"Many drivers blame series-specific regulations when they just suck..."

LOS ANGELES—Buttonwillow Raceway has been a cornerstone of the motorsport community for nearly three decades. Its intricate design and challenging turns make it a favorite among racing enthusiasts. Despite its long history, many drivers still struggle to understand why they can't break the elusive sub-2-minute lap time. The common misconception is that external factors or equipment are to blame, but the truth is simpler: It's you.

"It’s not about the rules of the series you run in," says track veteran Mike Harrison. "No matter the regulations, consistent practice on the track is what ultimately lowers your lap times." Many drivers blame series-specific regulations when they suck, but the key lies in honing driving skills through repeated experience. Each lap teaches something new, revealing the nuances of the track and improving your technique.

It's also not about the car. As seasoned racer Jessica Lee points out, "People often think a faster car will solve their atrocious driving, but in reality, most cars on this track have the potential to break 2 minutes. It’s the driver who needs to catch up." Investing in a better car might seem like the solution, but the truth is that even the best car won't perform optimally when the driver sucks. The focus should be on maximizing the current car’s capabilities through continuous practice.

New go-fast parts aren’t the answer either. "Everyone's looking for that magic part that'll shave seconds off their time," says mechanic and racer Tony Delgado. "But you can have all the best parts in the world and still be the one holding everyone up in HPDE 1 if you don’t know how to drive the track." While performance upgrades can help, they are no substitute for the experience gained from consistent driving.

Ultimately, it's not about the brakes, the weather, the breakfast you ate, crimes you committed or any other excuse you might come up with. It boils down to one thing: seat time. "You can blame everything under the sun," states track instructor Carla Mendoza, "until you put in the hours on the track, you won’t see the improvement you’re looking for." Breaking the sub-2-minute barrier at Buttonwillow Raceway requires dedication, persistence, and not sucking.