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  *Comments on Willow Springs Speedway:*
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  1.   Cooper posted:
  03.27.2010 - 7:15 pm
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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. 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).

Efforts by fans have resulted in the State of California declaring
Willow Springs International Raceway as a California Point of Historical
Interest in 1996.
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 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/: "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. Some say this, but
they are fast through 8 and slow through 9. 9 matters. 8 is really a
straight the slowly curves to the right. Just get to the left, and set
up for 9.
* Turn 9: Decreasing radius right hander, with a big dip right before
the apex, is a wonderful turn. The most fun corner on the track, if you
don't mind going top speed after 8 turning in slowly at the outside left
side of the track for a long time before you finally dive in to the apex
at 9. A good line through this turn is crucial for a good drive out of
the turn and top speed on the front straightway and the run to the
start/finish line.

NASCAR races were run in 1956 and 1957.


  2.   Biscuits in a Red Bull posted:
  12.23.2010 - 10:11 am
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This is a great race track. I don't see why NASCAR still don't race there!


  3.   Scott25 posted:
  04.08.2017 - 8:35 am
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Definitely the American track that I most want to see NASCAR race on now.


  4.   Jim Thurman posted:
  05.06.2017 - 12:42 pm
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The two listings for Willow Springs are redundant. It's the same track.
They simply used Lancaster as a point of reference in the 50s instead of
Rosamond. The track is closer to Rosamond.


  5.   Andy U posted:
  12.11.2018 - 8:30 pm
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http://www.willowspringsraceway.com/


  6.   thog posted:
  07.07.2020 - 3:17 am
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This track could be listed as "Willow Springs" instead of "Lancaster" on
the results pages to prevent confusion between the Lancaster (SC) Speedway.


  7.   A posted:
  07.07.2020 - 8:46 pm
   Rate this comment:      (0)      (0)

Featured in "Ford v Ferrari." Also appeared way back in 1969 in the
classic movie "The Love Bug."


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