executive officer Peter Trzewik, who expects to announce membership details within a month.

“We hope to see people with older model cars, who want to get out on a good track. We could sell out the membership immediately overseas but instead we are encouraging Canadians and people from over the border in Seattle and Portland. It’s important that this track is used daily.”

And for around half of each month, Trzewick expects to see new car product launches, driving school courses and community charity galas and events.

The circuit, designed by internationally renowned Tilke GmbH & Co, will provide the novice an opportunity to gain proficiency, while challenging the more accomplished drivers.

Phase One comprises 19 corners and elevation changes of more than 25 metres, with a length of 2.3 kilometres. Speeds of up to 200 km/h will be possible on the high-speed sectors of the circuit in the first phase. When Phase Two is completed likely a couple years later, a total of 4.21 kilometres of track will be available

Trzewik says driver safety is a priority so there are state-of-the-art run-off areas providing an opportunity to make a correction, with tire barriers and guard rails in reserve, enhancing the protection of both car and driver.

Members travelling to Vancouver Island will be able to choose the convenience of leaving their performance car at the VIMR in a secure and temperature-controlled storage facility. With this add-on option, cars stored at the resort will be maintained to track-ready condition by specialists, providing the member full use of their car when their schedule allows, with minimal personal effort for repair and maintenance.

Factory trained technicians representing Alfa Romeo, Audi S-Line, BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG, MINI JCW, and Porsche will be available to provide the expertise in keeping modern track cars in perfect running condition. Repairs and maintenance will be completed in the time between member visits to maximize their time driving.

Members who enjoy vintage sports and racing cars will be able to have their cars maintained and repaired by Rudi & Company, a world-renowned specialist in the restoration and repair of the world’s great cars. Assistance with the delivery of a member’s car to the resort may also be arranged with trusted transportation partners.

A 14,500 square foot clubhouse will offer a complete range of services to its members and house a restaurant featuring the very best of Vancouver Island ingredients.

Contact the writer at keith [dot] morgan [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

Factory trained technicians representing Alfa Romeo, Audi S-Line, BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG, MINI JCW, and Porsche will be available to provide the expertise in keeping modern track cars in perfect running condition. Repairs and maintenance will be completed in the time between member visits to maximize their time driving.
Factory trained technicians representing Alfa Romeo, Audi S-Line, BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG, MINI JCW, and Porsche will be available to provide the expertise in keeping modern track cars in perfect running condition. Repairs and maintenance will be completed in the time between member visits to maximize their time driving.
Factory trained technicians representing Alfa Romeo, Audi S-Line, BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG, MINI JCW, and Porsche will be available to provide the expertise in keeping modern track cars in perfect running condition. Repairs and maintenance will be completed in the time between member visits to maximize their time driving.

 

Quick Track Facts

Length: 2.3 kms (Phase One), 4.3 kms (Phase Two)

Track width: 10 m

Track layout: 19 turns, 7 left turns and 12 right turns

Top speed: 211 km/h (street legal sports cars)

Maximum incline: 12.5 percent

Maximum slope: 11.5 percent

Track layout combinations: 6

Track characteristics: Extremely lively topography, hanging and banked corners in all sections, run off areas designed with the newest technology and standards preventing damages to cars and bikes and offering the chance to correct and return safely on to the track.

More information and a detailed track drive description is available at: http://islandmotorsportresort.com/

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