SDC TRAINING CAMP

August 30th, 2025 @ Buttonwillow Raceway
First Timers - Beginners - Intermediate - Advanced

Welcome to SoCal Drivers Club's Training Camp! This exciting event is an opportunity for all individuals, regardless of their level of experience, to come and learn how to drive on the track in a safe and controlled environment. With the guidance of our highly experienced and professional race coaches, you will receive both on-track and classroom instruction, designed to help you improve your driving skills and reach new heights in your track driving journey. Safety is our top priority, and our coaches will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the track with confidence, while also ensuring you understand the importance of track safety protocols. Whether you are a complete beginner, a driver looking to finally Sub2 or an experienced driver looking to improve your skills, our Training Camp is the perfect place for you to hone your abilities and push your limits. So come join us for an event filled with learning, excitement, and, of course, driving! Are you ready to hit the track!?!?

Head Driving Coach: Michael Ryan Johnson

Michael Ryan Johnson (@MJDrive22). Michael brings to our drivers a wealth of experience having coached at a number of schools including Palmer Sport in England and the Porsche Experience Center in Los Angeles. Michael’s coaching style is driver focused and data driven, utilizing data acquisition systems to establish where your driving is strong and identify areas of opportunity. Michael’s driving background includes everything from kart racing where he was three times national champion, to international formula car competition. Michael continues to race sports cars actively and recently finished on the podium in the 14 hour race at Daytona and the 24 hour race at Virginia International Raceway.

Driver Groups

A ) Beginner (Green Group) - For First Time track drivers. This will be a coaching heavy day, with a gradual build up of speed throughout the day. Between each driving session will be class room sessions where the group will discuss different elements of safety, etiquette and the fundamentals of high performance driving. After this class, drivers should be ready to sign up for a regular track day and run safely and comfortable in the Beginner Group.

B ) Beginner (Yellow Group) - Drivers who have 1-5 track days. This will be a coaching heavy day, with a gradual build up of speed throughout the day. Between each driving session will be class room sessions where the group will discuss different elements of safety, etiquette and the fundamentals of high performance driving. After this class, drivers should be ready to sign up for a regular track day and run safely and comfortable in the Beginner Group to Intermediate Groups.

C ) Almost Sub2 (Blue Group) - For intermediate & Advanced drivers who are going for the goal of a Sub2 lap at Buttonwillow. This will be a coaching heavy day with class room sessions between each on track session. The coaching program for this group is to break down Buttonwillow corner by corner to shave those final seconds (tenths) to join the elusive Sub2 club!

D ) Advanced (Red Group) – For drivers who simply want to lap, without class room sessions or coaching. Limited to 20 drivers. Open passing group.

Curriculum

Group A&B: Beginner Groups (Green & Yellow)
A low speed, low stress introduction to track day driving with a focus on good driving technique, safety and learning the proper way to drive on the track while getting professional track coaching. We prepared this day to be how I wish my first track day went.

Session 1 – Low speed reconnaissance laps, Lead follow.

Classroom – Overview to track driving, safety, starting slow and building up speed

Session 2 – Braking exercises

Learning about our cars braking system, hard braking effort, feeling ABS

Session 3 –Driving Lines (lead follow session, including point by’s)

Driver vision & track awareness, point by’s, flags

Session 4 – Throttle technique, Using the throttle and weight transfer.

Session 5 – Car control, catching slides, what to do if things go wrong.

Group C: Almost Sub2 Group (Blue)
Now that you’ve got the fundamentals down, it’s time to level up. The Almost Sub2 group is led by experienced drivers Amir and Kristian, and is designed for those chasing that elusive sub-2-minute lap at Buttonwillow CW13. This group takes a deep dive into a corner-by-corner breakdown of the track—covering entry, exit, and everything in between. With detailed analysis, data comparisons, and expert coaching, you’ll gain the insight needed to refine your technique and find those missing seconds. Whether you're at 2:07 or knocking on the door of sub-2, this group is your next step toward unlocking peak performance.

Session 1 – Sunrise and Offramp

Session 2 – Cotton Corners through Bus Stop

Session 3 –Riverside & Phil Hill

Session 4 – Sweeper and esses

Session 5 – Sunset

FAQs

  • At minimum a Snell/SA approved helmet. We have Grid Partners helmet and track gloves package available for purchase and can be brought to the track. Long pants, close toed shoes, t-shirt or L/S shirt.

  • Please refer to the tech form below & our Beginner Handbook. We highly recommend scheduling a pre track inspection from one of our partner shops.

  • We will group drivers based on experience. Each group will have assigned professional coaches to work with. There will be staggered sessions through-out the day with alternating classroom instruction and on track lapping. A detailed email will be sent out prior to the event.

  • General tools are helpful, such as a tire pressure gauge, torque wrench for wheels, lots of water & snacks. Please talk with the shops we have available to work with.

  • Dec 14th SATURDAY @ Buttonwillow Raceway Park

  • Check out the beginner handbook!

  • Find our Policy here: https://www.socaldriversclub.com/terms

Tech Form

Beginner Handbook