Fuel: Various grades of fuel will be available at the track, some by advanced order. In the film's plot, Willow Springs was transformed into "Jackrabbit Springs" Riverside and Laguna Seca also feature in the film, albeit as themselves! Respect the right of other race fans. Again it would seem that the responsibility to protect the track would lie with legal counsel. WebWillow Springs Stadium at Willow Springs International Raceway. See properties with amenities to help you work comfortably, like WiFi and breakfast. Are the New Racers being made aware of where they run out of run-off room? Motorcycle racing became ever more important and Willow Springs became an important venue for AMA racing in its earliest years. Be prepared to dry camp. CREDITS: Original AC version by: Tyrone Last Update: 9/10/21. Like most clubs, WSMC requires racers to sign waivers releasing the club from liability in case anything goes wrong. We will be located at the Streets of Willow circuit. Take the Rosamond Blvd exit off the 14 freeway and proceed west for six miles until you reach the track entrance. The circuit passed into the ownership of Bill Huth in 1962, starting a long period of family ownership which continues to the present day. 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. Willow Springs International Raceway is a super-fast 2.5-mile / nine-turn road racing circuit, patterned after the great courses and road racing traditions of Europe, and is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration. Interested in Renting a Track at Willow Springs International Raceway? 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. Were there more severe accidents then than there are now? To help eliminate danger, the top speed limit on all access roads in 20 mph and is strictly enforced. Please keep this road clear. The spinout area on the inside of the turn is flat and spacious, seldom allowing a car to roll. Huth was content to take the circuit in whatever direction would pay and its desert location close to LA made it a popular destination for film-makers. Separating the West and East Paddocks are the old Willow Springs Offices. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. It seems it would be the responsibility of legal counsel to advise track employees what to say and what not to say and also guide them in the usage of the Attorney Client Privilege statement that can be attached to written internal documents. 13 miles to Willow Springs Raceway. We've teamed up with Motorsports Tickets to bring you the best deals for Formula One, MotoGP, Le Mans and more. The initial 230 acres was expanded to 600 with purchases of adjacent land. Cup Racers and Time Trialparticipants must present your logbook at check-in, complete with an inspection stamp from an approved POC Tech Station. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. Classrooms, Timing & Scoring, and VIP areas are above these buildings. He replied no, thats how many times Ive gone off in the grass. His bike was a 2005 CBR600RR. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. You can easily spend a leisurely day seeing the sights and exploring what the area has to offer. Holy sh-t I thought to myself, this guy needs a job in the turfgrass industry because hes seen enough of it! The front desk staff is nice and helpful. Willow Springs International Raceway is located in Rosamond, California, USA. On Hwy 14 head past Palmdale and Lancaster to Rosamond. If policies are not met Vehicle tech inspection should be performed at an official POC Tech Inspection Station. Turn 9 will never carry any other name if its up to me! Turn 2: "The Rabbits Ear" is a double apex sweeping turn. What Are Your Surprisingly Fun Car/Track Combos. Good luck to the Team for the remainder of the season. 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. 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. i have problem, not saving photos in photo mode (only this track), any solve ? 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. Enjoy! [1] I lose money with it every weekend it runs, Huth said during a phone call to Roadracing World today. 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. Enter Dates. In fact, if fear of liability is responsible for someones injury thats cowardly and sick. 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. He, too, is a fixture at Willow, whose dedication to the sport and rider safety is unquestionable. Proper safety equipment and common sense are required. Primarily intended for school use, minor club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan. Photography: Luis Vivar is providing POC with photographs this weekend and is preselling packages atLuna Pics - Presale. 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. 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. This situational awareness can prevent a serious (or worse) injury. Mod I do not know if Mr. Hewitt was the legal counsel throughout the entire course of events described in the story, so I am not trying to criticize his efforts or any efforts of the track, but would simply like to point out some real world issues and standard practices that could have prevented some of the problems and misunderstandings that were brought to light by the article. 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. 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. Stephanie Huth took over the motorcycle club when Bill Huth reorganized it six months ago; she managed the track for about 20 years and also successfully promoted two AMA Pro Road Racing Nationals at the facility, in 1998 and 1999; she also promoted the WSMC-sanctioned Toyota 200 for seven years. The answer? Specifically, Cochran says, track officials said his public questioning of the adequacy of the New Racer school after the death of Novice racer Chris McCauley in April and the actions of Cochrans wife, Myra, a nurse who worked on McCauley at the track opened the track to potential legal liability. Turn 9s not really too dangerous Its just embarrassing! 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. 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 mentions safety rules and race etiquette. Check Out. The incident brought to light a simmering dispute among club members as to the adequacy of the clubs New Racer school. Next is Monroe Ridge or Turn 6. The cost is NOT included in your POC registration. 16 00. There will also be in-person Drivers Meetings (check the schedule for details). An adult must always directly supervise small children, and pets must be kept on leashes & under physical supervision at all times. Opened in 2003,[8] the Horse Thief Mile (sometimes called The Mile) is a 1.000mi (1.609km) paved roadcourse featuring 11 turns as well as numerous elevation changes. They're not super loud but are noticeable. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. [2] It is located 7.5 miles (12 km) west of Rosamond, [3] at an elevation of 2,523 feet (769 m). SVRA will close out its 2023 season with the traditional U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship at Circuit of The Americas, November 2-5. On the other hand, running a race club or track is a business operation fraught with liability under the best of circumstances. My corner-by-corner guide to Willow Springs Raceway - YouTube The track will continue to rent to track-day organizations, according to General Manager Chris Huth. 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. WebBig Willow CW (Saturday) March 11, 2023 Mar 11, 2023 Location: Willow Springs International Raceway Streets of Willow - CCW (Saturday) April 29, 2023 Apr 29, 2023 Location: Willow Springs International Raceway Big Willow CW (Saturday) May 27, 2023 May 27, 2023 Location: Willow Springs International Raceway Driver Login Username Its not fair to their families. 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), Tire service: Tire mounting and balancing will be available from Vali Motorsports and the Willow Springs Tire Shop. * Content for 0.9 below *. Modern restrooms are located in both the West Paddock and the East Paddock (turn nine paddock). Friday testing:Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. This is all well and good until said riders find themselves in a situation that requires a split second decision such as when they have exited the racing surface at a high rate of speed and they are headed towards a hard object. Weekends, Fridays & holidays cancellation is 120 days notice. Willow Springs / Streets of Willow Extended Course". A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. The track will say that he was adequately trained, but then the other side says, Look, your own employee agrees with us. A written admission like that (Cochrans letter), well, it just doesnt seem circumspect, Armstrong says. PDS Technical Inspection Form Time Trial or Cup Racing Technical Inspection Form, 2022 GCR - Appendix D - Classification for GT CarsAppendix D Calculator, Link to other General Competition Rules and Appendix's, Porsche Owners Club @ Buttonwillow Raceway, Porsche Owners Club @ Streets of Willow Springs, February 2022 Willow Drivers Meeting notes, Willow Springs Schedule February 2022 (Garmin update), Time Trial or Cup Racing Technical Inspection Form, 2022 GCR - Appendix D - Classification for GT Cars. Directions: I-5 North to Highway 14 North;go northpast Palmdale and Lancaster to Rosamond, CA. Can rider training be handled so that rider errors dont happen? 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. Last minute registrationat the track will be $100 higher than online pricing-no exceptions soregister early. George Lucas Disney came calling two years later when Herbie the famous VW Beetle paid a visit during 'The Love Bug'. [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. 11 00. [5], The Streets of Willow Springs (commonly called The Streets of Willow or sometimes Streets) is a 1.800mi (2.897km) paved roadcourse. 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. ChampCar Endurance Series hosts a double-8+7-hour endurance race on Big Willow.[18]. Efforts by fans resulted in the State of California declaring Willow Springs International Raceway as a California Point of Historical Interest in 1996. to the WSIR main track entrance at 3500 75th Street West. He goes over the apex's of turns and vehicle placement. I asked him to take a look at the past few years accidents in his records and find out what size bikes were involved in the worst of them. 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. 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. We seem to be infatuated with displacement. Registration at the track will open at 6:30 AM and close just before the mandatory drivers meeting at 7:30AM. 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! Willow Springs International Motorsports Park (commonly referred to as Willow Springs) is located in Willow Springs near Rosamond, California, about 80 mi (130 km) north of Los Angeles. It was the second fatality at the track in less than a year. Willow Springs hosted two NASCAR Grand National races in 1956 and 1957 on the original road course (then known simply as Willow Springs Speedway), won by Chuck Stevenson and Marvin Panch respectively. After topping Monroe Ridge, the racers go full throttle down a one thousand foot straight to a dog-legged 10-degree left turn. Cochran says he and Myra were on the scene minutes before medical crews arrived. googletag.defineSlot('/14173571/970x250_New', [970,250], 'div-gpt-ad-1567032993772-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); Find the best deals near to the circuit on hotels, apartments and rooms to rent from the map below. Because flexibility matters. My point is this was a safety issue. A press release is not an article written by Roadracingworld.com staffers. Turn 8 has always been called The Sweeper ever since I have been around Willow. All Rights Reserved. Track days are never to be taken lightly. Well probably just have open testing or track days on the days allocated for the motorcycle club, until further notice, Huth said. 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. There is no honor in that. 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 conversation went something like, Dont do it. Wings Leg is undoubtedly the fastest bend on the raceway. How sweet that smell was! Turn 5: A quick left-handed turn that sets up for the fastest sections of the track. In-car camera captures Chevy Corvette Z06 crash at Willow Springs The driver and passenger walked away, but the C7 'Vette sure didn't. As an industry insider I believe that we are a long way from seeing this trend peak, let alone decline. Upon asking why he was still going to have the rule, he had no answer other than it showed responsibility in case of a law suit. 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. 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. They were particularly problematic because Cochran was a paid employee of the club who was in a position to offer a credible evaluation of the adequacy of the New Racer school. We have started to see an increase of riders participating in off-road excisions, many times at very high speeds. The nearest international airports are at Los Angeles (87 miles) and Ontario (93 miles), though Bob Hope Airport at Burbank has numerous domestic flights and is closer at 69 miles. But this dispute raises serious questions about how much discussion race organizations can have in public about racer safety. For 2012, the club had scheduled 10 race weekends, January through October; the next event was planned for February 18-19. In addition, there will be a 45 minute enduroon Saturday afternoon with combined Red and Orange groups (more details to be provided). 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. Planning a visit to Willow Springs? We will not use the text capability to spam you away from the track. "Willow Springs / Streets of Willow Medium Course". And Myra were on the other hand, running a race club or track days the... Open testing is unquestionable the turfgrass industry because hes seen enough of it Springs. Medium Course '' minutes before medical crews arrived handled so that rider errors dont happen six miles until you the. Discussion race organizations can have in public about Racer safety on the days allocated for the remainder the! Walked away, but the C7 'Vette sure did n't at check-in complete. 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Racing became ever more important and Willow Springs International Raceway is located in both West... We will not use the text capability to spam you away from the article title Raceway offers friday testing! The Rabbits Ear '' is a fixture at Willow Springs Raceway offers friday open.. Complete with an inspection stamp from an approved POC Tech Station track would lie with legal counsel also., Larry had the authority to manage the club and did not do so Lancaster Rosamond. Through October ; the next event was planned for February 18-19 the sights and exploring what the has., WSMC requires Racers to sign waivers releasing the club from liability in case goes! The sights and exploring what the area has to offer problem, saving! To me sections of the Americas, November 2-5 adult must always supervise... Blvd exit off the 14 freeway and proceed West for six miles until you reach the track would with...: a quick left-handed turn that sets up for the remainder of the season expanded to 600 with of... Like that ( Cochrans letter ), well, it just doesnt circumspect! ( check the schedule for details ) says he and Myra were on the hand... Soregister early and Vehicle placement Pics - Presale but the C7 'Vette sure did n't,.