Audi Club California HPDE @ Buttonwillow's Circuit
Buttonwillow RacewayAbout this event
HIGH-PERFORMANCE DRIVER EDUCATION
The Circuit @ Buttonwillow Raceway Park
Friday, February 27 - Sunday, March 1, 2026
At this high performance driving school you will:
- Enjoy a fun, supportive, no-pressure learning environment.
- Be welcomed by a diverse group of friendly people who love performance driving and really understand and enjoy their cars.
- Join in fun social gatherings with great catered meals.
- Improve your driving skills and learn your car's capabilities.
- Participate in diverse learning opportunities including classroom, group discussions and, of course, driving instruction.
- Bring the car you already have. All makes and models of coupes and sedans are welcome. Some convertibles and CUV/SUVs are okay, too!
Safety first - This event is all about education and fun! Run groups are established to allow students to be on track with other drivers of similar experience. This event is not a race, a racing school, or practice for racing. Passing is allowed only in designated sections of the course and under controlled conditions. All Drivers will be placed in run groups appropriate for their skill level and their car's capabilities.
Expert instruction - Beginners will spend Friday afternoon reviewing vehicle dynamics in the classroom and warming up with car control exercises on the skid pad. On Saturday and Sunday our valued Beginners will drive with us on the track with an Audi Club instructor in their car. Expert instruction is always available on request for our pre-solo experienced drivers.
REGISTRATION
Weekend Registration is $750. Registration includes on-track driving Saturday and Sunday, classroom instruction, lunch at the track each day, and our Saturday banquet.
First-Timer Registration includes the above plus Friday afternoon car control exercises on the skid pad and a free helmet rental. Saturday and Sunday you will drive laps on the race track with your in-car instructor and participate in classroom discussions.
Friday Experienced Driver Day Registration is $475 for Friday only or $425 if you bundle it with the full weekend. This additional open pit-lane day is only for solo-qualified intermediate and above drivers and our instructors. If you aren't sure if this is for you, ask our chief driving instructor at cdi@audiclubsocal.org.
Why Audi Club?
Audi Club California events are focused on making you a better driver safely. Here are just a few excerpts from recent Audi Club driving schools:
- "The Audi Club track events are consistently top notch. A class act through and through. This was a SAFE way to push myself and the car all weekend. ... The community experience is also great. Everyone was supportive and enthusiastic throughout the group levels. Excited for the next one!"
- "The driving school has a remarkable supportive culture fostered by members who clearly care deeply for each other as well as being welcoming to newcomers."
- "Audi Club events are so much better than any other club, I don't even like to do others anymore."
Who We Are
The Audi Club of North America (ACNA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization providing its members with driver safety training and education about the brand. Audi automobile ownership is not a requirement of ACNA membership. Audi Club SoCal and Audi Club Golden Gate chapters are joint organizers of the Audi Club California HPDE events.
SIGN-UP NOW to save $25 on full weekend registrations! Early Bird registration ends 1/15/26. Prices go up for late registration. See other details on the registration form.
Event requirements
Driver Requirements - ALL DRIVERS must:
- Be a current member of Audi Club North America (ACNA) with membership valid through March 31, 2026 or later. www.audiclubna.org/join. Membership fees are in addition to event registration.
- Possess and present a valid state-issued driver's license (not a learner's permit).
- Wear an auto racing helmet certified to Snell SA2015 or later, or equivalent EC or FIA standards.
- Sign the liability waivers - Audi Club's online SpeedWaiver upon registration, and the track's waiver when entering the facility.
- Minors (under 18) whether a registered driver or a guest, must be accompanied at all times during the event by a parent or legal guardian who will sign the ACNA and facility Minor Waivers at the track.
- Wear appropriate clothing - long sleeves and long pants are recommended - and sensible footwear for driving (no sandals, boots or open-toe shoes).
- Behave responsibly and exercise good judgment at all times.
- Instructors must be Certified to Motorsport Safety Foundation Level II.
Vehicle Requirements - YOUR CAR must:
- Undergo and pass a safety inspection within the four weeks prior to arriving at the event. Download the tech inspection form here.
- The seat belts, air bags, seats, etc. (the occupant safety systems) must be the same type for both driver and passenger. If your car is equipped with harnesses we strongly recommend that all occupants's helmets be equipped with head and neck restraints. If you have questions about your car please ask our Chief Driving Instructor: cdi@audiclubsocal.org.
- Audi Club North America allows convertible cars with adequate rollover protection (for example, Audi A4, TT and R8 cabriolets) and certain models of small performance SUV/CUV (for example, Q3, Q5, and SQ5) cars at our driving school. Equivalent models from other manufacturers are also allowed. Please email cdi@audiclubsocal.org if you have questions about your particular car. Note that broomstick rule applies and the OEM Mazda Miata rollbar does not qualify.
- Competition tires (whether DOT R-compound or above) are not permitted for SUV/CUV or Beginning and Novice group drivers. They are discouraged for Intermediate group drivers.
Schedule
Friday
- Experienced Drivers participating in the open pit lane day should arrive by 7am.
- First-Timers must arrive at the track by 1pm on Friday to check in for warm-up driving exercises and introductory classroom. We encourage you to arrive in the morning to observe the action, ask for a ride with an instructor, and join us for complimentary lunch.
- Check-in for Saturday/Sunday drivers is available 5-7pm.
Saturday & Sunday
- All drivers should arrive at the track by 7am.
A detailed event schedule will be provided at event check-in.
Questions about your car? Contact the chief driving instructor cdi@audiclubsocal.org
Questions about registration? Contact the registrar registration@audiclubsocal.org
Questions about the event? Contact the event organizer eventmaster@audiclubsocal.org
Audi Club of California looks forward to seeing you at the track. We are going to have a great time!
