Willow Springs A day to Remember

I had some friends that were running at the track yesterday and they talked me into coming up and watching. I thought it would be a good road trip for the 458 so I agreed and headed north.

I was there as a spectator only and not registered to run.

In between races I ran into an instructor who is a big F car guy. We chatted a bit and he said there is another gentleman here who runs challenge and you should talk with him.

I made an effort to find him but was unable to locate him so I chalked it up to an Oh Well.

Fast forward about an hour later when I am getting ready to leave and this gentleman walks up to me. I knew it what him. We chatted for a minute and a few minutes later I was in the passenger seat while he was driving around the track.

I have never been in a car pushed like this and it was a blast. I have never had the 458 on the track and My current skill level does not match his at all. This is a far cry from a spirited drive up the 110 freeway. I had a great time and a smile from ear to ear.

I intentionally left the name out of the driver as I am sure some reading this may know this person. If you know him tell him Thanks as I am sure I sounded like a 2 year old as I was so off struck by the whole deal.

 

One of those earth shattering moments!

what a track and a car— yours I assume?

I bet you’ll get a smile on your face whenever this memory pops up.

 

Yes my 458.

He is a very good driver and really in tune with the car.

I will go to a track day and run myself but I won’t be that fast.

 

Yes the track is an amazing place
very peaceful when your doing well

 

I'm headed to Willow Springs in the 458 at the end of the month. It's a great track for high horsepower cars. The Fastest Track in the West, or whatever they call it.

Glad you had a good time. Next time you should be the one driving.

 

Do a Google search of Open Track Racing. They meet every other month on a Wednesday. I’ve been there twice and run with them in my Pro Mazda. What a great time and can’t wait to go back in May.


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I’m going to Willow tomorrow for a track day. Pretty certain there are open spots

 

When did they double the cost at the gate? I don’t mind a fee but the place so lame the toilets barely flush!

 

The $190 fee goes to Open Track Racing for putting on the event. That includes some classroom instruction and on track help if you need it. The gate fee is $10.


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I'm 90% sure the gate fee is now double to $20. That's 100% mark up for a facility they put zero into. they won't even grade the dirt at T8/9 to discourage cars rolling over there.

 

In January I paid $20 and last month I paid $10, Idk what changed.


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I just got the flyer for the open track day featuring jack oleson. Willow is such a fun track, 190 is relatively cheap in comparison to most outfits running track days

I was just out there last Saturday

 

Wednesday, May 18 is the next event day with Open Track Racing. I’m going if it’s not too hot.
I was there last year when it was 95* and it was unbearable.


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How is the Alfa Romeo on track?


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It is pretty good for a sedan. Superb braking (carbon ceramics), great acceleration in both the front straight and coming off of 6 through 7. It does get a little upset going high speed through 8 and 9. I feel like it needs stiffer suspension to help eliminate the oscillation the back end does. The steering is very responsive considering I’m running pilot sport 4S’s. I think with a cup 2, the car would be so much better. I feel that it could be helped with some more aero too, but I need to keep in mind it’s a 4 door and not a dedicated track car.