Back on the Track: Audi Club SoCal Buttonwillow

By Derek Powell

Familiar faces—and an unexpected visitor—were the highlights of the recent Southern California Chapter HPDE weekend at Buttonwillow Raceway November 19-21. The event officially kicked off on Friday, as experienced drivers and instructors enjoyed an “open pit lane” day where they could drive to their heart’s content. We also held an instructor certification clinic in conjunction with the Arizona chapter of the Porsche Club.

Friday night was a reunion of sorts, as members gathered at the track to check in and meet their instructors or students. For many of us, it was the first time we had seen each other since 2019. The mood was festive and joyful.

There’s always such a rush of anticipation on Saturday morning. I began attending the Buttonwillow events as a student in 2007, and even now as an instructor, I always get that tingle of excitement before the first session. As the returning participants refamiliarized themselves with the track, our new drivers learned the basics in the classroom from the experienced minds of John “Deeno” Deenihan, PJ Woolley and Bill Vogel. Also providing instruction was professional racecar champion Erin Vogel—who got her start as an Audi Club student back in 2009.

On Sunday, we arrived at the track to find a surprise: the entire track was blanketed in thick fog! With the sightlines obscured, we had no choice but to wait out the weather. Undeterred, Alex Whitney and event master Ben Payne organized an impromptu track walk. Physically standing at the entry, apex, and track outs of each turn was a great way to see the entire layout from a fresh perspective.

Finally, the sun broke through and we once again returned to the track—this time back in our cars. Before long, the sun had started to set, and it was time to wrap up the weekend. As always, I left the event wishing it could be just one day longer.

One of my favorite things about this event is that there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time track driver interested in gaining new skills or returning as an instructor for the umpteenth time, it’s all made possible thanks to the great group of people. Reading through the event comments, it seems that many share that sentiment. The best one really summed up my own feelings: “I believe what really distances Audi Club from all others is the community and quality of the drivers. Everyone is so friendly and approachable; it really feels like what a car community should feel

like, which is friends getting together to do something fun.”

We’ll ring in the new year with a trip up to Thunderhill Raceway for Audi Club Golden Gate’s event January 21-23 before heading out to Spring Mountain April 22-24. See you there!