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.

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 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.

Streets of Willow Springs: Constructed in 1987. The Streets of Willow Springs is a 1.8-mile road course with multiple configurations. It has an attached Skid Pad measuring 400 ft. by 350 ft. and a 60 ft. by 40 ft. 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. Unocal racing fuel and Goodyear tire service are available every day.

Horse Thief Mile: 1 mile 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 Michael Andretti in a 1987 CART Indycar (Champ Car) @ 136 mph, 01:06.050
Chris Rado currently holds the track record for the fastest time of 1:27.30 for the FWD Unlimited Class which he achieved with his WORLD Racing Scion tC.