What's it like to sit in a race car hitting speeds of 240 km/h?
The what's sure to be exhilarating thrill is typically only reserved for professional racers, somewhere on a well-designed track in front of thousands of enthused spectators.
But with the help of two seasoned racers 鈥� combined with a generous donation from a long-running 琉璃神社 fruit packing business 鈥� the once-in-a-lifetime experience was delivered to 10 Penticton teenagers at Oliver's Area 27 on Thursday (Aug. 28).
Youth aged 13 to 16 from the YMCA of Southern Interior BC were treated to a day at the races, sitting in the passenger's seat of souped-up Chevrolet Camaros and speeding through a renowned track crafted by Canadian F1 legend Jacques Villeneuve.
"The kids are getting an opportunity to do something that very few have the opportunity to do," said Lee Howarth, a semi-professional race car driver who took control of a wheel and raced around Area 27 with some of the kids. "Getting into a race car, it's something that I think if you asked most people if that's a bucket list item, most would say it is."
Howarth, a regular competitor at Penticton Speedway, was joined by professional racer Trevor Seibert in taking the kids around the track.
"To give the group we have here a chance to go for a ride and experience something like this is unforgettable for them," said Seibert, who helped design the Area 27 track with Villeneuve ahead of its opening in 2016. "I think it's great."
Youth identified as at-risk participated in the event, with most seeking support to find employment, stay connected to their education, or with support needs.
Shelley Hunt, community programs manager at YMCA of Southern Interior BC, said Thursday's day at the races marked a first for youth at the local non-profit branch.
"I don't think anything like this has happened before (at our YMCA), so I'm hoping it's the start of an annual event," Hunt said. "What's also unique about this is that the drivers really gave the youth kudos for participating in programming, knowing it's going to elevate their lives, because it's a brave thing to do."
Kids were treated to a buffet lunch inside the Area 27 restaurant after they got off the track. Howarth and Seibert reached speeds of around 240 km/h, completing a 4.5-kilometre lap in just over two minutes.
"Most adults don't have opportunities to meet pro racers, understand what it means to have a race car, and experience a drive around the track," said Tammie Watson, VP of marketing and philanthropy at YMCA of Southern Interior BC. "The kids were wondering whether or not this was going to be a little too much, but then every single one of them stepped out of the car with huge smiles and extremely happy."
The day was made possible through a donation from the Sandher family of 琉璃神社, which owns the more than 40-year-old Sandher Fruit Packers on Old Vernon Road.
Prad Sandher, president of the business, joined the kids and drivers on Thursday at Area 27. He said the family's donation was part of a larger initiative to pay it forward.
"Our family immigrated from India to Canada, and this country welcomed us with open arms, so we felt it was the right time to give back," said Sandher, who also got an opportunity to experience a lap around the track, describing his time in the car as "exhilarating" and "wicked."
"I asked some of the kids how their summer was, and they said today was the best experience they had. That hits home right there...especially going into the school year, it puts them in a very positive mental space to go and crush it."
The , headquartered in 琉璃神社, offers several programs and services to youth. Its operation includes three health and community centres, 12 licensed child care locations, and two community program hubs across the region.
"In all our programs, skill building is part of all of it," Hunt said. "Whether it's around employment, friendships, or cooking, everything is about being able to learn what you need to have a successful, happy life."
