The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. (Work moves me around too often). Keep up the good journalism Roadracing World. 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. Bill Huth, age 88, bought the track in 1962; it was built in 1953. Even a frivolous lawsuit can drive a club or owner into bankruptcy. Food will be available at the track. The argument will be that the racer signed the waivers of liability against the track and assumed the risk of racing, but that it was, in essence, predicated upon the assumption that he would be trained properly. googletag.defineSlot('/14173571/970x250_New', [970,250], 'div-gpt-ad-1567032993772-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); Most competitors are willing to talk or to sign autographs, but remember to respect their workspace and privacy. JavaScript is disabled. Contact. After all Ive picked up thousands of Budweiser cans in that area! Be prepared to dry camp. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; When a post is labeled with the words press release, it means that Roadracingworld.com is not responsible for its content and that Roadracingworld.com makes no guarantee that it is accurate. Because the racer had cleared the fence, Cochran and his wifea trained nurse who carries her own liability insurancewere in a position to reach McCauley before the medical crews at the track. Respect the right of other race fans. An adult must always directly supervise small children, and pets must be kept on leashes & under physical supervision at all times. 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. Friday testing: Willow Springs Raceway offers Friday open testing. WSIR charges a $15.00 entrance fee (per person) at the gate. Fast Lane Racing School. The Rabbit Ear never had any christenings. Its not an option. Now there was some further conversation about the physics of a Sportbike once it leaves pavement but the point was made. 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. Open in LapTrophy App Upcoming events No event posted yet Organizer? Should race club officials, well-meaning or not, take actions that put their organizations at even greater legal risk? Willow Springs is now the oldest continuously operating purpose-built road course in the United States. 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. 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? 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. Cochran insists that the McCauley tragedy is only one of the incidents that raised his concerns about the New Racer school concerns, he said, that fell on deaf ears of track management. Use this form It doesnt seem the school was deliberately withholding information from the riders from what I read. Two main factors contribute to this longevity: firstly, the track is located out in the Mojave desert, so has not been encroached by pesky developments; secondly, the vast open spaces mean that there has always been an abundance of run off, so there has been no need to slow the course with silly chicanes. 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. I got my first license like that. In addition to an in-person Drivers Meeting,Drivers Meeting Notes are linked on this page and will be emailed to all participants. Thanks to the persistence of racing fans, the former fact was recognised in Episode 2: Johnny Lewis Directions: I-5 North to Highway 14 North;go northpast Palmdale and Lancaster to Rosamond, CA. ", 15 mi from Willow Springs International Raceway, See all available properties in Willow Springs International Raceway. 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. The change brought to light a dispute over WSMCs New Racer school and the difficulties of trying to discuss safety in public in a litigation-happy culture. WebWhere is Willow Springs International Raceway? 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. [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. Its not fair to the riders who put their trust in the School wherever it may be. I lose money with it every weekend it runs, Huth said during a phone call to Roadracing World today. He mentions safety rules and race etiquette. There will also be in-person Drivers Meetings (check the schedule for details). 2012, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. By John Ulrich Willow Springs International Raceway owner Bill Huth has closed down the tracks motorcycle race sanctioning body, Willow Springs Motorcycle Club, effective immediately. Questions and answers People have asked 4 questions about working at Willow Springs Raceway. I know nothing about the school or the incident other than Roadracingworld.coms article. Race your car on the big track of Willow Springs. 12 Friday Willow Springs Raceway (Road Course) 17 Wednesday Buttonwillow Raceway (13CW) December. Most sit in place with their engines revving, one car will move and immediately crash into the pit wall. That's not to suggest that there has been no development of the facility; in fact there has been tremendous change since the 1980s and the 600-acre complex now houses two additional road courses as well as dirt and paved ovals to cater for every conceivable motor sports discipline. Theyll have those places to go and run, so thats OK, Huth said. I personally encourage every rider to take the extra time to become familiar with every aspect of the track especially where they can and cannot go if something goes wrong. This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 13:52. No new rider or racers school can be held responsible for someones panic or momentary stupidity and its potential consequences. Ken Miles was among several racers who helped shaped the layout. All Rights Reserved. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. Its not really making any money and it hasnt paid rent for six or seven months. Find the best deals near to the circuit on hotels, apartments and rooms to rent from the map below. In fact, if fear of liability is responsible for someones injury thats cowardly and sick. Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is located in Willow Springs near Rosamond and Lancaster, California, and is about an hour north of Los Angeles. 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. The official fastest race lap records at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park are listed as: Option hosted an early exhibition drift event in 1996. to have news value, may be placed on roadracingworld.com as a service to our readers. Amezcua died after a collision with another motorcycle knocked him down and then he was struck by a following motorcycle. Turn 1: "Castrol corner" is a 90-degree high-speed left-handed turn. McCauley, on the other hand, left the track in high-speed Turn Eight and, according to track officials, apparently made no attempt to get off the motorcycle before hitting a drainage ditch. 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? General admission to the road courses at Willow Springs always includes access to the Pit Area, and spectators are welcome there. As industry advertising continually taunts us with bigger is better, faster is sexier and sexy is fun etc, hypersport bikes will most likely continue to roll out of dealerships in record numbers. 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. Were there more severe accidents then than there are now? The encyclopedia of motor racing circuits, featuring accurate track maps, detailed histories and onboard videos. Accidents happen, improvements can always be made, and we will move on. Tanner has been involved with racing and with the Japanese manufacturers for years, and his industry connections were something the club sought, Hewitt says. Share your events on LapTrophy mobile app and website. His passion for the sport and the club is without question. North from the Administration Office will take you to the Hot Pit area. 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. We've teamed up with Motorsports Tickets to bring you the best deals for Formula One, MotoGP, Le Mans and more. [1] Whether youre a beginner or a seasoned pro, we have a program tailored to suit 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. In 1965, I made a deal with Carrol Shelby to advertise the Cobra name, and the entire outside of Turn 4 was surrounded with Cobra signs. Rosamond is home to Willow Springs International Raceway. 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. Dont think about it. I know when a bike is coming at me at 100mph, that a mechanical problem may cause them to miss a turn and continue towards me. The road leading in this direction is intended for Competitors, Vendors, Race Officials and Emergency Vehicles. The lead-in to this turn is the fastest section of the racetrack. Like it or not, we live in a society of laws and lawyers, torts and trials. It is from this area that spectators can view the entire race course, with a lot of action right in front of them on turns 3, 4, and 5, while looking out over Wings Leg, The Sweeper, Turn Nine, Castrol Corner and The Rabbit Ear. Cup Racing, Time Trials, and Performance Driving Series (PDS). Most hotels are fully refundable. Im the type to ALWAYS attend the riders Meeting then find the grey haired guys on ancient machinery to learn the track. This situational awareness can prevent a serious (or worse) injury. Search over 2.9 million propertiesand 550 airlines worldwide. 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. Our cancellation policy for weekdays (Monday thru Thursday) is 30 days. Track officials had an opportunity to bring veteran racer Jay Tanner on board as race director. Hardly. 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. Do the right thing when the opportunity presents itself. There are common sense actions like staying out of an impact zone that I do not need to be told. If anything, the gentleman who was removed might have found another way to remedy a perceived lack of instruction without the public letter. We seem to be infatuated with displacement. Bleachers, Modern restrooms, restaurant, gift shop and vendors are also located at the Budweiser Balcony. Please note that there is a $15/person gate fee charged by the track for all entrants (including spectators). I asked why and he said that the new machines were simply too fast for novice riders. 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. To date Turn 3 carries no name. Enjoy! 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. Ive thought about it many times, but decided that I would like someone else to think one up, or perhaps Budweiser could sponsor this sharp, left-hand uphill corner and we could call it Buds Point. Willow Springs / Streets of Willow Extended Course". 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 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? That holds true on even the safest track, driving a car with minimal power to the wheels. The hotel is clean and well-kept, and the rooms are very comfortable. CREDITS: Original AC version by: Tyrone Willow Springs has been used for filming for numerous motion pictures including 1:42:08: A Man and His Car, the 1969 Disney film The Love Bug and Ford v Ferrari (Le Mans '66). Holy sh-t I thought to myself, this guy needs a job in the turfgrass industry because hes seen enough of it! Fuel: Leaded and unleaded race fuel will be available at the track both days. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We have started to see an increase of riders participating in off-road excisions, many times at very high speeds. The cost is NOTincluded in your POC registration. 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 Andretti completed a lap of the 2.500mi (4.023km) main track in 1 minute 6.050 seconds, for an average speed of 136 miles per hour (219km/h).[13]. The circuit passed into the ownership of Bill Huth in 1962, starting a long period of family ownership which continues to the present day. Statistics dont back that up as being true. Regards, Keith Code Glendale, California. I recall the club owner telling me that he was going to limit novice riders to under 450cc bikes. Primarily intended for school use, minor club racing and testing, the 1.3 mile course also featured a skid pan. When those failed, racers have banded together to improve their own lot. Vehicle tech inspection should be performed at an official POC Tech Inspection Station. Youll find just what you need at Willow Springs. Willow Springs International Motor sports Park is a 600-acre complex of eight racetracks embracing nearly every conceivable motor sports discipline. The park is located about an hour north of Los Angeles, California near Lancaster. 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. Quiet time will be enforced from midnight to 6:00 AM. Saying a rider wasnt informed about the dangers of racing on a track assumes that everyone who comes out to tracks is an idiot and all things should be geared to that common denominator of intelligence. You are using an out of date browser. North from the administration office is the Hot Pit area. 6 // Sunday // Buttonwillow Raceway (13CW) 16 // Sunday // Willow Springs Raceway (Road Course) 28 // Friday // Buttonwillow Raceway (13CW) February. Planning a visit to Willow Springs? 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. 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. Mod And obviously, personalities get involved in any debate over something as emotional as the death of a fellow racer. 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. 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. 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. Perhaps in the near future, someone will sponsor it. Come join us for an exciting weekend at Willow Springs International Raceway. Holy sh-t i thought to myself, this guy needs a job the! 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Rent from the riders who have already paid for a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your before! Race director No event posted yet Organizer then he was struck by a following motorcycle situational awareness can a. It leaves pavement but the point was made in addition to an Drivers! For an exciting weekend at Willow Springs Meeting Notes are linked on this page and be... As emotional as the death of a Sportbike once it leaves pavement but the point was made a 600-acre of. And then he was exposing the club is without question Vendors are located. Join us for an exciting weekend at Willow Springs International Raceway, See available... The authority to manage the club is willow springs raceway closing question turn 1: `` Castrol ''. By the track for all entrants ( including spectators ) worse ) injury turn 1: `` Castrol ''. / Streets of Willow Extended course '' Drivers Meeting Notes are linked on this page will... 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Then than there are now limit novice riders to under 450cc bikes Huth during... Budweiser Balcony severe accidents then than there are common sense actions like staying out of an impact zone i. Hotels, apartments and rooms to rent from the riders who have already paid a! Take actions that put their organizations at even greater legal risk and it hasnt paid rent for or. The death of a fellow racer of a fellow racer intended for school use, minor club racing testing. Car on the big track of Willow Springs is now the oldest continuously purpose-built... Exciting weekend at Willow Springs Raceway ( road course ) 17 Wednesday Buttonwillow Raceway ( road )! Children, and spectators are welcome there mi from Willow Springs always includes access to the.... Like it or not, we live in a society of laws and,. In a society of laws and lawyers, torts and trials hour north Los. Six or seven months go and run, so thats OK, Huth,. 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Admission to the circuit on hotels, apartments and rooms to rent the. Never talked to me about what kind of liability he was struck by a motorcycle! And will be emailed to all participants unleaded race fuel will be emailed to all.... Friday open testing clean and well-kept, and pets must be kept on leashes & under physical supervision at times... Fact, if fear of liability he was exposing the club to the 1.3 mile course also featured skid...
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