Featuring Former Pro Rider Chad Lewin
This month, The Apex caught up with former pro racer Chad Lewin, a MotoAmerica winner, AMA veteran, and a rider whose résumé reads like a tour through the best of U.S. motorcycle racing — WERA, CCS, MRA, USBA, CRA, and CVMA. Lewin still holds a long-standing lap record on Buttonwillow’s Classic Track (run counterclockwise), so when he came back to tackle the all-new Circuit Track, we knew he’d have a lot to say.
Before shifting gears into a successful career in Los Angeles real estate, Lewin made his mark at the top levels of motorcycle racing, competing in FIM and MotoAmerica, stacking up podiums, class records, and championships across the country. Though his pro racing days are behind him, his competitive spirit is alive and well — and you’ll still find him at the track, riding hard and pushing limits.
Recently, Lewin returned to Buttonwillow Raceway Park with TrackDaz to test The Circuit — and he didn’t hold back on his first impressions.
“The Circuit is more Euro-esque in some parts, which I love — fast, long, hanging sweepers where you’re right on the edge of the tire for a while,” Lewin says. “The track flows beautifully from Turn 1 through Turn 6, especially climbing the hill with that wall right there. It’s a rush.”
Where Flow Meets Focus
That flow, however, isn’t without its challenges.
“From Turn 6 on, the layout tightens up a bit until you reach that fun chicane before the front straight,” Lewin explains. “Turn 6 and the right-hander into the chicane are definitely spots that demand respect — I’m doing about 125 to 130 mph there. You’ve got to stay sharp.”
This is the kind of track that rewards precision, courage, and rhythm. Every lap invites you to push a little harder — but only if you’re dialed in.
A World-Class Feel
Lewin was quick to praise the quality of The Circuit’s surface and its grip — two key ingredients that make the track a standout.
“The grip and surface are fantastic — you guys nailed it,” he says. “If you added FIM-style grip paint to the curbs, it’d feel straight out of Europe.”
That smooth, high-grip surface gives riders confidence to lean deep, drive hard, and explore the edge.
Pro Coaching Insight
When it comes to helping riders master The Circuit, Lewin focuses on awareness, line selection, and trust in the bike.
“First, know where the challenging parts are,” he advises. “The track is wide — which I love — but that can throw off newer riders when it comes to finding the right lines. Once that’s figured out, it’s all about managing the bike on the edge. This isn’t a stop-and-go track. With this much grip, you can get aggressive with the throttle and really trust the tires.”
Ride It. Feel It. Love It.
With its European-inspired flow, high-speed precision, and butter-smooth surface, Buttonwillow’s Circuit Track delivers a racing experience unlike anything else in Southern California. It’s fast. It’s technical. It’s addictive.
“It’s the kind of track that challenges you to be better — and rewards you every lap,” Lewin says.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an ambitious track-day rider, The Circuit is where passion meets pavement. Come experience what everyone’s talking about — and discover why Buttonwillow Raceway Park continues to set the standard for motorsports in the West.