2025 Driver's Education Schedule
For 2024, we will be holding three Driver Education (DE) events. These are non-competitive, non-timed driving sessions to practice high-speed handling. All drivers are placed in appropriate skill-level groups. Beginning drivers are paired with instructors. Drivers typically run three to five 20-minute sessions.
2025 DE Schedule
May 30 – Buttonwillow Raceway (New Track)
June 30 – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca (92 decibel limit)
November 1 – Buttonwillow Raceway (Original Track)
Buttonwillow Raceway Park
Buttonwillow Raceway Park stands as a premier destination for road racing and testing in the United States. Its versatility draws a diverse crowd, including club racers, track day enthusiasts, motorcycle riders, professional race teams, car manufacturers, tire companies, media outlets, commercial producers, and go-karters. Conveniently located just ½ mile west of Interstate 5 on Lerdo Highway, and 28 miles northwest of Bakersfield, CA, the track offers easy access to the Central California Coast, and is only about an hour and thirty minutes away from Paso Robles.
With over 40 different configurations available, the track caters to various preferences and can be run in clockwise or counterclockwise directions. The East and West loops can operate simultaneously, accommodating two separate events concurrently. Combining the East and West loops creates a 3.1-mile main track. Additionally, in 2024, a second track will be added adjacent to the original track.
Buttonwillow Raceway Park boasts comprehensive facilities that distinguish it from other road race tracks. These include a full-service Tire Center, self-service Fuel Center, a two-story race control tower with an observation deck, a restaurant offering catering services, RV hookups, day garages, and a gift shop. For further details, visitors are encouraged to explore the website or reach out via phone at (661) 764-5333 or email at info@buttonwillowraceway.com with any inquiries.
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
Laguna Seca Raceway, now known as WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and previously Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca due to sponsorship, is a renowned paved road racing track nestled in central California. Constructed in 1957 near Salinas and Monterey, California, United States, it serves as a venue for both auto racing and motorcycle racing.
Spanning 2.238 miles (3.602 km) in length, the track features a notable 180 ft (55 m) elevation change and showcases eleven turns, including its iconic feature, the downhill-plunging “Corkscrew” at Turns 8 and 8A. The raceway hosts a diverse array of events, ranging from superkarts to sports car racing to music festivals, making it a hub of racing, exhibition, and entertainment. Classified as an FIA Grade Two circuit, Laguna Seca’s infamous Corkscrew turn is revered as one of the most challenging in motorsport due to its 59 ft (18 m) drop in elevation, blind crest, and apex on the uphill approach.
Turn 2, characterized by its intricate double-apex, has been renamed the ‘Andretti Hairpin’ in tribute to former Formula 1 World Champion Mario Andretti. Similarly, Turn 9 is now known as the ‘Rainey Curve’ in honor of 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing World Champion Wayne Rainey, a Salinas resident. The straight between Turn 6 and Turn 7 has been dubbed the ‘Rahal Straight’ after four-time consecutive Champ Car race winner Bobby Rahal.
Laguna Seca Raceway offers numerous permanent dry and hook-up camping facilities as part of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which operates year-round and is nestled within the county park where the racetrack resides.
Other Opportunities
If you crave more than three events a year or just want to try some other tracks like Willow Springs Raceway, Thunder Hill Raceway Park, or Sonoma Raceway, you’re in luck. As a PCA member, you can join any other chapter’s DE events (pending availability). All you have to do is check out the other region’s website or go to the HAGERTY MotorsportReg website where you’ll find the world’s largest motorsport event calendar.