Buttonwillow: Where to Eat, Where to Stay, What to Avoid
Driving Buttonwillow is an experience that shouldn’t be missed, but it requires you prepare for the heat, pick a decent hotel, and endure the long drive.
“Just don’t think too much on the drive down,” says Elite Performance’s Gary Yeung.
It’s a long, dull drive to Buttonwillow, and the timing of the drive determines whether the drive is endurable or if it’s agonizing. Plan for construction on I5 if traveling after 8 PM in either direction.
Still, even though it’s the furthest track from San Francisco we visit, Buttonwillow still draws big crowds. Many are willing to make the trip south because Buttonwillow’s flow is unique and always challenging. Fast in places, technical in others, with all sorts of minor nuances that take some time to learn, driving there is never dull. Plus, it’s where most of Southern California’s track drivers benchmark their cars—on the 13CW configuration, anyways. A good time at Buttonwillow carries some weight in the track day community.
Before you can think about setting a quick lap, you have to prepare for difficult weather. The ambient temperature varies wildly, and from March to October, it’s not uncommon to deal with temperatures in excess of 100°F. Do what you can to stay in the shade; the elements will start to slow you down before you notice any decline in performance.
And as the giant tumbleweeds in the vicinity will tell you, it’s not only the stagnant heat you have to worry about. There is usually one good daily gust that can send everything flying, so always tie down your easy-ups.
Most of those who’ve contributed to this article insist that you drive a little further to nearby Bakersfield if you’re insistent on staying the night. Some would rather wake up early and make the long drive south than deal with Buttonwillow’s fleabag hotels. However, you can enjoy a more casual morning if you’re willing to drive to nearby Bakersfield, which boasts better food and a Costco, among other things, to make finding those odds and ends easier.
If you can spend a little more, the garage spots are usually worth the price.
Forty-five to thirty minutes outside of the track, you’ll find some respite from the weather and the iffy lodging outside the track.
Lodging
Motel 6 North
5241 Olive Tree Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Motel 6 Central
350 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Bakersfield Marriott
801 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Harris Ranch Resort
24505 W Dorris Ave, Coalinga, CA 93210
Food
Aside from the decent cafe at the track, there are several decent options for a bite.
Taste of India
20687 Tracy Ave, Buttonwillow, CA 93206
Frugatti's (661) 836-2000
600 Coffee Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hungry Hunter Steakhouse
3580 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Willow Ranch
27770 Lagoon Dr, Buttonwillow, CA 93206
*Note that this is a good place to fill-up because it’s the last stop before the Lerdo Highway exit for Buttonwillow.
Tita's Pupusería Lonchera (taco truck located near Motel 6 Central)
20645 Tracy Ave, Buttonwillow, CA 93206
The worries of the weather are justifiable, but not something that should keep you from visiting the track. Buttonwillow is not the most accommodating place for a weekend away—hence the reason some choose to drive down the morning of the event, but it is worth the slog. Its flow, complexity, and challenge aren’t rivaled by any other Northern Californian track. If you prepare carefully and stay hydrated, the day spent in the blazing desert sun is well worth it.
