Crews laid down the first of three layers of asphalt in a one-day blitz this week at the new Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit in North Cowichan.
The job started at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday and finished shortly after 6 p.m. the same day, said Peter Trzewik, spokesman for GAIN Vancouver Island’s Premier Auto Group. “The machines never stopped.”
A total of 3,500 tonnes of asphalt was put down on the 2.3-kilometre track designed for high-performance automobiles at 4063 Cowichan Valley Highway. It will eventually grow to 4.21 kilometres of track.
Duncan Paving and other crews from related OK Industries operations were on the job. SupErb Construction is the general contractor and Triple T Excavating is being used as well.
Germany’s Tilke Engineers and Architects designed the track. In its first stage, the track includes 19 corners, five configurations and inclines of up to 12 per cent.
Further paving is planned next year when the weather improves, Trzewik said.
During the winter, workers will install safety cameras, digital flag systems, landscaping and drainage.
Construction continues on the 15,000-square-foot clubhouse, expected to get a roof on in coming days, Trzewik said.
The clubhouse will include a lounge, commercial kitchen, rooms for special events and a presentation showroom. A separate modular building will initially hold 40 to 50 cars and may grow to house up to 150, Trzewik said.
The $20-million-plus motorsport facility is scheduled to open in the spring and run year-round. Engel and Volkers real estate, which has a Victoria office and is headquartered in Germany, will be selling memberships before year’s end. Trzewik said. Prices will be announced in December.
A group affiliated with GAIN bought the Aerie Resort on the Malahat to complement the track. The resort closed in 2009 and was purchased by Victoria businessman Allen Vandekerkhove. The Aerie is expected to open in the spring as well.
