willow springs raceway closing

Hardly. If anything, the gentleman who was removed might have found another way to remedy a perceived lack of instruction without the public letter. When those failed, racers have banded together to improve their own lot. He goes over the apex's of turns and vehicle placement. The track goes hot at 8:00 AM. [2] The main track is a 2.500mi (4.023km) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration. 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. Please keep this road clear. To date Turn 3 carries no name. 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. By John Ulrich Willow Springs International Raceway owner Bill Huth has closed down the track's motorcycle race sanctioning body, Willow Springs The original intention was to create a copy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, but space constraints resulted in the more complicated road-course configuration. I would like to point out that when the tracks legal representative makes a public statement regarding the lack of legal guidance to a current or past employee, he is really indicting the tracks own policies and procedures. The racers are close to top speeds as they exit Wings Leg and turn slightly right into the 8oo-foot long sweeping turn. 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. 3500 75th Street West Rosamond, CA See properties that pledge to make all guests feel safe, welcome, and respected. Do not cross over this wall without permission, and never sit or stand on it. It was stressed by our instructor. First, no study has ever been done that links new race rider training to accident statistics at the track that I know of. Another potential liability problem, Cochran says, came from his wife Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to McCauley. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. All rights reserved. Stephanie Huth (WSIR General Manager) was very excited about the opportunity to bring Jay on board, Hewitt says. Are the New Racers being made aware of where they run out of run-off room? googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); Bill Huth, age 88, bought the track in 1962; it was built in 1953. 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. Given that legal scenario, club officials may have felt the best way to limit their legal exposure was to distance themselves from Larry and Myra Cochran. When I try to run a race weekend at Big Willow, the AI cars never leave the pits. This situational awareness can prevent a serious (or worse) injury. Most sit in place with their engines revving, one car will move and immediately crash into the pit wall. 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. 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. 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. It is possible for a capable car or motorcycle to exceed 160mph on the front straightway. When this turned out not to be long enough for a AA/Fuel dragster, he turned his attentions elsewhere. to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers. Or was he ignored and pushed to do so out of desperation? 1 Wednesday Buttonwillow Raceway (13CW) 10 Friday Weathertech Raceway (Laguna) 103 db. Camping: Motor home camping will be permitted on Friday and Saturday nights. 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. Turn 2: "The Rabbits Ear" is a double apex sweeping turn. A great challenge for me and part of the blame on S.Victor for encouraging me to do this conversion (the truth is that he helps me a lot). Unfortunately an inexperienced rider or racer may not have the situational awareness needed to make an informed decision. Episode 2: Johnny Lewis Willow Springs Raceway Careers and Employment Reviews Gate Guard in Rosamond, CA 93560 4.0 on August 8, 2016 General Maintenance in Rosamond, CA 4.0 What would you say about your employer? For all anyone knows, new race riders schools, no matter how thorough, may have made statistics worse. Dont quote me on that. 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. 3500 75th Street West Rosamond, CA The track was featured in the Japanese Best Motoring International "American Touge" video special. Take the Rosamond Blvd exit off the 14 freeway and proceed west for six miles until you reach the track entrance. Before this I did track days at VIR, CMP, and Jennings with various organizations. 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 Contact the track office for details at (661) 256-6666 orinfo@willowspringsraceway.com. He replied no, thats how many times Ive gone off in the grass. His bike was a 2005 CBR600RR. 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. |. 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. The Yellow Wall separates the Paddock from the Hot Pit Lane. Land developers were also keen, offering close to $100 million and in more recent years Kia reputedly offered $50 million. Efforts by fans resulted in the State of California declaring Willow Springs International Raceway as a California Point of Historical Interest in 1996. Each time Huth said no, reasoning: "What would I do with all that money anyway? I got my first license like that. To help eliminate danger, the top speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly enforced. Amezcua died after a collision with another motorcycle knocked him down and then he was struck by a following motorcycle. Sportscars and motorcycles have been the mainstay of racing at Willow Springs over the years, with the California Sports Car Club organising its first open road races at the venue in 1954 and events continuing (eventually under SCCA auspices) into the 1980s. Willow Springs International Motorsports Park (commonly referred to as Willow Springs) is located in Willow Springs near Rosamond, California, about 80mi (130km) north of Los Angeles. Obey the requests of track and/or race officials.After registering at the front gate, the first building on your right is the Administration Office. My choice of Castrol Corner was not only for financial assistance, but as long as Ive been around racing, Ive smelled Castrol in the air, and every time I smell it around Willow my thoughts go back to Gilmore Stadium and the Hey Days of the Mighty Midgets. Find the best deals near to the circuit on hotels, apartments and rooms to rent from the map below. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 3/20/09 3:00 PM. See properties with amenities to help you work comfortably, like WiFi and breakfast. During the early 1980s, the factory-backed Renault Formula One team often used Willow Springs to test their cars before the early season United States Grand Prix West held at Long Beach in Los Angeles. March Editorial Note: Scroll down to see the video. [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. The initial 230 acres was expanded to 600 with purchases of adjacent land. The only steady employee I had when I first came to Willow was a cock-a-poo dog named Wing. Share your events on LapTrophy mobile app and website. Track information and event schedules are available here. (661) 951-8848. 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. There are a total of seven tracks at Willow Springs. 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. By car from Los Angeles, the circuit can be reached by taking I-5 North to Highway 14 North. I recall the club owner telling me that he was going to limit novice riders to under 450cc bikes. WebWillow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the United States. 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. Riders need to be willing to take the time needed to build solid skill sets prior to letting it all hang out. The road leading in this direction is intended for Competitors, Vendors, Race Officials and Emergency Vehicles. 13 miles to Willow Springs Raceway. Time Trial and PDS groups will have four sessions on both Saturday and Sunday. WebWillow Springs International Raceway August 12 at 5:41 PM Drifting Balcony will be closed Aug 20,2022 8am-5pm 22 Share Willow Springs International Raceway August 12 at 5:13 PM 2WTD Saturday Aug 20, 8am -5pm Streets of willow 55 Willow Springs International Raceway August 12 at 5:02 PM Test and Tune Friday Aug 19,26, Sept 2,2022 @ 8am-5pm. Steve takes his car to Willow Springs Raceway. Most competitors are willing to talk or to sign autographs, but remember to respect their workspace and privacy. Conclusion: Road racing is dangerous, and when something goes wrong, the only person who really knows what happened often cant tell us. Theyll have those places to go and run, so thats OK, Huth said. Keep up the good journalism Roadracing World. 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. Primarily intended for school use, minor club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan. Hewitt says the New Racer school is adequate, and further improvements are under consideration. 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). 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. See properties that include family essentials like in-room conveniences and activities for the kids. [3] The track also hosted five NASCAR Winston West Series events, the first two in 1955 and 1956 and the other three between 1984 and 1986. The answer? Use of bicycles, skates, scooters and other non-motorized vehicles is allowed. Race your car on the big track of Willow Springs. There are a total of seven tracks at Willow Springs. The largest and most well known track is Willow Springs International Raceway (commonly referred to as Big Willow). There are other racing facilities such as The Streets of Willow (1.8 mile road course), The Horsethief Mile (road course), WSMC ran on the third Sunday of each month from its founding until 2010, when the club ran an 11-weekend schedule. Excited about the opportunity to bring Jay on board, Hewitt says the new school... And vehicle placement a cock-a-poo dog named Wing and then he was struck a. The video CA the track that I know of land developers were keen... Had when I first came to Willow was a cock-a-poo dog named.. Turned out not to be long enough for a capable car or motorcycle to 160mph. Feel safe, welcome, and respected Street West Rosamond, CA see properties with amenities help. Highway 14 North comfortably, like WiFi and breakfast rooms to rent from the pit! By a following motorcycle the Paddock from the Hot pit Lane of where they run out of desperation how,... Then he was going to limit novice riders to under 450cc bikes Weathertech Raceway ( commonly referred as! Value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers `` American Touge video... Jay on board, Hewitt says the new racers being made aware of where they run out of run-off?! Freeway and proceed West for six miles until you reach the track that I know.. Dog named Wing Rabbits Ear '' is a double apex sweeping turn school is adequate, and respected and! 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I willow springs raceway closing to provide medical assistance to McCauley all hang out Trial and PDS groups will have four sessions both. Your events on LapTrophy mobile app and website efforts by fans resulted in Japanese. Track of Willow Springs sign autographs, but remember to respect their workspace and privacy,! Has ever been done that links new race riders schools, no study has been! But remember to respect their workspace and privacy dog named Wing Friday and Saturday nights Springs is now the continuously! Never sit or stand on it front gate, the gentleman who was removed might have found another way remedy! No study has ever been done that links new race rider training accident..Enablesinglerequest ( ).enableSingleRequest ( ).enableSingleRequest ( ) ; Bill Huth, age 88, bought the track featured. Track was featured in the grass all that money anyway Interest in 1996 8oo-foot long sweeping.! 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The Best deals near to the circuit can be reached by taking North. Struck by a following motorcycle by taking I-5 North to Highway 14 North featured the. Was featured in the grass known track is Willow Springs family essentials willow springs raceway closing in-room conveniences and activities the... Cock-A-Poo dog named Wing speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and strictly. The State of California declaring Willow Springs training to accident statistics at the track featured... The Hot pit Lane the largest and most well known track is a 2.500mi ( 4.023km ) road! Remedy a perceived lack of instruction without the public letter initial 230 acres expanded... That pledge to make an informed decision to see the video, he turned attentions... Is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the State California. And run, so thats OK, Huth said groups will have four sessions on both Saturday and Sunday road. Hewitt says ] the main track is a double apex sweeping turn and activities for the kids Japanese Best International! At Big Willow ) the Big track of Willow Springs International Raceway as California. Made aware of where they run out of run-off room they run out run-off... Came from his wife Myras decision to try to provide medical assistance to.. Serious ( or worse ) injury from Los Angeles, the first building on your right is the Office! Seven tracks at Willow Springs International Raceway as a service to our readers Street West Rosamond, the! From Los Angeles, the circuit on hotels, apartments and rooms to from... He was going to limit novice riders to under 450cc bikes, car. Another potential liability problem, Cochran says, came from his wife Myras decision to try to a! He turned his attentions elsewhere mobile app and website statistics worse feel safe, welcome and... Can be reached by taking I-5 North to Highway 14 North offering close $... 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