Do I need to be a race car driver with lots of go-fast skill to attend this event?
- NO, this event is open to drivers of ALL skill levels, from beginners to experienced drivers. The idea is to become a better, safer, driver no matter what your level of expertise.
If I'm a beginner, will they put me with a group of other drivers that will get mad at me if I go slow and hold them up?
- No one will be upset with you! To make sure that you and everyone else get the most out of your driving school experience, everyone will be grouped according to his or her own level of experience and comfort. Faster drivers will run with each other, and slower drivers will also run together. For that reason, it is important to be honest about your skill level when the instructors ask.
Will people be banging into each other? I don't want my car to get messed up.
- This event is conducted in a controlled environment. Further it is a driving school, not a race! Passing is only allowed if the Fast Lane Driving School determines that it is safe, and only under very strict rules! If at any time you feel that another car is too close to you, simply pull off of the track onto the pit lane to get away from the other car. Then when it's safe to exit, one of the instructors will give you the okay to return to the track.
What if I'm really nervous and maybe even scared to attend this event?
- Everybody is a little nervous the first time you go to Driving School. So you'll be in good company because there will be lots of people there for the first time. But it's not as stressful as most people imagine it to be. Actually, it's really a lot of fun and everyone should have a great time. In fact, by the time most people finish the class, they are so comfortable that they are eager to return for a refresher course or even a track day!
How much driving time will I get? I've heard that at some driving schools they stick you in a classroom all day and only let you onto the track for a very brief time.
- The Fast Lane Driving School as a very refreshing approach to this. Their classroom time is usually about 90-minutes long, and the rest of the time is spent at the track. But that doesn't mean that the instruction ends when you exit the classroom. The Fast Lane Driving School Instructors are at the track with you and the instruction goes on throughout the day. The difference is, the instruction is more meaningful because you get to immediately apply what you learn behind the wheel of a car.
Can I drive my own car?
- YES, at this event you bring your own car and learn behind the wheel of what YOU drive!
What if I don't want to drive my own car? Can I drive one of the school's cars?
- Yes, the school can also make their race prepared Toyotas available for an additional fee. See the reservation information on the first page of this special event section for details.
If I drive my own car, do I need a roll bar?
- No, not for the Streets of Willow. Call us if you have any questions.
Should I empty my car before going to the track?
- Yes, take out any unnecessary items before leaving from home, or at your hotel room if you're staying near the track. Then at the Streets of Willow, we will have access to a trackside garage where you can remove all other non-essential items. It's sometimes helpful to bring a bag to keep your items organized, but that's up to you.
If my car should be empty of unnecessary items, then what should I bring to the track?
- Bring yourself, dressed in layers; keeping in mind that this is the desert and you need to protect yourself against the heat of the sun as well as the cold. That means you should bring an effective sun screen, and you might consider a jacket or sweater. Layered clothing can be peeled off or applied to adjust for changing temperatures that can be expected in the desert. Also, it's a good idea to bring a hat to shield you from the sun (when you're not on the track wearing a helmet).
Is there anything special that I need to do to prepare my car?
- This is probably easier than you think. Your car should be in good running order. And there should be no loose bits hanging off that might litter the track if they come free. Also, your brakes should be sound and your brake-fluid should be free of any moisture. Aside from that, it is advisable to run a few extra pounds of air pressure in your tires. That way, you can let out a few pounds to achieve optimum pressure once you've tested your car at speed. But don't over do it, Just add a few pounds more that normal. For example: if you normally run 30-PSI, bump it up to 35-PSI (do not exceed the manufacturer's specified maximum air pressure).
Can I bring an EZ-UP type canopy for shade, or an ice chest for cold drinks, etc?
- Yes to all of the above. There is room for you to set up your stuff. But remember, the track is in the desert and it can get windy; especially in the afternoon. So if you bring an EZ-Up type canopy, bring something to anchor it down too!
Are helmets provided by the school?
- Yes, the school has "clean" helmets that you can use for the day. They also provide racing suits for those that want to suit up.
If I've already been to driving school, can I go straight to the Streets of Willow and start turning laps without having to sit through class again?
- After you've checked in with the Fast Lane Driving School Staff, and have signed-in, you can go straight to the track. As soon as the Fast Lane Driving School Staff at trackside say it's okay, you can hit the track and start having fun.
How long is the driving school?
- Class starts at 8:00 AM and usually ends around 4:30 PM.
Will there be food available for lunch?
- Yes, lunch is included for registered students / participants -- for Saturday's class only. No lunch is provided on Sunday, but there's a Snack Bar where you can buy your own lunch during the break.
Can I bring a friend as a spectator?
- Yes, you can bring a friend. There are usually quite a few spectators. And there are bleachers to sit in that have a commanding view of the track and skid pad areas.
Can my friend(s) join the school participants for lunch too?
- Yes, lunch is available for spectators (Saturday only). See the main page for lunch registration for spectators.
PLEASE "Pre-Register" for any additional lunches for spectators. We need to make arrangements
"in advance" for lunches to be brought in. So we need to know up front who will be joining us for lunch.
Can my friend ride along in the car with me on the track?
- NO - absolutely not! No one may ride in the car with you on the track except one of the Fast Lane Driving School Instructors. There are no exceptions to this rule.
What is included in my entry fee?
- Entry fee includes: High performance driving manual (yours to keep), a certificate of completion (nice to show as proof of qualification at other track events); classroom instruction (fun and informative!), individual ride-along instruction with experienced racers (an invaluable benefit!), approximately 150 to 175 track miles per day (oh yeah!), liability/participant accident insurance, and the use of the driving school's helmets. They even provide driving suits (for those that wants to suit up) but you can wear your street clothes if you want - it's up to you. Oh,.. and let's not forget - lunch (Saturday only).
What time should I be there?
- Arrive early - you should be at Willow Springs International Raceway at about 7:45 AM. That way you can be at the driving school to check-in and get to the class that starts shortly after 8:00 AM.
Can you provide me with directions to the track?
- Sure. Just click on the button near the bottom of this page to see a map to the event.
Is Gasoline available at the track? Or is gas available nearby?
- Yes, there is gas available at the track. But it's "Racing Gas" so it's kind of expensive! You might be better off to fill up with gas at Rosemond, about 6 miles East of the track.
Is there RV-Parking at Willow Springs and can I stay the night at the track?
- Yes, there is RV-Parking, and it is very conveniently located right next to the "Fast Lane" Driving School. The RV-Parking spaces have hook-ups available, and they accommodate overnight parking. Contact the Willows Springs International Raceway Administration Office for more information on RV-Parking at:
Administration Office: phone: 661-256-2471 - FAX: 661-256-9140
e-mail: info@willowspringsraceway.com
If I call Raven Wing Performance to register but don't pay by credit card using your Bank of America Shopping Cart, can I pay at the door?
- YES, as long as the event doesn't sell out to capacity and you're pre-registered with Raven Wing Performance, you can pay the Fast Lane Driving School on the morning of the event. They take cash, checks, & credit cards; and the prices are the same as posted here. But the school prefers that you pay through us so they receive a single payment for the event.
IMPORTANT: This event is expected to sell out to capacity. If you've paid for your
registration, your spot in the event is secured. If you merely call or send and email saying
you want to attend, you are not officially registered and your "tentative spot" in the event
can be taken by someone else that has paid for the opportunity. When the roster fills to
capacity, the people that have paid will get to participate in the event.
Can I show up on the day of the event with a friend (that hasn't already enrolled) and get them in enrolled the class too?
- NO. Enrollment is limited, and this event will almost certainly sell out to capacity (it always does!). We limit the number of participants because we want to avoid overcrowding. Too many participants limits the personal attention from the Staff Instructors, and, too many cars limits everyone's track time. To add people at the last minute is not fair to those that are already registered.
What should I expect the driving school to be like?
- First, expect to have FUN! Expect that no one will pressure you to drive faster than you are comfortable. And expect to learn a lot about you and your car!
- After you register, you'll be in a casual classroom environment that overlooks the main race track. The classroom portion of the event usually lasts about 90-minutes or less, during which time you will have the opportunity to ask questions. After the class, you'll head out to the Streets Of Willow, a tight and twisty track that will teach you a lot without having to go at very high speeds. In fact, most people will drive faster on the freeway to get the event than you will on this track.
- Once you're at the Streets of Willow, you will be assigned to a group that is similar to your skill and comfort level. Your group will start out doing single-file parade-laps behind one of the instructors so that you can learn the proper line around the track. This is done at a pretty slow speed so you can pay attention to what is happening around you.
- Later each group will take turns on the track, developing skill and comfort at navigating the turns. At this time, Fast Lane Driving School Instructors are available for ride-along instruction. It is very highly recommended that you take advantage of their experience and expert knowledge!
- When one group is on the track, the other groups are usually involved in a different training session. Throughout the day, each group will also get instruction on shifting and braking techniques; and each group will receive instruction on the skid-pad. You'll probably be amazed at how these sessions improve your ability to negotiate the track when your group returns to the Streets of Willow!
- There is much more to the Fast Lane Driving School than can ever be described here.
But suffice it to say, it's all FUN!
Is there anyone I can talk to if I have any more questions?
- Sure, give us a call at 1 (951) 817-5644
(please don't use our toll free number if you are just calling with general questions about the driving school.)
