SCCA Race Licensing

The 2-day SCCA Novice Permit program is the required first step toward a real SCCA competition license: classroom, on-track, and race-prep, all one-on-one with a pro coach. The 3-day Full Competition License is taken after the Novice Permit (five days total, never bundled) and completes the path to a full SCCA competition license. To enter Full Competition you must pass our SCCA Novice Program or have equivalent experience, so an experienced driver is not always required to start at Novice. They are sold separately, so you only pay for the step you need.

For the licensing path, we recommend signing up for your SCCA membership as one of your steps. It is quick to set up, and your coach can point you to the SCCA signup so you are ready for your competition license.

The 2-day SCCA Novice Permit program is $4,995, and the 3-day Full Competition License is $7,495. They are sold separately (the full zero-to-licensed path runs five days total), so you only pay for the step you need. Every price is all-inclusive: car, gear, track time, and 1:1 coaching.

No. The Novice Permit program is built for drivers new to wheel-to-wheel competition, and no street driver’s license is required to participate. The two days cover classroom instruction, on-track work, and race-prep, all one-on-one with a professional racer, so your coach builds the day around your current skill level either way.

SCCA licensing programs run in our prepared race cars, so there is nothing you need to bring or own; the car you drive is matched to the program, and your coach confirms it when they set up your day. You can also use your own race-prepped car, provided it passes SCCA tech inspection. Contact us for details.

Every FastLane program runs at our home track, Buttonwillow Raceway Park, 24551 W Lerdo Hwy, Buttonwillow, CA 93206, just outside Los Angeles, between LA and the central coast (about 30 minutes west of Bakersfield). For high-value private coaching we also have a 100+ instructor network that can travel to tracks across the U.S.

Buttonwillow Raceway Park has two road courses. "The Classic" is the original 1995 layout, configurable up to roughly 3 miles, with 23 turns in its most popular setup. "The Circuit" is the new course that opened in 2025: 2.56 miles, 40 feet wide all the way around, with a new tower and garages. Which one you run depends on your program and what is available that day; your coach confirms it when they set up your day.

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Parking is free inside the facility, and the gate guard will direct you when you pull in. Buttonwillow Raceway Park is at 24551 W Lerdo Hwy, Buttonwillow, CA 93206.

Bakersfield (BFL) is the closest airport, about 30 minutes from the track, with regional connections. Los Angeles (LAX) is about 2 hours south by car and is the most-served option. Most out-of-state students fly into LAX, rent a car, and drive up.

Most of our drivers stay in Bakersfield, about 30 minutes from the track. We send students to the Hyatt Place Bakersfield, where FastLane has a group rate (ask for the FastLane Racing School rate, code FSLA); our coaches stay nearby at the Four Points by Sheraton (Marriott). If you would rather stay onsite, our partner 22rvs delivers a luxury RV and sets it up trackside so you and your family can stay right at the circuit for a multi-day visit. Mention FastLane for a discount, or ask us to manage your entire stay. There is also a small motel in Buttonwillow and an on-site RV park with hookups if you bring your own RV.

See where to stay near Buttonwillow →

Yes. Even if you do not own an RV, our partner 22RVs can set you up right in the paddock: you book a luxury RV that is delivered, prepped, and ready turnkey the day you arrive, fully set up trackside so you and your family can stay at the circuit for a multi-day visit. Mention FastLane for a discount, or ask us to manage the whole stay. If you bring your own RV, the track also has an on-site RV park with hookups.

See where to stay near Buttonwillow →

Buttonwillow Raceway Park has an on-site gift shop with branded merch and a separate kart track apart from the road course. The Circuit complex (built in 2025) has Tesla Superchargers if you arrive in an EV. Concessions are available on event days, though plenty of drivers pack a little extra of their own for full-day programs.

Because every day is 100% private, scheduling is flexible. We build your day around your availability and the coach you are matched with, rather than a fixed cohort calendar. Book a call and we will lock in a date that works for you.

Drivers must be at least 13 years old. For a safe fit in the race cars we ask that drivers are roughly 75–300 lbs and between 4′11″ and 6′6″. Drivers under 18 participate with parental consent. If you are outside that range, reach out anyway and we will confirm what works.

Every FastLane day is 100% private and one-on-one with a professional racing coach. No groups, no crowds, no shared track sessions. Our 45+ pro coaches bring real race and podium experience, and your day is tailored to your skill level and goals.

A lot more than most schools, and that is by design. Many racing schools run big group sessions and ration track time, so you spend most of the day waiting your turn or stuck following an instructor. FastLane is the opposite: every day is private and 1:1, and the goal is simple, get you behind the wheel and teach you. Depending on your program you get up to 8 to 12 hours of track time across a multi-day course, and after the fundamentals the majority of it is open lapping and real driving, not lead-follow. Actual time varies with your program, the car, and the conditions, but most students are genuinely exhausted by the end of the day, in the best way.

See open days →

Our on-track programs are all-inclusive: the race car, all safety gear (helmet, gloves, harness, and a racing suit when your program requires one), track time, and one-on-one coaching are all part of the price. You do not need to bring anything but yourself. Travel costs like flights, hotel, and lunch are not included, but we are happy to help you arrange them.

It is a quick, no-pressure phone call. Our chief instructor Matt walks you through which program fits your goals, the schedule, payment, and what to expect on the day. Just bring your questions. It is a phone call by default, and Zoom is available on request, just let us know when we confirm.

Yes, our programs make a great gift, and we offer fully customizable gift cards: you pick the amount and the recipient applies it to whichever program fits. The recipient gets a unique code along with a PDF and QR code, and you can send it instantly or schedule delivery for later. They then pick a date that works for them. If the program they choose exceeds the gift-card value, they simply cover the remaining balance. Book a call and we will help you arrange it.

Absolutely. Family and friends are welcome to come watch from pit lane (they just sign a waiver at the gate). Buttonwillow has on-site amenities including a gift shop, and the relaxed, private setting makes it easy for friends and family to spectate. Guests cannot drive on track without their own booking, but we can even arrange for them to drive our racing karts while you are out on track.

Yes. Professional photo and video are available, along with a HUD data overlay from the in-car camera so you can see your lap times and driving details on screen, and we can export AIM data files from our onboard computer system for deeper analysis. Our cars have multiple GoPro mounts, so bring your own SD card and we will record to it, or we can provide copies. Ask your coach when you book and we will set it up.

No, a driver's license is not required to participate. Our programs are run on a private, closed course with a professional coach beside you the entire time.

None at all for the Novice program. It is designed for drivers new to wheel-to-wheel competition. Wherever you are starting from, your coach builds the day around your current skill level.

Comfortable closed-toe shoes (no sandals), athletic clothing, and layers, because the central valley swings from cold mornings to hot afternoons. Long sleeves and pants are required while on track. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and water for a full day. All other safety gear is provided.

For most programs, no. The car and all the safety gear, including the helmet, gloves, and a racing suit when the program requires one, are provided. You just bring yourself, comfortable clothes, and closed-toe shoes. For the SCCA race-licensing and Formula 4 programs you will need your own racing safety gear: a fire-resistant racing suit (SFI or FIA rated), a Snell SA2020 helmet, a head-and-neck restraint (a HANS device), and fire-resistant socks and gloves. If you do not have these yet, we will tell you exactly what you need and point you to the right gear before your dates.

Cancel 7+ days out for a full refund; 3 to 6 days out leaves a 50% credit toward a future date; inside 3 days there is no refund, but we can usually reschedule. We run rain or shine (wet conditions teach valuable car-control skills) and only reschedule for genuinely unsafe weather like lightning, in which case we will call you.

Safety is built into every program. You drive with a professional coach the entire time, all safety equipment (helmet, suit, gloves, harness) is provided, and our cars are prepared and maintained to race standards. Programs run on a private, closed course, and on-site Fire Rescue and Ambulance services are available for SCCA racing events, private track days, and corporate events.