Control
Drivers learn how weight transfer, braking, steering, and throttle inputs affect the car. The goal is to replace guesswork with repeatable technique.
Performance Driving School | Area 27 Motorsports Park
Academy 27
Academy 27 is a welcoming performance driving academy for anyone who wants to become smoother, more confident and more capable behind the wheel.
With professional instruction, classroom learning and guided track sessions, drivers build real skills at their own pace in a controlled and supportive environment.
What Academy 27 Is
A performance driving academy built around real progression
Academy 27 is where drivers learn the craft behind speed: vision, braking discipline, corner entry, weight transfer, throttle timing, smooth steering, track awareness, and the judgement to put those skills together cleanly.
The programs are open to the public and designed for different levels of experience, from a first guided taste of the circuit to advanced coaching for drivers who already understand track fundamentals. The curriculum is led by Chief Instructor Maxx Ebenal and a team of professional coaches, with classroom theory, lead-follow instruction, feedback, and on-track practice built into the learning path.
The setting matters. Academy 27 takes place on the Area 27 circuit, a 16-turn course designed by 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. The circuit rewards patience, precision, and discipline, which makes it a serious place to learn performance driving rather than just a place to drive fast.
Circuit16 turns
LocationOliver, BC
VehiclesOwn vehicle or GM fleet
LearningProgressive coaching
Important licensing note
Academy 27 teaches performance driving skills. It does not issue a driver's licence, does not automatically grant an ORRA 27 Lapping Licence, and does not automatically allow independent circuit driving. Certain Academy programs may qualify graduates to apply for an ORRA 27 Lapping Licence, subject to Area 27 requirements. Membership approval remains separate.
Why Learn Performance Driving
Performance driving is not just about speed
The quickest drivers are usually the most controlled drivers. Academy 27 focuses on the habits that make a driver smoother, more aware, and more precise.
Vision
Track driving demands that you look farther ahead and process more information sooner. That discipline changes how a driver approaches every corner.
Confidence
Confidence comes from understanding what the vehicle is doing and why. Coaching helps drivers build pace without skipping the fundamentals.
Why Area 27
A circuit that teaches because it demands precision
Area 27 is not a generic road course. Its 16 corners, elevation changes, braking zones, and rhythm changes create a learning environment where sloppy inputs show up quickly and good technique is rewarded.
Corner Variety
Hairpins, sweepers, blind entries, and technical transitions help drivers experience different forms of cornering in one session.
Elevation
Changes in grade affect braking, sight lines, grip, and confidence, which gives instructors real moments to teach anticipation.
Purpose-Built Facility
The clubhouse, paddock, classrooms, and track environment support a focused school experience rather than a loose track day.
South Okanagan Setting
The Oliver, BC location gives the program a destination feel without taking attention away from the work behind the wheel.
General Motors Partnership
Learning in vehicles that communicate clearly
Through Area 27's expanded collaboration with General Motors, Academy 27 students can access an optional performance fleet that includes the Corvette Stingray, Corvette E-Ray, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, and Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. These vehicles are available as a paid option where offered, giving drivers another way to experience the program without bringing their own car.
Many Academy 27 participants use their own approved vehicles, and that remains an important part of the program. The goal is vehicle choice: learn in a familiar personal car where the program allows it, or choose a GM performance vehicle when that option best fits the experience.
Program Pathway
Choose the Academy 27 program that matches your goals
Use this guide to understand the options. Each program below has a different pace, commitment, vehicle format, and learning outcome.
Basics Experience
For first-time track drivers, private groups, client entertainment, and visitors who want a guided introduction without committing to a full academy. The Basics Experience includes classroom fundamentals, lead-follow driving, and time on short and full circuit layouts in the Academy 27 fleet.
This experience program is not a sanctioned driving school and cannot be used as a credential for open lapping at Area 27 or other circuits.
Motorsports Mixer
A full-day experience that pairs Area 27 circuit driving with Birds of Prey Off-Road Park. Participants rotate between Chevrolet ZR2 trucks on technical terrain and GM performance vehicles on the track, with coaching across both disciplines.
It is ideal for individuals, private groups, and corporate experiences that want more variety than a single-format track program.
1-Day Area 27 Introduction
An immersive introduction to high-performance driving on the Area 27 circuit. The day includes classroom instruction, slalom work, a track walk, short-circuit lead-follow, and full-circuit lapping with instructor feedback.
This program is designed for drivers who want a complete first step into track driving, but it is not an accreditation for independent open lapping.
2.5-Day Essentials Academy
The core Academy 27 program for drivers who want a proper foundation. Essentials combines theory, braking, cornering, weight transfer, racing line work, lead-follow sessions, full-circuit lapping, and one-on-one instructor feedback.
Certain Essentials graduates may qualify to apply for an ORRA 27 Lapping Licence, subject to Area 27 requirements. Completion is not an automatic licence or independent driving approval.
2.5-Day Essentials Academy: Personal Vehicle
For drivers who want to build performance driving skill in the car they actually own. The format follows the Essentials learning path with classroom fundamentals, lead-follow coaching, full-circuit lapping, and personal feedback.
Vehicle eligibility and track safety standards apply. Where applicable, graduates may be eligible to apply through the ORRA 27 licensing pathway, subject to Area 27 requirements.
1-Day Masters Academy
For Essentials graduates or drivers with comparable experience. Masters adds advanced classroom work, controlled and open full-circuit lapping, PDR data review, and more independent application of technique.
Completion of the Essentials Program or approved comparable experience is required. Personal vehicle exceptions may apply for vehicles equipped with a factory PDR system.
1-Day Advanced Lapping
Designed for Academy graduates or drivers with comparable experience using their own vehicles. The course focuses on trail braking, correcting driving lines, weight transfer, setup awareness, full-course open lapping, and group and individual evaluations.
Personal vehicles are required and must meet track safety standards. Prior 2.5-Day certification or approved comparable experience is required.
Private Coaching
For drivers ready to move beyond a set curriculum and work on specific goals. Private coaching may focus on a section of the circuit, consistency, lap-time development, data review, confidence, or technique refinement.
Sessions are arranged around driver goals, instructor availability, vehicle eligibility, and Area 27 requirements.
Academy 27 Gallery
Performance driving in motion
Explore Academy 27 classroom instruction, Cadillac V-Series performance vehicles and coached track sessions on the Area 27 circuit.
Which Program Is Right For You?
Start where your experience honestly fits
I have never driven on a racetrack.
Start HereStart with Basics Experience or the 1-Day Area 27 Introduction.
I want a complete first step into track driving.
View ProgramChoose the 1-Day Introduction for a full day of classroom, exercises, track walk, and guided lapping.
I want structured skill development.
View EssentialsThe 2.5-Day Essentials Academy gives you the clearest learning path for fundamentals and progression.
I want to learn in my own vehicle.
View PathwayChoose the Personal Vehicle Essentials pathway if your car meets eligibility and safety requirements.
I already have experience.
Go AdvancedMasters, Advanced Lapping, and Private Coaching are better fits for drivers with approved prior training or comparable experience.
What You Will Learn
The fundamentals behind confident track driving
Academy 27 is built on fundamentals first. Faster decisions and smoother laps come after the basics are understood.
- Vision and reference points
- Braking technique
- Corner entry and exit
- Racing line fundamentals
- Weight transfer
- Throttle control
- Vehicle balance
- Track awareness
- Driving etiquette
- Car control
- Lead-follow technique
- Open lapping preparation
Academy 27 Guides
Learn before you drive
These short guides explain the terms, procedures, and techniques new drivers often ask about before booking a performance-driving program.
Start Here
A Beginner's Guide to Performance Driving
Read Guide
Preparation
Your First Track Day: What to Expect
Read Guide
Education
What Is HPDE?
Read Guide
Technique
The Racing Line Explained
Read Guide
Technique
Performance Braking Explained
Read Guide
Car Control
Weight Transfer and Vehicle Balance
Read Guide
Track Safety
Race Track Flags Explained
Read Guide
Track Conduct
Track-Day Etiquette
Read Guide
Vehicle Choice
Own Car or School Car?
Read Guide
Progression
From Driving School to Open Lapping
Read Guide
The Learning Philosophy
Build the driver before building the speed
The learning sequence matters. Drivers begin with position, vision, vehicle dynamics, track terminology, safety expectations, braking, corner phases, and the racing line. Only then does the work move into rhythm, throttle timing, faster transitions, and more independent driving.
Lead-follow coaching gives students a live reference. Instructor feedback gives the technique a reason. Repetition gives it a place to settle. The objective is not one heroic lap. It is a driver who understands what they are doing well enough to keep improving.
What Makes Academy 27 Different
A serious school, not a loose track day
The difference is structure. Academy 27 combines professional instructors, small-group learning, classroom theory, approved personal-vehicle pathways, optional GM fleet access, Area 27's facility, and a circuit designed to expose both strengths and bad habits.
Professional Coaching
Instruction is led by Chief Instructor Maxx Ebenal and a team of professional coaches. Students receive guidance before, during, and after on-track sessions.
Progressive Curriculum
The program path moves from introduction to fundamentals, advanced driving, lapping refinement, and private coaching where appropriate.
Premium Environment
Classroom space, paddock flow, hospitality, and a technically demanding circuit help keep the focus on learning rather than improvising.
After The Academy
The Academy is the start of the journey
Graduates continue in different directions. Some move into higher Academy levels. Some use private coaching to refine a specific skill. Some may apply through the ORRA 27 lapping approval pathway where the program and Area 27 requirements allow it. Some eventually pursue membership, which remains a separate approval process.
Academy 27 should be understood as driver development. It teaches the habits and judgement needed for track driving progression; it does not automatically create independent circuit access.
FAQ
Academy 27 questions
What is Academy 27?
Academy 27 is Area 27's performance-driving school and experience program. It combines classroom learning, professional coaching, and controlled on-track sessions on the Area 27 circuit, with options for first-time participants, developing drivers, advanced graduates, private coaching, and corporate groups.
Do I need to be an Area 27 member to attend Academy 27?
No. Academy 27 programs are available to qualifying members and non-members. Each program has its own age, licence, experience, vehicle, deposit, and prerequisite requirements.
Is Academy 27 suitable for beginners?
Yes. The 1-Day Area 27 Introduction and the 2.5-Day Essentials Academy are designed to build foundational skills such as vision, smooth steering, braking, vehicle balance, corner entry and exit, track etiquette, flags, and safety. Instructors adjust feedback to the participant's experience and progress.
Which Academy 27 program should I choose?
Choose the 1-Day Introduction for a premium first experience without an open-lapping credential. Choose the 2.5-Day Essentials Academy for deeper instruction and eligibility to apply for an ORRA 27 lapping license. Masters, Advanced Lapping, and private coaching are intended for graduates or drivers with comparable approved experience.
What is included in the 1-Day Area 27 Introduction?
The one-day program currently includes controlled full-circuit lapping, instructor feedback, lunch and refreshments, and instruction in core high-performance driving techniques. Participants can select an eligible personal vehicle or an available Academy 27 fleet vehicle, subject to the selected booking option.
Does the 1-Day Introduction qualify me for open lapping?
No. The 1-Day Area 27 Introduction is an experience and skills program, not a sanctioned credential for open lapping at Area 27 or another circuit. Drivers seeking a lapping pathway should review the 2.5-Day Essentials Academy and current ORRA 27 requirements.
What is the 2.5-Day Essentials Academy?
The 2.5-Day Essentials Academy combines classroom theory, short-course exercises, full-circuit lapping, flag and safety education, and personalized coaching. Graduates receive a completion certificate and may apply for an ORRA 27 lapping license, subject to the applicable approval process.
Does completing the 2.5-Day Academy automatically grant a license?
No. Completion creates eligibility to apply; it is not an automatic license without the required application and approval. The personal-vehicle flagship program also describes eligibility to apply for an ORRA 27 Novice race license, subject to current ORRA 27 rules.
What advanced Academy 27 programs are available?
The current program line-up includes a Masters Academy with open lapping and Performance Data Recorder analysis, a 1-Day Advanced Lapping program for qualified drivers using approved personal vehicles, and customized half-day or full-day private coaching. Prerequisites apply.
Can I bring my own car?
Yes, for programs that offer a personal-vehicle option. Your car must meet Area 27 safety and preparation standards, and you remain responsible for its mechanical condition and insurance. Some programs require an Academy fleet vehicle, while Advanced Lapping specifically requires an eligible personal vehicle.
Which Academy 27 fleet vehicles are available?
Current fleet options shown by Academy 27 include Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Corvette E-Ray, and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing models, with additional vehicles used for selected programs. Fleet assignment depends on the course, availability, driver eligibility, rental terms, and vehicle choice at booking.
What age and license requirements apply?
Participants must present a valid driver's license. The current Academy information and the Academy 27 and ZR2 Terms and Conditions set a minimum age of 21 for renting Corvette, Cadillac, or ZR2 fleet vehicles, with limited exceptions requiring advance approval. Personal-vehicle eligibility may differ, so contact Academy 27 regarding any participant under 21.
Do I need to know how to drive a manual transmission?
Only when the selected vehicle has a manual transmission. Drivers choosing or bringing a manual vehicle must already be proficient in its operation. Confirm the transmission of the assigned fleet vehicle during booking.
Is a helmet provided?
Yes. Academy 27 provides the helmets and required safety gear for its on-track programs. Participants are responsible for using the equipment as directed and for damage to borrowed equipment. Personal clothing and footwear requirements will be included in the pre-event information.
Are meals and refreshments included?
Many Academy 27 programs include lunch, refreshments, breakfast, dinner, or a combination, as stated on the individual course page. Tell the team about dietary restrictions in advance. Additional charges may apply for meals requested for non-driving guests.
Can I bring a non-driving guest?
Yes, with advance approval. Guests must be pre-arranged, complete the liability waiver, stay in designated viewing areas, and avoid interfering with classroom or on-track instruction. Submit guest names and dietary information in advance if they will join a meal.
What happens if it rains?
Academy 27 programs generally proceed in rain. Instructors may adjust, pause, or reschedule activities when extreme weather or track conditions create a safety concern. Program changes and force-majeure decisions are governed by the current terms and conditions.
Is a damage deposit required, and is insurance available?
A credit-card pre-authorization is required for applicable personal and fleet vehicles, with the amount based on the vehicle and program. Damage-free deposits are normally released within three business days. Optional daily TrackGuard coverage through Acera may be available for eligible personal and Area 27 fleet vehicles.
What is the Academy 27 cancellation policy?
Full payment is required to reserve a place. Current terms state that refunds are generally not offered except for qualifying extenuating circumstances or force majeure. When a participant must cancel, funds may be held and applied to a new program date. Courses may also be rescheduled if minimum participation is not met.
Are international driver's licenses accepted?
International licenses are accepted when they are legally valid for use in Canada and the participant satisfies all other program and rental requirements. Visitors should verify their license, travel, insurance, and payment arrangements before travelling.
Can Academy 27 create a private or corporate program?
Yes. Academy 27 can support private instruction, client entertainment, team experiences, and customized corporate programs. Options may include the main circuit, Academy fleet, Kartplex, Rally Kart, ZR2 off-road activities, hospitality, meals, and professional instructors, subject to a tailored proposal.
Program Inquiries
Contact Academy 27
Shelby Sturko
Academy 27 Coordinator
Academy 27