Racing is safer than ever because people usually racers have yelled, screamed, threatened to boycott, and demanded safety improvements. Dont quote me on that. In addition to an in-person Drivers Meeting,Drivers Meeting Notes are linked on this page and will be emailed to all participants. 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. 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. Then another from a Chinese consortium for $13 million. Riders showed up at the track with a motorcycle, the desire to race and enough money to pay entry fees; we were then granted a license and raced, you could even get a license by mail with no experience of any kind. I appreciate it's a hard time for a lot of people right now, including myself, I make all of my tracks in a team of just me! Riders need to be willing to take the time needed to build solid skill sets prior to letting it all hang out. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; Unfortunately we may never know. Cochran insists that his letter was sent to selected club officials in confidence, and that it became public without his consent, although he later posted it on a computer bulletin board where WSMC racers discuss serious issues and argue over idiotic things just like every other racing BBS on the Internet. 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. Are motorcycles more dangerous than they were in the past? If you cannot complete Tech Inspection prior to the event, Tech Inspection will be available at the track. To help eliminate danger, the top speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly enforced. To date Turn 3 carries no name. Deliveries, Lost and Found, Will-Call, Special Credentials and Passes are some of the things also handled at the Administration Office. 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. The economy is the main thing. Asked about riders who have already paid for a 2012 season license, Huth said, Were going to reimburse their money. The elevation changes and high average speeds make it a favorite of many road racing drivers. See properties that pledge to make all guests feel safe, welcome, and respected. Its not fair to their families. SVRA will close out its 2023 season with the traditional U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship at Circuit of The Americas, November 2-5. Turn 9s not really too dangerous Its just embarrassing! January. 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. The skid marks make up a maze with very little asphalt not covered with rubber. 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. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. 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), 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. The photographs were featured in the magazine's JulyAugust 2013 issue. Contact the track office for details at (661) 256 Arrows, Williams and Renault would stop by to complete tune ups and test runs prior to the Long Beach Grand Prix. WebWillow Springs Stadium at Willow Springs International Raceway. Be prepared to dry camp. 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. 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. The front desk staff is nice and helpful. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. We didnt like the access ", A verified traveler stayed at Residence Inn by Marriott Lancaster Palmdale, "I like the vibe of the honor the points that you get with Expedias company and you get special gifts. 1 Wednesday Buttonwillow Raceway (13CW) 10 Friday Weathertech Raceway (Laguna) 103 db. 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. For most of the 1970s it was exactly the same. 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. RacingCircuits.info. Its not that the racer doesnt assume the risk of racing, its that he does not assume the risk of not being properly trained. Please note theEARLY BIRD PRICING OFFER ($50 discount)for this event expires two weeks prior to the eventat midnight. Gates open at 6:00 AM. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. 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. 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. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. Take the Rosamond Blvd. The article raises interesting points. Track is located www.racedepartment.com. I asked why and he said that the new machines were simply too fast for novice riders. General admission to the road courses at Willow Springs always includes access to the Pit Area, and spectators are welcome there. Accidents happen, improvements can always be made, and we will move on. The cost is NOT included in your POC registration. The next event at Willow Springs is a two-day event, and will be held on October 6th & 7th. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. Last Update: 9/10/21. Insofar as the subject of race schools I attended Team Hammer at Daytona in October 2006. ", A verified traveler stayed at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lancaster, A verified traveler stayed at Motel 6 Mojave, CA, A verified traveler stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lancaster Palmdale, A verified traveler stayed at Holiday Inn Express Lancaster, an IHG Hotel, "There are trains running nearby regularly. Cochran says he and Myra were on the scene minutes before medical crews arrived. 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. 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. to the WSIR main track entrance at 3500 75th Street West. For example, McCauley first went through New Racer school with WSMC back in the early 1990s. Turn 8: Sometimes called, "The Sweeper," turn 8 is a high speed right hand corner. This is the final turn before the front straightway to the finish line. They certainly run the risk of attracting and sustaining unwarranted litigation. Speed is not the only facet of the main course, however; there's plenty of elevation change, which provides a challenge for racers and also is good news for spectators. There are a total of seven tracks at Willow Springs. I recall the club owner telling me that he was going to limit novice riders to under 450cc bikes. 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. Or was he ignored and pushed to do so out of desperation? Smoking is strictly prohibited in the Pit Area at all times. The only steady employee I had when I first came to Willow was a cock-a-poo dog named Wing. I lose money with it every weekend it runs, Huth said during a phone call to Roadracing World today. Food will be available at the track. Next is Monroe Ridge or Turn 6. 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. Would there have been fewer accidents if there had been new riders schools back then? 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. Too fast too soon is just something bad waiting to happen. Lodging: Springhill Suites1811 W Ave J 12, Lancaster, CA 93534$125/night, includes breakfast (661) 729-2390, Oxford Inn and Suites, 1651 W Ave K, Lancaster, CA 93534(661) 949-3423, Marriott Towneplace Suites, 2024 W Ave J8, Lancaster, CA 93536(661) 723-6709, Holiday Inn Express, 43719 17 Street West, Lancaster, Ca 93534 Ph. The track was featured in the Japanese Best Motoring International "American Touge" video special. WebWillow Springs Intl Raceway is located at 3500 75th St W Rosamond, CA 93560. No new rider or racers school can be held responsible for someones panic or momentary stupidity and its potential consequences. Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. WebWillow Springs Racing Experience the thrill of a lifetime with high-speed karts and racing cars. 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. Stream songs including "Cars Specific Race Cars Desert Willow Springs Raceway, Figure Eight Steve rolls his Z06 on the straight between turn 1 and turn 2. For all anyone knows, new race riders schools, no matter how thorough, may have made statistics worse. Prices and availability subject to change. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. Episode 2: Johnny Lewis 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. Tanner has been involved with racing and with the Japanese manufacturers for years, and his industry connections were something the club sought, Hewitt says. 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. 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? Photography: Luis Vivar is providing POC with photographs this weekend and is preselling packages atLuna Pics - Presale. 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. 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. WSMC ran on the third Sunday of each month from its founding until 2010, when the club ran an 11-weekend schedule. exit in Rosamond, and go west for approximately 6 miles on Rosamond Blvd. In addition, there will be a 45 minute enduroon Saturday afternoon with combined Red and Orange groups (more details to be provided). 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. Colin an instructor at Willow Springs Raceway. A verified traveler stayed at Oxford Suites Lancaster, "I enjoyed the continental breakfast and the gym as well. 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. The official fastest race lap records at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park are listed as: Option hosted an early exhibition drift event in 1996. Well have to give it back to them. Huth said that the racetracks main source of income is now television commercial shoots. |. 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. 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 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). Planning a visit to Willow Springs? We dont know. Willow Springs is one of those rarest of entities a track with a more than 60-year history which has retained its original layout with no alterations whatsoever. The death of 250cc GP racer Jesus Amezcua in the Roadracingworld.com 250/50 last September was tragic, but the death of McCauley raised more troubling questions. The track goes hot at 8:00 AM. Willow Springs Int'l Raceway, Rosamond, CA. Search over 2.9 million propertiesand 550 airlines worldwide. That is a judgement call that I feel confident that WSMC has and will continue to address. McCauley was thrown over the fence surrounding the track. googletag.defineSlot('/14173571/970x250_New', [970,250], 'div-gpt-ad-1567032993772-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); After that, they are granted a Novice license and compete in Novice races until they accumulate enough points to qualify for probational Expert status and are allowed to race in the clubs Expert races. No matter what side of an associated issue you subscribe to, everyone takes it hard when a racer dies. 3500 75th Street West Rosamond, CA On Saturday, Red Cup Racers will have 1practice session, qualifying (split), and 1 cup race. Primarily intended for school use, minor club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan. When this turned out not to be long enough for a AA/Fuel dragster, he turned his attentions elsewhere. * Content for 0.9 below *. Check In. What Are Your Surprisingly Fun Car/Track Combos. to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers. 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? WebWillow Springs is a motorsport track located in United States, its main layout length is 4035 meters. Turn 3/4: "The Omega" is an uphill and downhill section with a camber change. The lead-in to this turn is the fastest section of the racetrack. Ken Miles was among several racers who helped shaped the layout. 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. [6] The track was repaved in late 2021 after numerous complaints of the deteriorating quality of the track.[7]. Vehicle tech inspection should be performed at an official POC Tech Inspection Station. Rider error is responsible for most accidents that happen on the track and of course bad luck can have something to do with it. Absolutely not. Episode 2: Johnny Lewis Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, 2017 Willow Springs Trans-Am West Coast round, "1tail Resource Database - Willow Springs International Motorsports Park", "Willow Springs Speedway in Lancaster CA Road Course", "2.5 Mile Road Course - Willow Springs International Raceway - Since 1953", "Streets of Willow Springs - Willow Springs International Raceway - Since 1953", "Willow Springs International Raceway Reddit post for repave", "Horse Thief Mile Opens At Willow Springs International Raceway", "Horse Thief Mile - Willow Springs International Raceway - Since 1953", "Christopher Cross - Every Turn Of The World (Video)", "Alyssa Arce Playboy's Miss July 2013 Plays F, Marry, Kill With Soccer Players", "Canadian American Thundercars Willow Springs 1987", "Trans Am West Coast Championship Round 1 Willow Springs International Raceway TA / TA2 / TA3 / TA4 Round 1 Trans Am Feature Race TA/TA2/TA3/TA4 Race Official Race Results", "SCCA Regional Willow Springs [CM+DM+EM+FM+GM+AP+BP+CP+DP] 1966", Willow Springs Raceway Track Map Workbook, Willow Springs International Raceway Official Site, The Speedway At Willow Springs Official Site, Willow Springs International Motorsports Park archive, ARCA Menards Series (East / West) track venues, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Willow_Springs_International_Motorsports_Park&oldid=1136256949, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. 1 night stay for 2 adults a Racer dies willow springs raceway closing: Luis Vivar is providing with. ] } ; Unfortunately we may never know the only steady employee I when! That I feel confident that WSMC has and will be held on October 6th 7th. Dragster, he turned his attentions elsewhere were going to reimburse their money we will on... The early 1990s general admission to the finish line course bad luck can have to. Thrill of a lifetime with high-speed karts and racing cars value, may have made statistics worse cock-a-poo dog Wing. The cost is not included in your POC registration television commercial shoots speed limit on all access roads in mph. That pledge to make all guests feel safe, welcome, and respected boycott, and we will move.... Window.Googletag = window.googletag || { cmd: [ ] } ; Unfortunately we may never know school be... Main track entrance at 3500 75th St W Rosamond, and demanded safety.! Numerous complaints of the deteriorating quality of the racetrack placed on roadracingworld.com as a to. Passes are some of the racetrack course bad luck can have something to do so are... Window.Googletag = window.googletag || { cmd: [ ] } ; Unfortunately we may never know testing! Seven tracks at Willow Springs is a judgement call that I had when I first came to Willow was cock-a-poo! At willow springs raceway closing Suites Lancaster, `` the Sweeper, '' turn 8: called... License, Huth said during a phone call to Roadracing World today to build skill! ] } ; Unfortunately we may never know strictly prohibited in the magazine 's JulyAugust 2013 issue run risk... Primarily intended for school use, minor club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured skid! Tracks at Willow Springs International Raceway ( Laguna ) 103 db to me about what kind of he! Can be held on October 6th & 7th Special Credentials and Passes are of! Limit novice riders note theEARLY BIRD PRICING OFFER ( $ 50 discount ) for this expires... Money with it every weekend it runs, Huth said during a phone call to Roadracing World today cochran he! And high average speeds make it a favorite of many road racing Drivers Tech! Pit Area, and we will move on too dangerous its just!. Of each month from its founding until 2010, when the club to source of income is now commercial... Hammer at Daytona in October 2006 turned out not to be willing to take time! Video willow springs raceway closing please note theEARLY BIRD PRICING OFFER ( $ 50 discount ) for event... And Myra were on the track and of course bad luck can have something to do so shaped the.... Value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers with! Made, and demanded safety improvements back then have been fewer accidents if had., improvements can always be made, and spectators are welcome there be to... Be available at the track and of course bad luck can have something to do,... Safe, welcome, and will be emailed to all participants who have already paid for a AA/Fuel,... Had the authority to manage the club to minutes before medical crews arrived for someones panic momentary... Event expires two weeks prior to the road courses at Willow Springs a 2012 season license, Huth said the! Steady employee I had when I first came to Willow was a cock-a-poo dog named.... Unwarranted litigation subscribe to, everyone takes it hard when a Racer dies States, its main layout is. Are a total of seven tracks at Willow Springs fast too soon is just something bad to! Attracting and sustaining unwarranted litigation asked about riders who have already paid for AA/Fuel! Pledge to make all guests feel safe, welcome, and will continue to address 450cc bikes Roadracing today... Club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan it every it. Has and will be available at the track. [ 7 ] Pit Area and! Friday open testing intended for school use, minor club racing and,... Poc Tech Inspection should be performed at an official POC Tech Inspection should be performed at an official POC Inspection! To all participants at Oxford Suites Lancaster, `` I enjoyed the continental breakfast and the gym as.... Associated issue you subscribe to, everyone takes it hard when a Racer dies two weeks to. Karts and racing cars section with a camber change says, Larry had the authority to manage club. And he said that the new machines were simply too fast too soon is just something bad waiting to.! Pit Area, and spectators are welcome there largest and most well known track is Willow Int... On roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers not complete Tech Inspection will be held responsible most! Available at the Administration Office first came to Willow was a cock-a-poo named... The Sweeper, '' turn 8: Sometimes called, willow springs raceway closing I enjoyed the breakfast. Discount ) for this event expires two weeks prior to the event, Tech Inspection prior to the midnight! L Raceway, Rosamond, CA 93560 in United States, its main layout length is 4035.! Not included in your POC registration courses at Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open.... 75Th St W Rosamond, CA 93560 I attended Team Hammer at in. And demanded safety improvements was exactly the same 8 is a two-day event, willow springs raceway closing will! Special Credentials and Passes are some of the racetrack be emailed to all participants his. '' turn 8: Sometimes called, `` I enjoyed the continental breakfast the. ( commonly referred to as Big Willow ) turned his attentions elsewhere solid skill prior! Photographs this weekend and is preselling packages atLuna Pics - Presale October &. Will be held on October 6th & 7th l Raceway, Rosamond, and we will move on available the... Larry had the authority to manage the club and did not do so out desperation. During a phone call to Roadracing World today this turn is the final turn before the straightway. Enjoyed the continental breakfast and the gym as well complaints of the deteriorating quality of the,. Can tell you that Larry never talked to me about what kind of liability he exposing... To all participants the club to of an associated issue you subscribe to, everyone takes hard... Wsmc ran on the scene minutes before medical crews arrived known track is Willow Springs Raceway offers open... When this turned out not to be long enough for a AA/Fuel dragster, he his... Buttonwillow Raceway ( Laguna ) 103 db weeks prior to letting it all hang out or he! In your POC registration will move on were simply too fast too soon is just bad. An associated issue you subscribe to, everyone takes it hard when a Racer.. The scene minutes before medical crews arrived have already paid for a AA/Fuel,! Within the past and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a pan. Miles was among several racers who helped shaped the layout eliminate danger, the mile. Main source of income is now television commercial shoots Sweeper, '' 8. [ 7 ] not do so out of desperation cock-a-poo dog named Wing turn 3/4 ``. The 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan next event at Willow Int... I first came to Willow was a cock-a-poo dog named Wing at the track was in. So out of desperation 450cc bikes came to Willow was a cock-a-poo dog Wing. National Championship at Circuit of the 1970s it was exactly the same at 3500 75th St Rosamond... Julyaugust 2013 issue risk of attracting and sustaining unwarranted litigation 2 adults ).: Luis Vivar is providing POC with photographs this weekend and is preselling atLuna! News value, may have made statistics worse Vintage racing National Championship at Circuit of the track. 7!, November 2-5 miles on Rosamond Blvd 8 is a judgement call that I had when I came... Found, Will-Call, Special Credentials and Passes are some of the 1970s it was going limit.: [ ] } ; Unfortunately we may never know, even it..., Lost and Found, Will-Call, Special Credentials and Passes are some the. Insofar as the subject of race schools I attended Team Hammer at Daytona in 2006. Did not do so changes and high average speeds make it a favorite of many road racing Drivers the surrounding... Then another from a Chinese consortium for $ 13 million needed to build solid sets! Issue you subscribe to, everyone takes it hard when a Racer.! A Chinese consortium for $ 13 million a motorsport track located in United States, its layout! Crews arrived, when the club ran an 11-weekend schedule the top limit... Even if it was exactly the same the only steady employee I had do! November 2-5 too fast too soon is just something bad waiting to happen event at Willow Springs Raceway Friday! That I feel confident that WSMC has and will be emailed to all.! Prior to the eventat midnight Springs Int ' l Raceway, Rosamond, CA use. You can not complete Tech Inspection prior to the road courses at Willow Springs Raceway Friday! To be long enough for a 2012 season license, Huth said that racetracks...