It is a sad day in Southern California amateur motorcycle racing, as the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) is closing its doors ahead of its second round of the 2012 season. Catering to amateur motorcycle racers from LA County and its surrounding areas for the past 21 years, Willow Springs owner Bill Huth has had no choice but to close the racing league because of its lack of profitability.
While this announcement in no way affects track days held at either Streets of Willow or at the “Big Track”, it does mean that amateur motorcycle racing at Willow Springs Raceway will cease to exist, at least for the time being.
Reportedly losing money with each event held, Willow Springs Raceway makes its real bread and butter catering to TV commercials (the track is ideally situated for filming from the Hollywood scene), with the occasional track day helping the balance sheet as well. Likely better off financially running no racing than running into the red with each race, the decision is still certainly a tough one for the family-run track.
At this time, it is not clear whether other racing leagues, like WERA or AFM, will be able to host events at Willow Springs. Riders signed up for the 2012 WSMC season will receive their racing license fees back, and the scheduled racing days will likely be converted into open track days for motorcycles.
Photo: Google Earth
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