Effective June 1, Jay Tanner has been named the new Race Director of the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC). Tanner is a 25-year AMA, WSMC, AFM and WERA West racing veteran who holds several current and past championships. He has been one of the Novice Rider School Instructors for the Fastrack Riders Association the past five years, as well as the WERA West New Racer School Instructor the past two years. Tanner is ex-husband of Willow Springs International Raceway (WSIR) and Willow Springs Motorcycle Club (WSMC) General Manager Stephanie Huth, and they are the parents of Ashley and Megan Tanner. WSMC members know the girls very well because Ashley runs the front office and Megan administrates all of the riders’ licenses. Although divorced for many years, Huth and Tanner have maintained a close and highly respectful relationship in their personal and professional lives. Asked why she decided to make a change in WSMC officials, Huth said, “WSMC is one of the best breeding grounds for up-and-coming riders–just look at our past. And we continue to grow by giving back to the riders through great contingency and purse programs. The Toyota 200 pays $1000 for the final (40th) finishing position. But you can always make things better and it’s time!” Asked why she chose her ex-husband to be the new Race Director, Huth said, “Jay has been racing for a long time with us and with many other racing associations. Because he is a long-time racer, I have a lot of respect for his opinions about racing, racetracks in general and what it would take to make things better for the sport overall. He really cares about the racers, because he is one!” Tanner said, “At first I couldn’t believe she really wanted me to do this! But then I thought, as good as WSMC is, maybe I can make it better! It’s easy to stand back and criticize. I think I’m about to see what it’s like to be on the other end, and I’m up for the challenge!” More, from a press release issued by Larry Cochran: After more than 10 years of service at WSMC and in my third year as Race Director I was informed by letter of my termination. Myra (Cochran) and Hope have (also) been relieved of their duties at WSIR/WSMC effective immediately per a FAX and FedEx received on May 31, 2007. Larry Cochran Santa Barbara, California