Willow Springs International Motorsports Park
Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is located in Willow Springs near Rosamond and Lancaster, California, and is about an hour north of Los Angeles. It is a historic race track, in existence more than fifty years. Construction of the track began in 1952, with the inaugural first race held on November 23, 1953.[1] The main track is a challenging 2.5-mile (4.0 km) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration. The interesting elevation changes and high average speeds make it a favorite of many road racing drivers.
Willow Springs International Raceway Park also features other racing facilities such as The Streets of Willow (1.8 mile road course), The Horsethief Mile (road course), Willow Springs Speedway (1/4 mile paved oval), Willow Springs Kart Track (a .625-mile, 9-turn paved sprint track), The Playpen (a 1/4-mile paved training track), and the Walt James Stadium (Clay Oval and Paved Oval).
Efforts by fans have resulted in the State of California declaring Willow Springs International Raceway as a California Point of Historical Interest in 1996.[2]
Description
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The 9 turns of Willow: The main track at Willow Springs Raceway, informally called the "Big Track", consists of 9 turns. The layout is built for speed, but combines speed with turns and elevation changes to offer a unique challenge. It is possible for a capable car or motorcycle to exceed 160 mph on the front straightway.
- Turn 1: "Castrol corner" is a 90 degree high speed left-hander.
- Turn 2: "The Rabbits Ear" is a double apex sweeper
- Turn 3/4: "The Omega" is an uphill and downhill section with camber change, this is the most technical segment of the layout
- Turn 5: A quick left-hander that sets up for the fastest sections of the track
- Turn 6: "Monroe Ridge" is a gradual bump. It is common for fast riders on higher powered motorcycles to lift the front wheel over this downhill section. A good line and drive through this turn is essential for a good lap time.
- Turn 7 - "the Kink" - a slight bend in the track.
- Turn 8: High speed right hand corner. The lead in to this turn is the fastest section of the racetrack and coupled with the turn itself - probably the most critical for a good lap time. It is also the fastest turn on any racetrack west of the Mississippi River.
- Turn 9: Decreasing radius right hander, with a big dip right before the apex. A good line through this turn is crucial for top speed on the front straightway to the start/finish line.
Streets of Willow Springs: Constructed in 1987. A 1.8-mile (2.9 km) road course with multiple configurations, it has an attached Skid Pad measuring 400 ft (120 m). by 350 ft (110 m). and a 60 ft (18 m). by 40 ft (12 m). garage. Located just north of Willow Springs International Raceway on 70th St. West., it is accessible through the Main Track entrance, or the 70th St. West gate. Racing fuel and tire service are available daily.
Horse Thief Mile: 1-mile (1.6 km) canyon-like road course
Willow Springs Speedway: ¼-mile paved oval
Walt James Stadium: 3/8-mile dirt oval
Track Records
Overall track record is held by Sean Boyan in a 2011 Indycar test @ 137.3 mph, 01:06.012[3]