Last Laps in SoCal: A Farewell at Autoclub Speedway
A quiet moment in the paddock at Autoclub Speedway—my red FRS lined up beside Sean’s Hot Lava FRS, just before our first session of the day. The cars that brought us together, framed by a backdrop of fading grandstands and SoCal sunshine.
As I pack up and prep for a big move back to Michigan for a new job promotion, I found time to sneak in one last track day in SoCal—one final hurrah before I trade palm trees for pine trees.
Autoclub Speedway’s inner track was the setting, with SCCA’s Track Night in America hosting. No timing gear. No competition. Just vibes. The kind of day that reminds you why you fell in love with driving in the first place.
I was lucky to run with a couple of the 86 guys—some of the very first people I met when I started tracking out here. Even though I came in with the solid fundamentals — these guys helped me level up in all the ways that only seat time and solid mentorship can provide. They shared everything from line choices to setup tweaks, and more importantly, made the paddock feel like a second home.
Three 86s lined up and ready—my red FRS, Sean’s Hot Lava, and Glenn’s Oceanic Blue—waiting in the paddock for our session to start. Rear bumpers to the sun, track ahead, and that quiet anticipation before everything comes to life.
The track surface was a little beat up in spots—Autoclub being on borrowed time these days—but the layout still flows in that satisfying way. You settle into a rhythm, the car dances through the infield, and for a few laps, everything else disappears. Pure track therapy.
We weren’t chasing PBs or trophies. Just enjoying cars, conversation, and the community that makes this whole thing special. It was the kind of day that reminds you it's not just about driving fast—it's about the people you meet along the way.
So here’s to SoCal, to the 86 crew, and to track days that hit you right in the feels. Michigan’s got some solid tracks waiting, but this one will stick with me for a while.
The sun starting to lower behind the mountains surrounding Auto Club Speedway as my red FRS rests quietly in the paddock—one last golden moment to close out my time in SoCal. A fitting end to countless laps, friendships, and memories made on and off the track.