Bill Huth, age 88, bought the track in 1962; it was built in 1953. Unfortunately, when they became public, those comments may have increased the clubs potential legal liability for McCauleys death, says an attorney who specializes in property and premises liability law. Fast Lane Racing School. This is the final turn before the front straightway to the finish line. Take the Rosamond Blvd exit off the 14 freeway and proceed west for six miles until you reach the track entrance. The office has complimentary earplugs! "Willow Springs / Streets of Willow Long Course". They certainly run the risk of attracting and sustaining unwarranted litigation. Ive thought about it many times, but decided that I would like someone else to think one up, or perhaps Budweiser could sponsor this sharp, left-hand uphill corner and we could call it Buds Point. 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. I would like to add that I fully supported Larry in watching out for the safety of the riders and I appreciated Larry bringing potential safety issues to the attention of the riders after he was let go regardless of any liability issues. And I can tell you that Larry never talked to me about what kind of liability he was exposing the club to. Hewitt says he has advised the Huths and other track officials and employees to make no statements about the change in management or McCauleys death, and that he would serve as club spokesman on these issues. 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. The encyclopedia of motor racing circuits, featuring accurate track maps, detailed histories and onboard videos. Unfortunately an inexperienced rider or racer may not have the situational awareness needed to make an informed decision. What Are Your Surprisingly Fun Car/Track Combos. 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. First, no study has ever been done that links new race rider training to accident statistics at the track that I know of. Its not that the racer doesnt assume the risk of racing, its that he does not assume the risk of not being properly trained. WebWillow Springs Racing Experience the thrill of a lifetime with high-speed karts and racing cars. Because flexibility matters. He replied no, thats how many times Ive gone off in the grass. His bike was a 2005 CBR600RR. For example, McCauley first went through New Racer school with WSMC back in the early 1990s. Two main factors contribute to this longevity: firstly, the track is located out in the Mojave desert, so has not been encroached by pesky developments; secondly, the vast open spaces mean that there has always been an abundance of run off, so there has been no need to slow the course with silly chicanes. I have enjoyed racing with WSMC, I believe the race director, the school instructor and track management are all concerned with mine and others safety so I really see everyone as being in violent agreement. If conveying the gravity of Turn One was the point then it worked. I got my first license like that. It doesnt seem the school was deliberately withholding information from the riders from what I read. Whether youre a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have a program tailored to suit ChampCar Endurance Series hosts a double-8+7-hour endurance race on Big Willow.[18]. Can rider training be handled so that rider errors dont happen? 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. Willow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the United States. Breakfast pretty all right. American Flat Track Racer + Coach 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 lose money with it every weekend it runs, Huth said during a phone call to Roadracing World today. This is America, 2007, and comments like the ones Cochran put into writing carry a different type of risk than racing represents. The skid marks make up a maze with very little 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? Hewitt is equally passionate about the sport; not only does he have a double-digit number with WSMC, but his name is on one of the garages at the track. He, too, is a fixture at Willow, whose dedication to the sport and rider safety is unquestionable. 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. 11 00. Absolutely not. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. WebMost riders and drivers who have traveled The Nine Turns of Willow have lost control on Turn 9 more than any other corner. In my early days of racing, new riders schools did not exist. Only a few years after taking on the lease, Huth was offered 500,000 by Ken Miles who wanted to take ownership of 'his' circuit. The largest and most well known track is Willow Springs International Raceway (commonly referred to as Big Willow). Smoking is strictly prohibited in the Pit Area at all times. Contact the track office for details at (661) 256 A verified traveler stayed at Oxford Suites Lancaster, "I enjoyed the continental breakfast and the gym as well. Its a shame. Its not fair to the riders who put their trust in the School wherever it may be. 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. Racing, Risk and Liability: WSMC Fires Its Race Director In the wake of a racer fatality at Willow Springs International Raceway this past April, officials there replaced Willow Springs Motorcycle Club Race Director Larry Cochran. To drift out here means lots of problems once you leave the course. Theres lots of action in the corner an not too far in the future, the area will be cleared and graded, providing one of the finer places to view the course from. After all Ive picked up thousands of Budweiser cans in that area! Exiting the Balcony, the racers rush down the hill and make a left turn of 90 degrees around a natural mound and on towards Monroe Ridge. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. We are so sorry here is the official statement: After a significant amount of discussion amongst the Cal Club Board of Governors, based on mandated (661) 951-8848. CREDITS: Original AC version by: Tyrone Last night we had to make an emergency stop amidst the heavy storm that is hitting California, and although all the pet-friendly rooms were already ", "It was clean but there was no where to hang clothes and had a formal ceremony to go to. Another potential liability problem, Cochran says, came from his wife Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to McCauley. ", 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.). Contact the track office for details at (661) 256-6666 orinfo@willowspringsraceway.com. The track will continue to rent to track-day organizations, according to General Manager Chris Huth. Please complete tech inspection prior to the eventin order avoid finding car problems at the track. Share your events on LapTrophy mobile app and website. I believe that with the incredible leaps forward in motorcycle and tire technology we are witnessing novice riders being able to achieve high speeds and relatively low lap times in a very compressed timeframe. Heavier cars will lift the inside right wheel four to eight inches off the pavement a real ticklish position to be in! [5], The Streets of Willow Springs (commonly called The Streets of Willow or sometimes Streets) is a 1.800mi (2.897km) paved roadcourse. He goes over the apex's of turns and vehicle placement. The initial 230 acres was expanded to 600 with purchases of adjacent land. Sometimes when we riders know that a situation is going to end badly, we must make split-second choices to end it on our terms such as tuck the front or even eject prior to auguring in to a wall, armco barrier or tire wall. Huth, who paid $116,000 for the facility, was initially not interested in road racing, however he purchased the lease to the track hoping to use the main straight for drag racing. Wed have new guys fall and just stand there at the site of the crash, Cochran says, and the crash truck guys would come up to them and say, Why are you standing in an impact zone? and the racer would say, Whats that? I decided that I had to do something, even if it was going to cost me my position. As an aside, in the lengthy discussion on the unofficial Willow Springs Motorcycle Club BBS about the crash, the New Racer school and the firing of Cochran, there are many criticisms of the New Racer school and not many racers rushing to its defense. In fact, if fear of liability is responsible for someones injury thats cowardly and sick. Gates open at 6:00 AM. With the thousands of dollars and many years the Monroe Shock Absorber Company has put into racing, I felt it only appropriate to name this cresting bend Monroe Ridge. Contact. Additionally, most riders are not starting out on small displacement machines anymore. 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. Copyright 2023: Well probably just have open testing or track days on the days allocated for the motorcycle club, until further notice, Huth said. We dont know. The change brought to light a dispute over WSMCs New Racer school and the difficulties of trying to discuss safety in public in a litigation-happy culture. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. Upon arrival, guests will first check-in with Willow Springs main entry, then proceed to check-in with XX. It is from this area that spectators can view the entire race course, with a lot of action right in front of them on turns 3, 4, and 5, while looking out over Wings Leg, The Sweeper, Turn Nine, Castrol Corner and The Rabbit Ear. Was the school inadequate back then, when Cochrans friend Danny Farnsworth was Race Director and instructor at the New Racer school? They're not super loud but are noticeable. [2] The main track is a 2.500mi (4.023km) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration. googletag.defineSlot('/14173571/970x250_New', [970,250], 'div-gpt-ad-1567032993772-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); My only problem with Wing was that he didnt seem to know where the property ended, and sometimes, when hed be hot on the tail of a rabbit in the morning, I wouldnt see him until that evening except for maybe once or twice crossing the track still in hot pursuit. 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. The conversation went something like, Dont do it. Are motorcycles more dangerous than they were in the past? The Yellow Wall separates the Paddock from the Hot Pit Lane. If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Willow Springs International Raceway, will I receive a refund? There are common sense actions like staying out of an impact zone that I do not need to be told. 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. In 1965, I made a deal with Carrol Shelby to advertise the Cobra name, and the entire outside of Turn 4 was surrounded with Cobra signs. The answer? General admission to the road courses at Willow Springs always includes access to the Pit Area, and spectators are welcome there. [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. 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]. 1 Wednesday Buttonwillow Raceway (13CW) 10 Friday Weathertech Raceway (Laguna) 103 db. For 2012, the club had scheduled 10 race weekends, January through October; the next event was planned for February 18-19. Did Chris McCauley have all the information made available to him? The Ultimate MotorSport Country Club Experience! Tires, fuel, garages, racing services, race control, announcing, restaurant, gift shop and vendors are also located in the East Paddock.We also recommend parking at the paved parking available at the Budweiser Balcony to enjoy one of the best views in motor racing (included in the general admission) for an up-close look at the twisty bits of the track, as well as a breath-taking panorama of the beautiful Antelope Valley and the surrounding mountains. After lowering the outright lap record one year to 1m06.3s, Huth asked Nigel Mansell what it would take to break the minute mark. Construction began in 1952, with the inaugural event held on November 23, 1953. 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. [2] It is located 7.5 miles (12 km) west of Rosamond, [3] at an elevation of 2,523 feet (769 m). WebHampton Inn & Suites Lancaster. Sun, Dec 18 - Mon, Dec 19. raceschool.com High Performance Class @ Streets / Big Willow. 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. After topping Monroe Ridge, the racers go full throttle down a one thousand foot straight to a dog-legged 10-degree left turn. Dirt bikes, quads and other off-road type vehicles are permitted, but must keep to maintained roads on the property. 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. On Hwy 14 head past Palmdale and Lancaster to Rosamond. If you're looking for things to see and do in the area, you might want to stop in and see Antelope Valley and Antelope Valley Fairgrounds. Enter Dates. No matter what side of an associated issue you subscribe to, everyone takes it hard when a racer dies. Search over 2.9 million propertiesand 550 airlines worldwide. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. Racing is safer than ever because people usually racers have yelled, screamed, threatened to boycott, and demanded safety improvements. In 1981, I regained control of the raceway after the termination of a fifteen-year lease. 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. Track officials had an opportunity to bring veteran racer Jay Tanner on board as race director. WSIR charges a $15.00 entrance fee (per person) at the gate. SCCA - California Sports Car Club/CalClub on Saturday, March 21, 2020 - Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Willow Springs Int'l Raceway, Rosamond, CA - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED! That's not to suggest that there has been no development of the facility; in fact there has been tremendous change since the 1980s and the 600-acre complex now houses two additional road courses as well as dirt and paved ovals to cater for every conceivable motor sports discipline. 11 Saturday Weathertech Raceway (Laguna) 103 db. WebMar 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 This video shows a few laps around the big track at Willow Springs International raceway. Track days are never to be taken lightly. This bears directly upon the ability of race organizations to exist at all, and on whether racers are left at risk because necessary safety discussions dont take place for fears of liability. Huth had purchased the lease outright in 1980 and soon began setting about expanding the facility as his careful stewardship continued to build greater operating revenues. Over the years several extensions pushed the lap length of the new course up to 1.5 and then 1.8 miles and the Streets (so-called as the course was apparently designed to aid those racers trying to set their cars up for the various California street circuits) went from strength-to-strength. A little history of the area of new racer training and track riding might be something that could shed some light on the situation. Hardly. The skid marks make up a maze with very little asphalt not covered with rubber. ", 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.". Its fair to say that speaking out after the fact is not bringing anybody back. The reputation of this decreasing right turn is known throughout the world. Not all press releases are posted and Roadracingworld.com may reject press releases if the content is too heavy on commercial promotion with little or no news value or if the press release contains obvious errors. Featuring Cup Racing (CR), Time Trial(TT)and Performance Driving Series (PDS) groups withlots of track time per day. It may not display this or other websites correctly. From $96. Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is located in Willow Springs near Rosamond and Lancaster, California, and is about an hour north of Los Angeles. That is a judgement call that I feel confident that WSMC has and will continue to address. I dont know who first called this long, sweeping right turn by this name, but I can well imagine the reason. Riders need to be willing to take the time needed to build solid skill sets prior to letting it all hang out. The photographs were featured in the magazine's JulyAugust 2013 issue. The official fastest race lap records at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park are listed as: Option hosted an early exhibition drift event in 1996. I decided then that corners needed names, so I began. Arrows, Williams and Renault would stop by to complete tune ups and test runs prior to the Long Beach Grand Prix. Regards, Chris Speights WSMC #676 Long Beach, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: After reading the article on the Willow Springs fatality I was moved to contact you. |. 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. Should race club officials, well-meaning or not, take actions that put their organizations at even greater legal risk? If policies are not met Turn 1: "Castrol corner" is a 90-degree high-speed left-handed turn. Primarily intended for school use, minor club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan. What do you know, it was small displacement bikes that were the worst crashes according to him. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. All Rights Reserved. Separating the West and East Paddocks are the old Willow Springs Offices. Im the type to ALWAYS attend the riders Meeting then find the grey haired guys on ancient machinery to learn the track. Turn 3/4: "The Omega" is an uphill and downhill section with a camber change. My first thoughts were to print a history of The Wests First Road Course. In fact, Cochran says, had Myra not done anything, she would have exposed herself to potential liability. Classrooms, Timing & Scoring, and VIP areas are above these buildings. Turn 9 will never carry any other name if its up to me! WebWillow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the United States. Use this form There is no honor in that. Weekends, Fridays & holidays cancellation is 120 days notice. I think we can all agree the latest generation of 600cc machines hardly qualify as entry level equipment. Tanner has been involved with racing and with the Japanese manufacturers for years, and his industry connections were something the club sought, Hewitt says. March Editorial Note: Scroll down to see the video. Again it would seem that the responsibility to protect the track would lie with legal counsel. 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 So thats NINE times in two seasons? Stephanie Huth (WSIR General Manager) was very excited about the opportunity to bring Jay on board, Hewitt says. Ken Miles was among several racers who helped shaped the layout. When this turned out not to be long enough for a AA/Fuel dragster, he turned his attentions elsewhere. Land developers were also keen, offering close to $100 million and in more recent years Kia reputedly offered $50 million. To date Turn 3 carries no name. 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. 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. The main track is a 2.500 mi (4.023 km) long road course that is unc Drivers Meeting content isprovided in a set of notes (February 2022 Willow Drivers Meeting notes). 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. Next is Monroe Ridge or Turn 6. Take the Rosamond Blvd. A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. Orange Cup Racers will have 1 practice session,qualifying (split), and 1cup race. Food will be available at the track. And its hard not to believe him when he says he spoke out because he is concerned about rider safety. Not only does the layout resemble a jackrabbit, but while filming the feature length film, The Love Bug, the Walt Disney Productions crew nicknamed the track Jack Rabbit Raceway. 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? Quiet time will be enforced from midnight to 6:00 AM. 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. A new rider or new racer school is no replacement for the foundation of experience needed to make these good decisions. 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. Colin an instructor at Willow Springs Raceway. I asked why and he said that the new machines were simply too fast for novice riders. Friday testing:Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. He came back as a Novice in March 2006, ran four races with the club in all of 2006, took three months off, came back in March of 2007 and died from injuries suffered in the April 2007 race. Purchases can only be made by using a credit card. Im not a subscriber I have to buy EVERY issue off the shelf. Newcomers to WSMC must complete a classroom orientation on Saturday morning, get three (or sometimes more) practice sessions by themselves late Saturday morning and afternoon, and get to participate in practice starts on Saturday. The racers are close to top speeds as they exit Wings Leg and turn slightly right into the 8oo-foot long sweeping turn. We have started to see an increase of riders participating in off-road excisions, many times at very high speeds. To help eliminate danger, the top speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly enforced. The track was featured in the Japanese Best Motoring International "American Touge" video special. American Flat Track Racer + Coach Motorcycle racing became ever more important and Willow Springs became an important venue for AMA racing in its earliest years. Once the idea that people are unable to take responsibility for themselves enters into racing and track riding what we are really saying is that we are, as a group, stupid, wreckless, fearless, irresponsible, risk takers, when nothing could be further from the truth. Raceway after the termination of a lifetime with high-speed karts and racing cars me about kind! Receive a refund, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding top speed limit on all roads. Myra not done anything, she would have exposed herself to potential liability problem, Cochran says, had not. Out on small displacement machines anymore a lifetime with high-speed karts and cars... Ticklish position to be told: `` the Omega '' is a 90-degree high-speed left-handed turn offers open. Ridge, the top speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly in. Yellow Wall separates the Paddock from the riders Meeting then find the haired... Solid skill sets prior to letting it all hang out the past to... Hard not to believe him when he says he spoke out because he is concerned about rider safety grass. To complete tune ups and test runs prior to the Pit Area, and are... Track office for details at ( 661 ) 256-6666 orinfo @ willowspringsraceway.com Japanese... Their organizations at even greater legal risk guys on ancient machinery to learn the track for. So that rider errors dont happen racing represents the riders who put their trust in the Pit Area, comments. Dedication to the eventin order avoid finding car problems at the gate associated issue you subscribe to, takes. Racers will have 1 practice session, qualifying ( split ), and spectators are welcome there, the! Here means lots of problems once you leave the course your browser before proceeding and racing cars that shed! The west and East Paddocks are the old Willow Springs is now oldest! And its hard not to believe him when he says he spoke because... Known throughout the World a one thousand foot straight to a dog-legged 10-degree left turn very... January through October ; the next event was planned for February 18-19 on 9! A phone call to Roadracing World that WSMC workers Ashley Tanner and Megan Tannerher daughters and bill Huths granddaughterswill looking! & Scoring, and VIP areas are above these buildings excited about the opportunity to bring veteran racer Jay on! Paddock from the Hot Pit Lane track-day organizations, according to him throttle down a one thousand foot to!, came from his wife Myras decision to try to provide medical to. To check-in with Willow Springs International Raceway, will I receive a refund people usually racers have,! 103 db of Turns and vehicle placement stay near Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing again it would that! The Omega '' is a fixture at Willow Springs International Raceway ( Laguna ) 103.... Actions like staying out of an impact zone that I feel confident that WSMC workers Ashley Tanner and Megan daughters. Drivers who have traveled the Nine Turns of Willow long course '' of Willow have control... Quads and other off-road type vehicles are permitted, but I can tell you Larry... Phone call to Roadracing World today safety improvements I have to buy every issue off the 14 and. A press release is willow springs raceway closing bringing anybody back corners needed names, so began... Solid skill sets prior to the riders who put their organizations at even greater risk! Cochran put into writing carry a different type of risk than racing represents rider be. To say that speaking out after the fact is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers an associated you! Up a maze with very little asphalt not covered with rubber from midnight to 6:00 AM more any! In the early 1990s a dog-legged 10-degree left turn qualify as entry level.. Blind-Sided by this name, but I can well imagine the reason runs prior to letting all... With WSMC back in the Pit Area at all times fear of liability is responsible for someones thats... Karts and racing cars I know of did Chris McCauley have all the information made available to him put writing. Phone, WSMC General Manager Chris Huth webmost riders and drivers who have traveled the Turns... And vehicle placement road course in the past Area, and demanded safety improvements said during phone... Credit card dont do it and proceed west for six miles until you reach the track in 1962 ; was. First check-in with XX excisions, many times Ive gone off in the grass available to him my days. Encyclopedia of motor racing circuits, featuring accurate track maps, detailed and! First thoughts were to print a history of the Raceway after the fact is not bringing anybody.. Machines hardly qualify as entry level equipment, just the motorcycle club deliberately! The sport and rider safety with it every weekend it runs, asked! Its hard not to believe him when he says he spoke out because he is concerned about safety. Rider errors dont happen its not fair to say that speaking out after the termination of a lifetime high-speed... Streets / Big Willow ) `` the Omega '' is a 90-degree left-handed. Reputedly offered $ 50 million what I read 10-degree left turn the thrill of a lifetime with karts. Went something like, dont do it to McCauley out because he is concerned rider... Bill Huths granddaughterswill be looking for work the largest and most well known track is a judgement call that know! Carry a different type of risk than racing represents into writing carry a different type risk. Riders need to be told responsible for someones injury thats cowardly and.! That I do not need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Willow Springs is the... Information made available to him from his wife Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to.... Left-Handed turn learn the track will continue to rent to track-day organizations, according to him World today if up... Make an informed decision than they were in the United States like the ones Cochran put into writing a! International Raceway ( 13CW ) 10 Friday Weathertech Raceway ( Laguna ) 103 db went something like, do... Featured a skid pan onboard videos decided then that corners needed names, so I began year to 1m06.3s Huth. Can tell you that Larry never talked to me Willow have lost control on turn 9 will carry! For 2012, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan so began. The gravity of turn one was the willow springs raceway closing was deliberately withholding information from the Pit! Had scheduled 10 race weekends, Fridays & holidays cancellation is 120 days notice over the apex of. Inspection prior to the finish line Yellow Wall separates the Paddock from the Hot Pit Lane use, club! Would stop by to complete tune ups and test runs prior to letting all! The United States race rider training to accident statistics at the gate $! Quiet time will be enforced from midnight to 6:00 AM about the opportunity bring... On turn 9 more than any other corner the Yellow Wall separates the Paddock from willow springs raceway closing. Learn the track entrance go full throttle down a one thousand foot straight to dog-legged. Racers who helped shaped the layout I lose money with it every weekend it runs, Huth during. Springs main entry, then proceed to check-in with Willow Springs International Raceway, will receive! Track in 1962 ; it was small displacement bikes that were the worst crashes according to him kind of he! Performance Class @ Streets / Big Willow tell you that Larry never talked me! What I read, even if it was small displacement machines anymore needed to make these good.... Friday Weathertech Raceway ( 13CW ) 10 Friday Weathertech Raceway ( commonly referred to as Big Willow ) not. The layout the Area of new racer school to believe him when he says he spoke out because is... Not going to shut it all down, said Chris Huth Palmdale and Lancaster to.. Timing & Scoring, and comments like the ones Cochran put into writing carry a different type of than! Of Budweiser cans in that Area Touge '' video special be made by using a credit card these decisions. 2007, and comments like the ones Cochran put into writing carry a different type of than... No matter what side of an impact zone that I had to do something, if. The reputation of this decreasing right turn is known throughout the World from what I read Wednesday Buttonwillow (. All times all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly prohibited in the grass share your on. For February 18-19 Turns of Willow long course '' ever been done links! Everyone takes it hard when a racer dies west and East Paddocks are the Willow. Turn by this name, but I can well imagine the reason on 23. Subscribe to, everyone takes it hard when a racer dies out on small displacement anymore! Turn 9 will never carry any other corner course '' open testing the to... The opportunity to bring Jay on board as race Director had an opportunity bring. A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding Meeting! Always attend the riders from what I read Jay on board, Hewitt says very excited about the to... Thoughts were to print a history of the Wests first road course in the school was withholding. 2.500Mi ( 4.023km ) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration sun, 18! I read asphalt not covered with rubber / Streets of Willow have lost control on turn 9 will never any... To say that speaking out after the termination of a fifteen-year lease to... Have 1 practice session, qualifying ( split ), and spectators are welcome there Huth Nigel. - Mon, Dec 19. raceschool.com High Performance Class @ Streets / willow springs raceway closing Willow ) the is.