Willow Springs Aerial

Track News: Willow Springs Raceway goes up for sale

Willow Springs International Raceway is For Sale.The track is located in Willow Springs near Rosamond, California, about 80 mi (130 km) north of Los Angeles.It is the oldest permanent road course in the United States.

Construction began in 1952, with the inaugural race held on November 23, 1953. The main track is a 2.500 mi (4.023 km) long road course that is unchanged from its original 1953 configuration. The elevation changes and high average speeds make it a favorite of many road racing drivers.

PROPERTY FACTS

Willow Springs Paddock
Willow Springs Paddock

Willow Springs Raceway (commonly called Big Willow or sometimes The Big Track) is a 2.50 mi (4.02 km) paved road course consisting of 9 turns.

  • Turn 1: “Castrol corner” is a 90-degree high-speed left-handed turn.
  • Turn 2: “The Rabbits Ear” is a double apex sweeping turn
  • Turn 3/4: “The Omega” is an uphill and downhill section with a camber change.
  • Turn 5: A quick left-handed turn that sets up for the fastest sections of the track.
  • Turn 6: Monroe Ridge
  • Turn 7: Repass Pass
  • Turn 8: Sometimes called, “The Sweeper,” turn 8 is a high speed right hand corner. The lead-in to this turn is the fastest section of the racetrack.
  • Turn 9: A right-handed turn with a big dip before the apex. This is the final turn before the front straightway to the finish line.

The overall track record is held by Michael Andretti in a 1987 CART IndyCar. Andretti completed a lap of the 2.500 mi (4.023 km) main track in 1 minute, 6.050 seconds for an average speed of 136 miles per hour.

Efforts by fans resulted in the State of California declaring Willow Springs International Raceway as a California Point of Historical Interest in 1996.

PROPERTY TAXES