Willow Springs Raceway

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Turn 3/4/5, or "The Omega", can be seen on the hillside above Pit Lane.
Turn 3/4/5, or "The Omega", can be seen on the hillside above Pit Lane.

Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is located near Rosamond and Lancaster, California, and is about an hour north of Los Angeles. It is a historic track that has been in existence for over fifty years. The first race held there was in 1953. The main track is a challenging 2.5 mile 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).

Loyal fans of the track have succeeded in getting the state of California to recognize Willow Springs International Raceway as an Official California Point of Historical Interest.

[edit] Description

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 the turns and elevation changes to offer a unique challenge. It is possible for a capable car or motorcycle to reach speeds in excess of 160mph 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 3/4/5: "The Omega" is an uphill and downhill section with camber change, this is the most technical segment of the layout
  • Turn 6: A quick left hander that sets up for the fastest sections of the track
  • Turn 7: "Monroe Ridge" is a gradual bump. It is common for fast riders on higher powered motorcycles like the Suzuki GSXR1000 to lift the front wheel over this section.
  • Turn 8: This is the fastest section of the racetrack and probably the most critical for a good lap time.
  • Turn 9: Decreasing radius right hander, is a challenging turn. A good line through this turn is crucial for top speed on the front straightway.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 34°52′30″N, 118°15′52″W

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