SDC BEGINNER DAY
February 7th, 2026 @ Street of Willow
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!?!?
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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 ) First Timers (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 ) Intermediate (Blue Group) - For drivers who simply want to lap, without class room sessions or coaching. Limited to 25 drivers. Point by passing group.
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.
FAQs
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At minimum a Snell/SA approved helmet. Racing gloves, Balaclava and racing shoes are recommended. We can assist with ordering from our partner shop Sparco. Long pants, close toed shoes, t-shirt or L/S shirt.
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Please refer to the tech form below & our Beginner Handbook. We highly recommend scheduling a pre track inspection from one of our partner shops.
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Our day will start at 8am and end at 5pm. We recommend drivers to show up to the track by 7am. 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 with your full schedule and rules of the event.
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General tools are helpful, such as a tire pressure gauge, torque wrench for wheels, lots of water & snacks. Layered clothing is also recommended. Please talk with the shops we have available to work with.
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Feb 7th, 2026 @ Streets of Willow
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Check out the beginner handbook!
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Find our Policy here: https://www.socaldriversclub.com/terms
