Ten racing karts. Just us.
Included · lap timing · 10:00 to 12:30, then after lunch
Bring the car you drove here.
If you've been assuming a track day needs a race car, that is the one thing to un-learn. We're all using our own cars: a Taycan, a Model 3, a 911, a Civic, a Camry. Good tires, good brakes, and a quick tech check at the gate, and you're on Big Willow.
Never driven on a track? Plenty of the group hasn't either. You start with a briefing, then a coach rides with you, then the coach leads and you follow, and you push exactly as much as you want to. On the big track, in John's words, “you will never be wheel-to-wheel next to another person.”
- Your daily driver is welcome: sedans, hatchbacks, EVs, sports cars. Convertible, SUV or pickup? Text John about it so he can plan for your car. Helmet loaners are at the track.
- Teens drive too, from 16 with a valid license, and John works with them directly.
- No car that fits? Text John. He'll talk you through options, and you still get the karting, the skid pad in his car, and ride-alongs with the coaches.
What John put together
John Soneff runs John's European Auto Service in Reseda. Through his relationship with the track's new owners he booked Big Willow, the kart circuit and the skid pad for us for the day. This is how he described it to the group, in his own words.
Open track, your pace, a pro beside you
Open track time in your own car on Big Willow: 2.5 miles, nine turns, the oldest permanent road course in the country. Four professional racing-driver instructors plus John are there the whole day for private one-on-one coaching. “If you want someone beside you, we'll arrange it.”
With roughly 95% fewer cars than a regular track day it is an extremely private experience, with plenty of space between cars. A full flag crew, a safety team and an ambulance are on site all day.
Wheel to wheel, on the clock
In the middle of the day John has rented the entire Jenson Button Karting Circuit and ten professional racing karts, with instructors and lap timing. Everyone rotates through, racing wheel to wheel with the group.
“You're in a purpose-built racing kart, close to the ground, chasing the person ahead of you and trying to improve your lap time. The speeds are much lower, but the excitement may well be higher, and you get to enjoy it without worrying about putting wear on your own car.”
The skid pad, where you learn what your car does
Low-speed car-control drills and training, in a car John brings for it. In John's words, Gary Alexander has done it and can attest that it is also a very fun experience.
“This is a full-blown private racing experience that you genuinely cannot buy. … I assure you that everyone who attends will be raving about this all year.”
John Soneff, who holds the track for us
Your first track day
John's own order for anyone new to this.
Theory instruction
The morning briefing, before anyone drives.
Ride-along coaching
A coach in the car with you, at a pace you choose.
Lead-follow on the track
The coach's car ahead of you, showing the line; you follow as fast or as slow as you like.
Skid pad and car control
Low-speed slides and recoveries, in John's car.
Then the karts
Wheel to wheel with everyone else, in a kart built for it.
Already comfortable on a track? You're let loose on the open track right away, with advanced coaching throughout the day, however you want it.
The day
Gates open at 6:30. Be in the briefing by 8:00 sharp.
- Gates open. Coffee and breakfast set out in the paddock by 6:45.
- Check-in until 7:45. Two waivers, wristband, helmet check, a quick tech look at your car.
- John's welcome and the EO intro.
- Mandatory driver and safety briefing. Everyone, 25 minutes. This is the one you cannot miss.
- Groups split. Big Willow and the skid pad open, and run until the parade lap with the hour off for lunch.
- Karting, session one, until 12:30. Everyone rotates through.
- Catered lunch. The track goes cold for an hour; the contract requires it.
- Karting resumes to finish the three-hour program.
- Parade lap, group photo, awards, paddock social.
- Property clear. Nothing stays overnight.
What it costs
$450,000
A Singer Drivers Club membership to drive here, as reported.
$450
Your Sunday on the same track. One price, EO members and guests alike; only the registration path differs. Members register on the EO page with their spouse, partner or teen driver; everyone else signs up here.
In EO's own words, EO is subsidizing the majority of the cost; this is a fraction of what a day like this actually costs. Payments made to Ken go to the chapter after the event to cover the day. Lunch, coffee, water, the coaching and the karting are all in the price.
Willow Springs was bought in 2025 by CrossHarbor Capital Partners with Singer Vehicle Design, which has launched the Singer Drivers Club here: membership from $450,000, capped near 400. The public tracks stay open, but a whole private day on Big Willow for a group like ours is John's doing, through his relationship with the new owners.
Sign-ups here: cancel by October 25, 2026, one week before, for a full refund; after that, no refunds, because the track is paid for whether or not we show up. EO registrations follow EO's own cancellation policy. There are 50 spots.
Reserve your spot
Pay Ken ($450 per driver by Venmo or Zelle), add each driver you're bringing, agree to the terms. Three minutes on the entry form.
The person signing up, each driver's name, car, experience level and helmet need, how you paid, and whether Ken has confirmed the payment appear on the public "who's coming" list. Email and mobile stay private.
EO member?
Register on the EO page, same price. You can add your spouse, partner or teen driver as guests there; EO's own cancellation policy applies. The listing may still show October 11 until EO updates it; it is the same event.
Register on EOBefore you come
You
- Driver's license. Required to drive, to ride along, or to enter pit lane. Sixteen and up.
- Helmet. Snell SA2020, SA2025 or FIA-rated to drive. No helmet? There are 16 loaners, up to XL, $25. Bigger than XL: bring your own.
- Long pants, closed-toe shoes, a shirt with sleeves. No shorts, tank tops or open-toe shoes in pit lane.
- Layers. Early-November mornings out there usually start near 40°F and reach the low 70s, often with wind.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a water bottle. Water and electrolytes are provided all day; shade canopies are up.
Your car
The standard prep every track-day organizer asks for.
- Tires with real tread, properly inflated.
- Brakes you trust. Fresh brake fluid and pads with plenty of life.
- No leaks, fluids topped.
- Everything loose out. Floor mats, the trunk, the door pockets, the phone mount.
- Full tank. The track sells only race fuel. Fill up on Rosamond Blvd on the way in.
- EVs: arrive at 100%. John says there is a charger at the track, but nobody has confirmed what kind, so don't count on it; plan around the Lancaster Supercharger (43500 13th St W, 16 stalls) and expect to use about 50 miles of range over the day.
- Tech check at check-in. The usual: tires, brakes, fluids, loose items, helmet.
At the track
- Self-park inside the gate, in the paddock or the main lot. No valet.
- Nothing left overnight. Fire lanes get towed.
- No alcohol during on-track activity.
- Two waivers at check-in: the organizer's participant agreement and the track's release.
- Under 16 in spectator areas only. Track rule.
Getting there
Willow Springs International Raceway3500 75th Street West
Rosamond, CA 93560
Big Willow is "The Fastest Road in the West": 2.5 miles and nine turns, about 80 miles north of Los Angeles. I-5 north to CA-14 north, past Palmdale and Lancaster, exit Rosamond Blvd and go west about six miles. Plan on one to two hours, depending on where you start. Gary's take on the drive: about an hour, not a terrible commute.
Sunrise is 6:13 that morning; the gates open at 6:30. Sunset is 4:58, just as we clear the property. If you'd rather not drive in the dark, Lancaster is about 13 miles away: Wyndham Garden Lancaster, 2038 West Avenue I, (661) 405-4861, or the Hampton Inn & Suites at 2300 W Double Play Way.
Never seen the track?
Jack Olsen's corner-by-corner guide to Big Willow is the one to watch before your first time.
Watch a lapQuestions
Your car
My car is nothing special.
The white Camry in the paddock photo is the idea. If the tires and brakes are good and nothing is loose inside, bring it.
Convertible, SUV, pickup, minivan?
Sign up, then text John about the car so he can plan for it. If a car is kept off the big track, that driver still gets the karts, the skid pad in John's car and ride-alongs with the coaches. The same goes if a car fails the morning tech check.
Electric car?
Taycans and Teslas are coming. Arrive at 100% and plan around the Lancaster Supercharger. John expects you to use about 50 miles of range over the day. He says there is a charger at the track; nobody has confirmed what kind, so don't count on it.
Can two of us share a car?
Yes. That was the group's answer. Sign both of you up as drivers, with the same car.
Skill and safety
I've never driven on a track.
Fine. Plenty of the group hasn't either. John: “The day will be organized based on people's comfort and experience level. For those with less track experience, we'll begin with a structured briefing, followed by one-on-one coaching and ride-along instruction. As your confidence level and comfort grows, you will be able to push as much or as little as you'd like.” And: “If ever you want someone with you, you will have them.”
Is it dangerous?
Driving hard on a track has real risk, and the terms say so. John's view of this particular day: “We have a full flag crew and safety team, and the worst thing that could happen if you push it too hard is you'll end up putting your tires in the dirt. It's a safe track.” An ambulance is on site all day, and with roughly 95% fewer cars than a normal track day, he says, “you will never be wheel-to-wheel next to another person on the track.” The karts are the wheel-to-wheel part, on purpose.
Can my teenager drive?
Yes, from 16 with a valid license. John to a parent in the group: “As long as she has a driver's license, she is welcome to come. I will personally work with you and her to make sure she is comfortable and has an incredible time.” Under 16s are welcome in the spectator areas only.
Does my insurance cover this?
Assume not; most auto policies exclude track driving. Specialist providers sell single-day track insurance online if you want it. That part is on you.
Money and dates
What is EO, and why am I invited?
EO is the Entrepreneurs' Organization; this is the Los Angeles chapter's track day, and since September it has been open to members' families and friends. There is a short EO intro at 7:45 and that is it.
Refunds?
Signed up here: cancel by email by October 25, 2026 for a full refund; from October 26, no refunds, because the track is paid for either way. Registered on the EO page: EO's own cancellation policy applies.
Is there a deadline?
Spots are limited, so sign up early; if the day is already full when you do, Ken returns your payment.
What if it rains again?
That is why we moved from October 11. Lancaster's records show rain on only a few percent of early-November days. If anything changes, you hear from Ken by email before you drive out, and the terms say what happens to your payment.
On the day
Can I arrive late?
Don't. The 8:00 safety briefing is mandatory for anyone who drives.
Can I bring someone who won't drive, or a passenger?
There is no spectator ticket yet; email Ken. Anyone who rides along or enters pit lane needs to be 16 or older, licensed and on a waiver. Under 16s stay in the spectator areas.
Where can I read the waiver?
You sign two at check-in: the organizer's participant agreement and the track's release. Want them in advance? Text John.
Food, photos?
Coffee and breakfast set out by 6:45, catered lunch at 12:30, water and electrolytes all day under the canopies, all included. Bring a camera; the parade lap and group photo are at 4:00. No alcohol during on-track activity.
Who's behind it
John Soneff
Holds the track for us, runs the day, coaches. Anything about cars, helmets or the track.
Text (310) 633-1395Gary Alexander
Wrote the first invitation copy and has done the skid pad.
Brett Winn
Made the flyer and the teaser video.
Ken Besada
EO LA learning co-chair for this event. Guest sign-ups go through the entry form; payments go to him by Venmo or Zelle and on to EO Los Angeles after the event.
[email protected]For EO Los Angeles. EO members register through the EO event page.
