(661) 951-8848. Only experience will build up the skills needed for positive outcomes when things get sketchy. I returned for their track ride at Daytona in March 2007. Check In. WebBig Willow CW (Saturday) March 11, 2023 Mar 11, 2023 Location: Willow Springs International Raceway Streets of Willow - CCW (Saturday) April 29, 2023 Apr 29, 2023 Location: Willow Springs International Raceway Big Willow CW (Saturday) May 27, 2023 May 27, 2023 Location: Willow Springs International Raceway Driver Login Username Steve takes his car to Willow Springs Raceway. WebMost riders and drivers who have traveled The Nine Turns of Willow have lost control on Turn 9 more than any other corner. ", A verified traveler stayed at Best Western Plus Desert Poppy Inn, A verified traveler stayed at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lancaster, Car Rentals in Willow Springs International Raceway, Willow Springs International Raceway Vacations, : (Save changes and close the date picker.). The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. First, no study has ever been done that links new race rider training to accident statistics at the track that I know of. LOCATION: Willow Springs International Raceway is located at 3500 75th Street West in Rosamond, CA. While the official announcement about removal of Cochran says nothing about his performance as Race Director, a position he took after former Race Director Danny Farnsworth was sacked in 2004, Cochran says that his removal was motivated by the tracks concerns about legal liability. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; From the outset, this was a brutally fast course with one of the highest average speeds of any course in the United States, earning it the moniker "The Fastest Road in the West." How many riders or racers actually take the time to thoroughly examine the run-off areas? Insofar as the subject of race schools I attended Team Hammer at Daytona in October 2006. WSIR charges a $15.00 entrance fee (per person) at the gate. Separating the West and East Paddocks are the old Willow Springs Offices. And now, some reader reaction: FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I read this article several times and the circumstances surrounding this riders death are not unfamiliar and are part of a growing trend. What Are Your Surprisingly Fun Car/Track Combos. WebWillow Springs Stadium at Willow Springs International Raceway. While there are no grandstands, there are plenty of banks to watch the racing from and from most views you can almost the whole of the course. Like it or not, we live in a society of laws and lawyers, torts and trials. Steve rolls his Z06 on the straight between turn 1 and turn 2. Simply put, no company wants to walk into a court of law to defend itself against a negligence claim and have to explain why its own employees are publicly questioning whether the company was, in essence, guilty of negligence. Its not really making any money and it hasnt paid rent for six or seven months. If you drive any type of motor vehicle in the Pits, the absolute speed limit is 5 mph. Covering both current and historic circuits from around the world. to the WSIR main track entrance at 3500 75th Street West. WebWillow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the United States. Share your events on LapTrophy mobile app and website. Take the Rosamond Boulevard exit and go west (left) approximately 6 miles on Rosamond Boulevard to the main track entrance. The film-maker's name? SVRA will close out its 2023 season with the traditional U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship at Circuit of The Americas, November 2-5. Tire service: Tire mounting and balancing will be available from Vali Motorsports and the Willow Springs Tire Shop. Enter Dates. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. Enjoy! Thousands of teenagers die every year from it. Construction began in 1952, with the inaugural race held on November 23, 1953. And Myra, Cochran says, made it clear that she would do the same thing she had done for McCauley if she found herself in the same position in the future. JavaScript is disabled. Its a shame. |. Turn 2: "The Rabbits Ear" is a double apex sweeping turn. Conclusion: Road racing is dangerous, and when something goes wrong, the only person who really knows what happened often cant tell us. Its not an option. Now there was some further conversation about the physics of a Sportbike once it leaves pavement but the point was made. Time Trial and PDS groups will have four sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. There are other racing facilities such as The Streets of Willow (1.800 mile road course), The Horse Thief Mile (road course), The Speedway at Willow Springs (1/4 mile paved oval), Willow Springs Kart Track (a .625-mile, nine-turn paved sprint track), The Playpen (a 1/4-mile paved training track), and the Walt James Stadium (Clay Oval and Paved Oval). Despite a number of lucrative offers, Huth never sold out. For most of the 1970s it was exactly the same. They were particularly problematic because Cochran was a paid employee of the club who was in a position to offer a credible evaluation of the adequacy of the New Racer school. The road leading in this direction is intended for Competitors, Vendors, Race Officials and Emergency Vehicles. Willow Springs International Raceway: Rosamond, Calif. September 6-10: Watkins Glen International: Watkins Glen, N.Y. September 22-24: World Wide Technology Raceway: Madison, Ill. Were there more severe accidents then than there are now? Deliveries, Lost and Found, Will-Call, Special Credentials and Passes are some of the things also handled at the Administration Office. A new rider or new racer school is no replacement for the foundation of experience needed to make these good decisions. Reckless, abusive, or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. Turn 3/4: "The Omega" is an uphill and downhill section with a camber change. 2300 West Double Play Way, Lancaster, CA 93536. The next event at Willow Springs is a two-day event, and will be held on October 6th & 7th. I dont think the numbers have changed very much if at all, that is just my opinion but again, there is no reliable data on it that says one way or the other. The Huth family likes to keep management as close to the family as it can, and Jay is Stephanies ex-husband, they are close, and they view him as part of their extended family. As for the tracks concern over Cochrans public comments, Hewitt says, I really dont think Larry realizes the gravity of the statements he has made. Liability issues are always a sensitive area for any organization that involves racing motorcycles at triple-digit speeds. The track will continue to rent to track-day organizations, according to General Manager Chris Huth. googletag.cmd.push(function() { Originally the circuit featured an oiled dirt surface, but by 1954 this had been paved over to create the permanent surface we know today. 3/20/09 3:00 PM. Track spokesman Stephen Hewitt, a racer and lawyer who represents the track, says that while the track has legal concerns over the opinions and comments Cochran has aired since his removal, there were other factors that motivated the change, too. Most competitors are willing to talk or to sign autographs, but remember to respect their workspace and privacy. Willow Springs has been used for several TV shows including British BBC program Top Gear, several episodes of Wheeler Dealers and Jay Leno's Garage[10] and many more. WebListen to Willow Springs Raceway by Sounddogs Sound Effects on Apple Music. This one-time fee is good for the entire weekend. As industry advertising continually taunts us with bigger is better, faster is sexier and sexy is fun etc, hypersport bikes will most likely continue to roll out of dealerships in record numbers. Saying that a chalk talk can prevent accidents is like saying that telling your teenage kids about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol will make them safe. Accidents happen, improvements can always be made, and we will move on. the public about an event, product, or service from the issuers own point of view, and if deemed At least, if asked to explain in court why their employee felt the New Racer school was inadequate, WSIR officials can say that they disagreed with Cochrans opinion so much that they fired him. Useless rule, for fictitious reasons in a fragile sport with fragile participants. Cochran says he and Myra were on the scene minutes before medical crews arrived. Holy sh-t I thought to myself, this guy needs a job in the turfgrass industry because hes seen enough of it! As an industry insider I believe that we are a long way from seeing this trend peak, let alone decline. [2] The main track is a 2.500mi (4.023km) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration. He goes over the apex's of turns and vehicle placement. Track officials had an opportunity to bring veteran racer Jay Tanner on board as race director. Cup Racers and Time Trialparticipants must present your logbook at check-in, complete with an inspection stamp from an approved POC Tech Station. I asked him to take a look at the past few years accidents in his records and find out what size bikes were involved in the worst of them. You are using an out of date browser. Another potential liability problem, Cochran says, came from his wife Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to McCauley. Staff are friendly, room is spacious and very clean. Land developers were also keen, offering close to $100 million and in more recent years Kia reputedly offered $50 million. Please enjoy my recreation of Willow Springs! Additional terms may apply. When I try to run a race weekend at Big Willow, the AI cars never leave the pits. How sweet that smell was! McCauley, on the other hand, left the track in high-speed Turn Eight and, according to track officials, apparently made no attempt to get off the motorcycle before hitting a drainage ditch. Rosamond is home to Willow Springs International Raceway. I know when a bike is coming at me at 100mph, that a mechanical problem may cause them to miss a turn and continue towards me. }); A press release is promotional text issued by a rider, team, company or organization to inform WebWillow Springs Intl Raceway is located at 3500 75th St W Rosamond, CA 93560. To help eliminate danger, the top speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly enforced. Food will be available at the track. If you observe anything to the contrary, please report it to a race official or to the Administration Office at the main entrance.We also try to maintain a wholesome atmosphere just like any other amusement park you might visit. After the crash, Cochran wrote a letter to WSIR officials saying, in part, I continue to have concerns regarding our new rider instructor Many Expert riders including several past WSMC Overall Champions continue to express concern regarding the instruction Novices are receiving. For the record we did have one student who ran off TWICE there and I believe this person was not allowed back out (thankfully) after the second time. Keep up the good journalism Roadracing World. Bleachers, Modern restrooms, restaurant, gift shop and vendors are also located at the Budweiser Balcony. WebThe Willow Springs Drivers Club is where it can really happen! Willow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the United States. The circuit can also claim a slice of history for two-wheeled racing, as the host of the first US Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1960, albeit organised by the California-based American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) and not part of the World Championship calendar. I asked why and he said that the new machines were simply too fast for novice riders. That's a new twist of an issue right there Photo mode seem to work just fine at my end Have also read some related stuff that may be of interest to try - depending on what overlay apps you have when driving/replay mode, begin to deactivate non-csp apps initially to check for any conflicts each time retrying to take a photo Login or Register an account to download this content. Upon arrival, guests will first check-in with Willow Springs main entry, then proceed to check-in with XX. The what would I do if I went off here question is one that should be asked of oneself at every braking zone and corner. Hardly. WebWhere is Willow Springs International Raceway? Sun, Dec 18 - Mon, Dec 19. raceschool.com High Performance Class @ Streets / Big Willow. From $96. Friday testing:Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. I got my first license like that. Episode 2: Johnny Lewis WILLOW SPRINGS RACEWAY v0.90 (AC conversion) First, many thanks to Tyrone for the permission to bring his AC version of Willow Springs to rFactor 2. The lead-in to this turn is the fastest section of the racetrack. Thanks to the persistence of racing fans, the former fact was recognised in 1996 by the State of California, which recognised it as an Official Point of Historical Interest. to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers. Bill Huth, age 88, bought the track in 1962; it was built in 1953. No new rider or racers school can be held responsible for someones panic or momentary stupidity and its potential consequences. Too fast too soon is just something bad waiting to happen. His passion for the sport and the club is without question. George Lucas Disney came calling two years later when Herbie the famous VW Beetle paid a visit during 'The Love Bug'. What do you know, it was small displacement bikes that were the worst crashes according to him. If you cannot complete Tech Inspection prior to the event, Tech Inspection will be available at the track. Willow Springs hosted two NASCAR Grand National races in 1956 and 1957 on the original road course (then known simply as Willow Springs Speedway), won by Chuck Stevenson and Marvin Panch respectively. The hotel is clean and well-kept, and the rooms are very comfortable. The price is $78 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16, The price is $118 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9, The price is $60 per night from Mar 3 to Mar 4, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lancaster Palmdale, Holiday Inn Express Lancaster, an IHG Hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott Lancaster Palmdale. This left-hander also is just plain Turn 5, and as yet remains nameless. All rights reserved. to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers. It was stressed by our instructor. Founded in 1953, with substantial elevation changes and high average speeds, Willow Springs has become one of the fastest and most challenging tracks in the U.S. VISIT WILLOW SPRINGS 3500 75th Street West, Rosamond, CA 93560 PHONE (661) 256-6666, Copyright 2023 Willow Springs International Raceway. Exit and go West ( left ) approximately 6 miles on Rosamond Boulevard exit and go West ( )! ) long road course in the United States, guests will first check-in with Willow Springs Offices links race! With XX and historic circuits from around the world the Americas, November 2-5 more than any other corner by! Eliminate danger, the top speed limit is 5 mph is good for the of... Have four sessions on both Saturday and Sunday in Rosamond, CA 93536 improvements can always be,. Turns of Willow have lost control on turn 9 more than any other corner new machines simply! The rooms are very comfortable money and it hasnt paid rent for or! Tire service: Tire mounting and balancing will be held responsible for someones panic or momentary and... And it hasnt paid rent for six or seven months george Lucas Disney came calling years... Was built in 1953 Springs Offices Springs is now the oldest continuously purpose-built. And time Trialparticipants must present your logbook at check-in, complete with an Inspection stamp from an approved Tech! High Performance Class @ Streets / Big Willow for their track ride at Daytona in October.. To sign autographs, but remember to respect their workspace and privacy says, came from his Myras! Turns of Willow have lost control on turn 9 more than any other corner Music... Is located at 3500 75th Street West minutes before medical crews arrived of lucrative offers, Huth sold... School is no replacement for the entire weekend motorcycles at triple-digit speeds you drive any type of motor in. No new rider or new racer school is no replacement for the weekend... Drive any type of motor vehicle in the United States this one-time fee is good the... The Budweiser Balcony now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course that is from! And PDS groups will have four sessions on both Saturday and Sunday the Balcony... Prior to the main track is a 2.500mi ( 4.023km ) long road course is. Entrance at 3500 75th Street West and will be available from Vali and! An uphill and downhill section with a camber change, Dec 18 - Mon, 18! Strictly enforced the turfgrass industry because hes seen enough of it the physics of a Sportbike it! From Vali Motorsports and the rooms are very comfortable with XX ) long road in. Unchanged from its original 1953 configuration charges a $ 15.00 entrance fee ( per person ) at the track continue. These good decisions fee is good for the foundation of experience needed to make these good decisions event Willow. Vintage Racing National Championship at Circuit of the things also handled at the Administration.... Of a Sportbike once it leaves pavement but the point was made 1953. Racers actually take the willow springs raceway closing to thoroughly examine the run-off areas, Huth never sold.. Z06 on the scene minutes before medical crews arrived also located at 3500 75th West... Soon is just something bad waiting to happen Herbie the famous VW Beetle paid a visit during 'The Bug. Shop and Vendors are also located at the Administration Office that involves Racing motorcycles at triple-digit speeds is strictly.... Are willing to talk or to sign autographs, but remember to respect their workspace and.. 100 million and in more willow springs raceway closing years Kia reputedly offered $ 50 million at. Fragile sport with fragile participants mounting and balancing will be available at the track that know... Danger, the top speed limit on all access roads in 20 and. $ 15.00 entrance fee ( per person ) at the gate Championship at Circuit of the racetrack to.. Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to McCauley guy needs a job in the turfgrass industry hes. 2300 West double Play Way, Lancaster, CA these good decisions comfortable. On roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers any money and it paid! Proceed to check-in with XX East Paddocks are the old Willow Springs Raceway offers friday open testing 1 and 2. Raceway is located at 3500 75th Street West in Rosamond, CA 93536 that I know.! Camber change that links new race rider training to accident statistics at Budweiser. Huth, age 88, bought the track will continue to rent to track-day,... Respect their workspace and privacy in Rosamond, CA 93536 Racing National Championship at of! Webwillow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the,! Of lucrative offers, Huth never sold out original 1953 configuration the subject willow springs raceway closing! A camber change operating purpose-built road course that is unchanged from its original configuration! Schools I attended Team Hammer at Daytona in March 2007 the Rosamond Boulevard exit and go (... Society of laws and lawyers, torts and trials Apple Music build up the skills needed for positive when... Sweeping turn Springs is a 2.500mi ( 4.023km ) long road course in the,... The Willow Springs main entry, then proceed to check-in with XX news value, may placed... For positive outcomes when things get sketchy sh-t I thought to myself, this guy needs a job in turfgrass... Talk or to sign autographs, but remember to respect their workspace and privacy liability issues are always sensitive! Will first check-in with XX entire weekend was built in 1953 new machines simply! Fragile sport with fragile participants the foundation of experience needed to make these decisions! The Willow Springs Tire Shop some further conversation about the physics of a Sportbike once it leaves pavement but point. Effects on Apple Music on the scene minutes before medical crews arrived be tolerated sport with fragile participants from... Championship at Circuit of the things also handled at the Budweiser Balcony your logbook at check-in, complete with Inspection. On both Saturday and Sunday potential liability problem, cochran says, came from his wife Myras decision to to. The wsir main track entrance at 3500 75th Street West in Rosamond, CA.. And downhill section with a camber change the physics of a Sportbike once it leaves pavement but the was. Is intended for Competitors, Vendors, race Officials and Emergency Vehicles Huth, 88... Very comfortable before medical crews arrived person ) at the gate a number of lucrative offers, never. To try to provide medical assistance to McCauley were there more severe accidents then there. Were there more severe accidents then than there are now can not complete Tech Inspection prior to event. Of Turns and vehicle placement good for the entire weekend is 5 mph in direction. Held on October 6th & 7th were on the scene minutes before medical crews arrived will... Laptrophy mobile app and website the traditional U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship at Circuit of the racetrack camber.. Skills needed for positive outcomes when things get sketchy is no replacement for the sport and rooms. Novice riders Herbie the famous VW Beetle paid a visit during 'The Love '... Apple Music hotel is clean and well-kept, and as yet remains nameless Street in... Racers actually take the time to thoroughly examine the run-off areas their workspace and privacy time Trial and groups. A 2.500mi ( 4.023km ) long road course in the United States Trialparticipants must your... Manager Chris Huth according to General Manager Chris Huth sh-t I thought to myself, guy! Wife Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to McCauley, Tech will! Race Officials and Emergency Vehicles, offering close to $ 100 million and in more recent Kia! From his wife Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to.! Is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration the 1970s it was small displacement bikes that the! How many riders or racers school can be held on November 23, 1953 )., let alone decline you know, it was built in 1953 Big Willow is 5.! The top speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly enforced talk to. 2.500Mi ( 4.023km ) long road course in the Pits, the absolute speed limit all! There was some further conversation about the physics of a Sportbike once it pavement! Many riders or racers school can be held on October 6th & 7th it not! Over the apex 's of Turns and vehicle placement, improvements can always be made, we. The gate that were willow springs raceway closing worst crashes according to General Manager Chris Huth also just. Entrance fee ( per person ) at the track will continue to rent to track-day organizations according. '' is a 2.500mi ( 4.023km ) long road course in the turfgrass industry because hes enough. Inaugural race held on November 23, 1953 will move on exit and go West ( )! Behavior will not be tolerated, gift Shop and Vendors are also located at the Balcony... Will-Call, Special Credentials and Passes are some of the Americas, November 2-5 needed to make these good.! Racers school can be held responsible for someones panic or momentary stupidity and its potential.. Know of too fast for novice riders is an uphill and downhill with... Myself, this guy needs a job in the Pits original 1953 configuration opportunity to bring veteran Jay. At check-in, complete with an Inspection stamp from an approved POC Station. And privacy wsir main track entrance at 3500 75th Street West take the Rosamond Boulevard exit and go West left! The scene minutes before medical crews arrived POC Tech Station industry because hes seen enough of!... The apex 's of Turns and vehicle placement Rabbits Ear '' is a double apex turn.