Mike Kojima posted on February 28, 2011 00:20
Fast Lap: Willow Springs International Raceway
By Billy Johnson
Willow Springs International Raceway (WSIR), the “Fastest Road in the West” is the oldest purpose-built road course in North America and has remained virtually unchanged since its creation in 1953. The 2.5 mile nine-turn track earned its nickname from its medium to high-speed corners including the infamous Turns 8 and 9. While not the most technical track out there, “Big Willow” puts the mechanical and aero grip of a car to the test while high horsepower cars can see over 160mph. Because of this, the average speed of a car is faster here than almost any other track in the country. The words “ballsy” are often thrown around when talking about WSIR.
Follow me through a fast lap around WSIR:
Intro to WSIR:
While the straightaway speeds and corresponding brake application can vary greatly between a Spec Miata and my 800hp NSX, it is important to find a static point (no rocks, cones, or rabbits) to judge your braking points at. While I had significant threshold braking from over 160mph, a lower horsepower car might only briefly ‘brush’ of the brakes. In both cases a reference point is crucial for having consistent entry speeds that will lead to improved lap times.
Most of the turns at WSIR are long sweeping corners that really bring out the steady-state balance of a car. I often see people who are new to the track turn-in too quickly and have overly aggressive steering inputs. It is important to be smooth and turn in with much slower hands than you are use to around the long corners of this track.
