Area 27 sits just east of Oliver, BC, in the South Okanagan - a 4.83-kilometre circuit with 16 turns and over 350 feet of elevation change per lap. It was designed by 1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, who laid the course across the natural hillside terrain rather than against it. The result is a track that rewards commitment and punishes hesitation in equal measure. On a clear Okanagan morning with vineyards stretching out below the pit lane, it's also one of the more scenic places you'll find yourself trying to shave time off a corner entry. Forgelite Wheels was invited by August Motorcars to participate at the track experience day hostsed by August. August Motorcars brought their usual mix of clients and enthusiasts — all makes, all experience levels, separated into run groups so nobody was out of their depth. Lunch was in the clubhouse. The vibe was relaxed until the helmet went on.
Based out of Delta, BC, Forgelite builds custom forged wheels with a focus on unsprung weight reduction and fitment precision. Their lineup includes both monoblock and modular designs, with options in forged aluminum and AZ80 magnesium alloy — the latter coming in up to 50% lighter than a comparable OEM aluminum wheel. Every wheel is built to order: custom bolt pattern, center bore, offset, and brake clearance. Nothing off a shelf.
On a technical circuit like Area 27, that weight difference is not theoretical. Reducing rotational mass at the wheel changes how a car responds to steering inputs, how quickly it settles after a direction change, and how the brakes feel under repeated heavy use. Lap after lap, through the elevation changes and the tighter technical sections, the cars running Forgelite wheels had a consistency to their handling that heavier setups struggled to match as tire temperatures built.
Area 27 will separate your setup from its weak points. If you've been considering lighter wheels, a track day like this one is the right place to find out why it matters.
