At the time I figured it would be appropriate to name it Cobra something or other, but never did. Ken Miles was among several racers who helped shaped the layout. While sitting in the office in January 1982, I looked up the hillside at Turn 4 and thought to myself that spectating from up there is just like watching from a balcony so The Balcony it was, from that day forward. Turn 3/4: "The Omega" is an uphill and downhill section with a camber change. Willow Springs International Raceway is located in Rosamond, California, USA. They certainly run the risk of attracting and sustaining unwarranted litigation. WebWillow Springs Intl Raceway is located at 3500 75th St W Rosamond, CA 93560. An adult must always directly supervise small children, and pets must be kept on leashes & under physical supervision at all times. See properties with amenities to help you work comfortably, like WiFi and breakfast. Theyll have those places to go and run, so thats OK, Huth said. No one can say with any certainty. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Primarily intended for school use, minor club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan. You can easily spend a leisurely day seeing the sights and exploring what the area has to offer. It was an unfortunate sequence of events that happened and there were clearly some communication issues between various parties, but I look forward to continued and safe racing at Willow Springs and I wish the best of luck to Larry and Myra, and to Jay as the new Race Director. George Lucas Disney came calling two years later when Herbie the famous VW Beetle paid a visit during 'The Love Bug'. to the WSIR main track entrance at 3500 75th Street West. The initial 230 acres was expanded to 600 with purchases of adjacent land. As for my choice to spectate from, it would be from the outside of Turn 8, The Sweeper where the fast action is. WebWillow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the United States. There are very few choices if one does decide to go the small displacement route. Maybe only the word terrible could be added. January. 6 // Sunday // Buttonwillow Raceway (13CW) In 1966 a USC student captured a qualifying attempt by racer and Cobra Daytona designer Pete Brock in a Lotus sportscar in the short film '1:42:08'. On Saturday, Red Cup Racers will have 1practice session, qualifying (split), and 1 cup race. It seems that advising the riders he watched over for many years was the good Samaritan thing to do and I thank him. American Flat Track Racer + Coach My point is this was a safety issue. Also the cleanliness of the place. Registration at the track will open at 6:30 AM and close just before the mandatory drivers meeting at 7:30AM. Additionally, most riders are not starting out on small displacement machines anymore. A third road course the Horse Thief Mile was added in 2003 and features a canyon-like layout complete with significant elevation changes. Post an event Want to share your trackdays calendar on Willow Springs? 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 returned for their track ride at Daytona in March 2007. McCauley had raced for a brief period with Willow Springs Motorcycle Club in 1993 and 1994, track officials say, before taking a 12-year hiatus. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. Episode 2: Johnny Lewis googletag.pubads().set('adsense_background_color', '#000'); By car from Los Angeles, the circuit can be reached by taking I-5 North to Highway 14 North. 16 00. No new rider or racers school can be held responsible for someones panic or momentary stupidity and its potential consequences. If there is a suit or a claim, the family or estate will claim that the racer wasnt trained adequately, that he did not assume the risk that he would not be trained adequately. 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. Heavier cars will lift the inside right wheel four to eight inches off the pavement a real ticklish position to be in! Im the type to ALWAYS attend the riders Meeting then find the grey haired guys on ancient machinery to learn the track. This video shows a few laps around the big track at Willow Springs International raceway. Before this I did track days at VIR, CMP, and Jennings with various organizations. Then another from a Chinese consortium for $13 million. Instead, to expand capacity, a second road course was constructed alongside it, known as the 'Streets of Willow Springs'. This left-hander also is just plain Turn 5, and as yet remains nameless. In the film's plot, Willow Springs was transformed into "Jackrabbit Springs" Riverside and Laguna Seca also feature in the film, albeit as themselves! Registration will beavailable Saturday morning and Sunday morningat John Momeyer's trailer in the West Paddock. Andretti completed a lap of the 2.500mi (4.023km) main track in 1 minute 6.050 seconds, for an average speed of 136 miles per hour (219km/h).[13]. March Editorial Note: Scroll down to see the video. HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES Roadracing World Magazine | Motorcycle Riding, Racing & Tech News, North America Talent Cup: 2023 Season Cancelled, Harley-Davidson Introduces New 130-HP, Street-Legal Crate Engine, MotoAmerica: Drag Specialties Posts $67,000 In Contingency In KOTB, Pipe Dreams Podcast (And Video) Episode Two: AFT Racer Johnny Lewis, Video: Husqvarna Launches Norden 901 Expedition Adventure Tourer. Only experience will build up the skills needed for positive outcomes when things get sketchy. WebWillow Springs Stadium at Willow Springs International Raceway. Photography: Luis Vivar is providing POC with photographs this weekend and is preselling packages atLuna Pics - Presale. ChampCar Endurance Series hosts a double-8+7-hour endurance race on Big Willow.[18]. It is possible for a capable car or motorcycle to exceed 160mph on the front straightway. Contact the track office for details at (661) 256-6666 or [emailprotected] On Saturday, Red Cup Racers will have 1 practice session, qualifying (split), and 1 cup race. You are using an out of date browser. Turn 1: "Castrol corner" is a 90-degree high-speed left-handed turn. Orange Cup Racers will have 1 practice session,qualifying (split), and 1cup race. In addition to watching out for pedestrians and street vehicles, you have to keep in mind that race vehicles may have limited visibility, so give them plenty of room. A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. Share your events on LapTrophy mobile app and website. 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. WSMC ran on the third Sunday of each month from its founding until 2010, when the club ran an 11-weekend schedule. ", Huth passed away aged 91 in May 2015 but the track remains in family ownership, with his two sons and two daughters continuing the family tradition "because it's what dad wanted us to do.". the public about an event, product, or service from the issuers own point of view, and if deemed "Willow Springs / Streets of Willow Long Course". My corner-by-corner guide to Willow Springs Raceway - YouTube Purchases can only be made by using a credit card. The circuit passed into the ownership of Bill Huth in 1962, starting a long period of family ownership which continues to the present day. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 3500 75th Street West Rosamond, CA If you drive any type of motor vehicle in the Pits, the absolute speed limit is 5 mph. Cochran says he felt bound to speak out; but the program and the track that comments like his potentially endangered do not belong to him. WebWillow Springs Stadium at Willow Springs International Raceway. The process that led to Tanner replacing Cochran began unfolding after McCauley, 45, died in a last-race, last-lap crash in the Open Novice race at the WSMC event in April. After topping Monroe Ridge, the racers go full throttle down a one thousand foot straight to a dog-legged 10-degree left turn. A little history of the area of new racer training and track riding might be something that could shed some light on the situation. Was the school inadequate back then, when Cochrans friend Danny Farnsworth was Race Director and instructor at the New Racer school? The main track is a 2.500 mi (4.023 km) long road course that is unc Tip: You can also find the best local restaurants and deals on other nearby attractions by clicking on the logo in the top left of the map. The layout is built for speed, but combines speed with turns and elevation changes to offer a unique challenge. Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. All rights reserved. As one of the largest track day providers in the USA, Sportbike Track Time, we are able to witness the progression of many thousands of riders annually. Simply put: What will liability concerns do to the free, open discussion of rider safety and the ability to race in the first place in the future? When a post is labeled with the words press release, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Anytime if you have a potential defendant admitting, yeah, boy, Im really not sure we trained this guy right well, if a client asked me if they should make such a public statement, Id advise them against it, says Bob Armstrong, lawyer and partner at Demler, Armstrong & Rowland, LLP, a Long Beach, California law firm which defends companies against liability claims and lawsuits. Well have to give it back to them. Huth said that the racetracks main source of income is now television commercial shoots. Track information and event schedules are available here. Whether youre a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have a program tailored to suit Contact the track office for details at (661) 256 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. 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. When a post is labeled with the words press release, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. 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. He, too, is a fixture at Willow, whose dedication to the sport and rider safety is unquestionable. The answer? Rosamond is home to Willow Springs International Raceway. Willow Springs has been used for filming for numerous motion pictures including 1:42:08: A Man and His Car, the 1969 Disney film The Love Bug and Ford v Ferrari (Le Mans '66). You must log in or register to reply here. Were not going to shut it all down, said Chris Huth, just the motorcycle club. Reached by phone, WSMC General Manager Stephanie Huth said Were all blind-sided by this. Stephanie Huth told Roadracing World that WSMC workers Ashley Tanner and Megan Tannerher daughters and Bill Huths granddaughterswill be looking for work. Take the Rosamond Boulevard exit and go west (left) approximately 6 miles on Rosamond Boulevard to the main track entrance. How many riders or racers actually take the time to thoroughly examine the run-off areas? The official fastest race lap records at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park are listed as: Option hosted an early exhibition drift event in 1996. There are common sense actions like staying out of an impact zone that I do not need to be told. Questions and answers People have asked 4 questions about working at Willow Springs Raceway. He goes over the apex's of turns and vehicle placement. The reputation of this decreasing right turn is known throughout the world. She argued that because she carries her own insurance, the club was protected, and that the states Good Samaritan law which essentially requires qualified medical personnel to help the injured in times of emergency required her to act. 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. Wings Leg is undoubtedly the fastest bend on the raceway. Contact the track office for details at (661) 256-6666 orinfo@willowspringsraceway.com. Colin an instructor at Willow Springs Raceway. Furthermore, Hewitt says, Larry had the authority to manage the club and did not do so. Cochran is a longtime club manager and a longtime racer, a class Champion whose thundering Honda Ascot Single is a fixture on the track. The track will continue to rent to track-day organizations, according to General Manager Chris Huth. Would there have been fewer accidents if there had been new riders schools back then? If you say "Yes", we will be able to send you text messages at the track when we have schedule changes or other items of general interest. Directions: I-5 North to Highway 14 North;go northpast Palmdale and Lancaster to Rosamond, CA. Reckless, abusive, or dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. North from the administration office is the Hot Pit area. The office has complimentary earplugs! Take the Rosamond Blvd. The incident brought to light a simmering dispute among club members as to the adequacy of the clubs New Racer school. WebWillow Springs Raceway General Information When you visit Willow Springs International Raceway, The fastest Road in the West, remember that your interest in motor sports is How sweet that smell was! 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. Speeding, off-road activity, spinning tires and other acts of this nature will be cause for anyone to be asked to leave the premises without a refund. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. Sadly experience isnt rolling out with them and seriously injured or dead isnt sexy or fun at all. Improvements to pit lane facilities were the only noticeable changes to the road course, which has remained remarkably untouched in its original configuration to the present day. Instead, to expand capacity, a second road course was constructed alongside it, known as the 'Streets of Willow Springs'. McCauley was thrown over the fence surrounding the track. But Armstrong says the waivers could be challenged on the grounds that an inadequate training program exposes a racer to a level of risk that he or she did not agree to. He mentions safety rules and race etiquette. There are a total of seven tracks at Willow Springs. [4], Willow Springs Raceway (commonly called Big Willow or sometimes The Big Track) is a 2.500mi (4.023km) paved road course consisting of 9 turns. Good luck to the Team for the remainder of the season. North from the Administration Office will take you to the Hot Pit area. This is America, 2007, and comments like the ones Cochran put into writing carry a different type of risk than racing represents. Additionally, as Larry was no longer an employee of WSMC when some public statements were made, it seems that a Non-Disclosure Agreement should have been in place prior to his release if statements by him can adversely affect the liability of the track. Should the rider have been warned that if he gave it too much gas at low speed and it highsided him and punched a hole in his body he could die? And obviously, personalities get involved in any debate over something as emotional as the death of a fellow racer. Planning a visit to Willow Springs? Separating the West and East Paddocks are the old Willow Springs Offices. That is a judgement call that I feel confident that WSMC has and will continue to address. Fast Lane Racing School. Take the Rosamond Blvd exit off the 14 freeway and proceed west for six miles until you reach the track entrance. When you visit Willow Springs International Raceway, The fastest Road in the West, remember that your interest in motor sports is what keeps our wheels turning, and its our sincere wish that youll enjoy the races and your visit here.The staff at Willow Springs Motor sports Park does its best to provide visitors with a clean and safe environment. To date Turn 3 carries no name. |. Be prepared to dry camp. WebClose product quick view Title Daves mission is to ensure that every motorcyclist anywhere in the world gets the fundamental information needed to understand the basics of their own motorcycles suspension. Like it or not, we live in a society of laws and lawyers, torts and trials. Its a shame. Mod 3/20/09 3:00 PM. Huth politely declined the offer saying he "hadn't had it long enough yet". Director of Motorsports: Joe Wiederholt (858) 525-5278ormotorsports@porscheclub.com, Club President: John Momeyer (661) 478-9561or president@porscheclub.com, Chief Driving Instructor: Dwain Dement 949-633-9455 or 949-770-2888 cdi@porscheclub.com, Competition Director: John Momeyer(661) 478-9561 cd@porscheclub.com. General admission to the road courses at Willow Springs always includes access to the Pit Area, and spectators are welcome there.