Willow Springs A day to Remember | FerrariChat

Willow Springs A day to Remember

Discussion in 'Tracking & Driver Education' started by DoubleD33, Mar 7, 2021.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. DoubleD33

    DoubleD33 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 2, 2012
    2,732
    Pasadena, CA / Oahu, HI
    Full Name:
    Dan D
    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.
     
    LVP488, Dogdish and Manda racing like this.
  2. Manda racing

    Manda racing Formula 3

    Feb 25, 2015
    1,245
    Bakersfield, Ca
    Full Name:
    Mark
    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.
     
  3. DoubleD33

    DoubleD33 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 2, 2012
    2,732
    Pasadena, CA / Oahu, HI
    Full Name:
    Dan D
    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.
     
  4. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Jun 14, 2011
    8,562
    SoCal LA/OC/New Mexico
    Full Name:
    Tim Dee
    Yes the track is an amazing place
    very peaceful when your doing well :)
     
    DoubleD33 likes this.
  5. axlesofevil

    axlesofevil Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 14, 2012
    1,669
    San Diego, CA
    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. :p
     
    DoubleD33 likes this.
  6. Extreme1

    Extreme1 Formula 3

    Jun 27, 2017
    1,212
    Santa Clarita, CA
    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.


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
  7. 360Tom

    360Tom Formula 3

    May 9, 2013
    1,386
    Burbank, CA
    Full Name:
    Tom
    I’m going to Willow tomorrow for a track day. Pretty certain there are open spots
     
  8. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    26,292
    socal
    When did they double the cost at the gate? I don’t mind a fee but the place so lame the toilets barely flush!
     
  9. Extreme1

    Extreme1 Formula 3

    Jun 27, 2017
    1,212
    Santa Clarita, CA
    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.


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
  10. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    26,292
    socal
    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.
     
  11. Extreme1

    Extreme1 Formula 3

    Jun 27, 2017
    1,212
    Santa Clarita, CA
    In January I paid $20 and last month I paid $10, Idk what changed.


    Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  12. 360Tom

    360Tom Formula 3

    May 9, 2013
    1,386
    Burbank, CA
    Full Name:
    Tom
    #12 360Tom, Apr 20, 2022
    Last edited: Apr 20, 2022
    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
     

    Attached Files:

    Extreme1 likes this.
  13. Extreme1

    Extreme1 Formula 3

    Jun 27, 2017
    1,212
    Santa Clarita, CA
    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.


    Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
    wthensler likes this.
  14. FerrariCognoscenti

    FerrariCognoscenti Formula 3

    Jan 19, 2021
    2,429
    East Coast
    How is the Alfa Romeo on track?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  15. 360Tom

    360Tom Formula 3

    May 9, 2013
    1,386
    Burbank, CA
    Full Name:
    Tom
    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.
     

Share This Page