Where Champions Are Made at Buttonwillow Raceway Park
When it comes to grassroots motorsport in Southern California, few names command the same respect—or trackside presence—as Dave Freitas. A long-time team owner, race engineer, and operator of the Pacific F2000 Championship, Freitas has helped shape the careers of some of America’s fastest rising stars. And for decades, much of that work has happened right here—on the sun-baked asphalt and iconic corners of Buttonwillow Raceway Park.
For the debut of Winning Ways, our new feature series celebrating the people and teams who define the spirit of West Coast racing, we sat down with Dave to talk track craft, car control, and why Buttonwillow remains the heartbeat of grassroots motorsport.
Taming 25 CW
Ask any racer about Buttonwillow’s legendary Configuration 25 Clockwise, and you’ll see their face light up—or tense up. This 2.95-mile layout is a driver’s circuit in every sense: high-speed sweepers, rhythm sections, and braking zones that demand both precision and bravery.
For Freitas, it all begins with one corner: Riverside Turn.
“The first thing we have to do is get drivers comfortable going fast through Riverside,” Freitas says. “If we can go flat-out through there, everything else falls into place. Getting both the driver and car dialed in for that corner is job one.”
It’s the kind of turn that tests your nerve. Get it right, and the lap comes alive. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend the next few corners trying to recover your rhythm. Riverside sets the tone—and Buttonwillow rewards those who rise to the challenge.
Training the Next Generation
When it comes to developing drivers, Buttonwillow offers the perfect training ground. Freitas doesn’t hesitate when asked about his preferred layouts.
“We do most of our training on Configuration 1 Clockwise or the East Loop with the hairpin,” he explains. “One Clockwise has a little bit of everything—high-speed corners, low-speed technical sections, and elevation changes. It’s fast, but forgiving, which makes it ideal for learning.”
For new drivers, efficiency matters.
“On the East Loop, they can get twice as many laps in the same time,” he says. “You can work the same corner twice as often—and that repetition builds confidence fast.”
From rookies chasing their first podiums to veterans fine-tuning their craft, Buttonwillow’s mix of configurations makes it the ultimate classroom for speed.
Where Lap Time Lives—and Legends Form
If you’re hunting for lap time at Buttonwillow, you’ll find it in the places that scare you a little. Freitas smiles when asked where the real magic happens.
“Phil Hill,” he says without hesitation. “That’s where we separate the good from the great. It’s fast—minimum speed is about 90—and it’s blind. You turn in before you can even see where you’re going. You’ve got to trust your line and your instincts.”
Then he laughs.
“The young kids—they don’t care. They just huck it in there and hope for the best. Usually it’s Dad’s wallet that pays for it if it goes wrong.”
Still, Phil Hill is sacred ground. It’s where bravery meets skill—and for many, the moment they master it marks the day they truly become racers.
Memories That Stick
Freitas has seen more incredible drives at Buttonwillow than he can count, but a few remain unforgettable.
He remembers a young J.R. Hildebrand, long before his near-win at the Indy 500.
“J.R. actually flipped a car through Phil Hill one weekend,” Freitas recalls. “The next day he came back in a slower car and still finished runner-up. That kind of grit—that’s what Buttonwillow brings out in people.”
Then there’s Pato O’Ward, now one of IndyCar’s brightest stars.
“He was barely old enough to race when he came out and spanked everybody,” Freitas laughs. “Nobody knew who this little kid was—four foot nine, ninety pounds—and he just dominated. His first race win was right here at Buttonwillow.”
For both legends and newcomers, Buttonwillow is more than a track. It’s a rite of passage.
A Track That Feels Like Home
To Freitas, Buttonwillow isn’t just a facility—it’s a family.
“It’s a grassroots track, and when you go there, it feels like home,” he says. “At some tracks, you’re just another number. At Buttonwillow, everyone knows your name. The staff, the racers, the families—it’s welcoming. That’s why people keep coming back.”
That community spirit draws teams from across the continent.
“Our last event had drivers from Canada, Illinois, Arizona—everywhere,” Freitas says. “They come because it’s a great layout, great people, and a great vibe.”
The Future: Circuit and Classic
Freitas has watched Buttonwillow grow from a local gem into a dual-track powerhouse with the addition of The Circuit at Buttonwillow—and he’s all in.
“Honestly, it exceeded our expectations,” he says. “We thought it might be a smaller secondary track, but it’s a full-scale facility. You can run separate events at the same time, and the layout’s incredible. I haven’t heard one bad word about it.”
That growth is bringing energy to the whole area.
“We went to Willow Ranch the other weekend, and it was the busiest I’ve ever seen it,” he laughs. “Between the Classic, the Circuit, and the kart track, the place was packed. That tells you just how much momentum is here.”
Always Pushing Forward
Between running his championship-winning team, managing the Pacific F2000 series, and spotting for the Vasser Sullivan Lexus IMSA program, Dave Freitas never slows down. But one thing always stays constant—his connection to Buttonwillow.
“We try to run at least three events there every year,” he says. “We want to bring people in, support the track, and keep building the community. Anything we can do to help, we’re in.”
For Freitas, winning ways aren’t just about trophies—they’re about passion, perseverance, and the people who make racing great.
Driver Perspective & Experience
“The content in this article is based on the personal opinions and experiences of the driver featured. Every vehicle, whether car or motorcycle, behaves differently based on setup, conditions, and rider/driver capability. The techniques, preferences, and perspectives shared here are possibilities to consider and not universal truths. Results may vary based on experience level and equipment, and drivers should always apply proper safety practices.”
Next in the “Winning Ways” Series
We’ll talk with another championship-winning team about their Buttonwillow setups, driver development secrets, and what keeps them coming back to Southern California’s home of speed—Buttonwillow Raceway Park.