ROSAMOND, CA Many of the world’s foremost riders return to Willow Springs September 14th through 17th to compete for one of roadracing’s most coveted rewards The $50,000 first prize in the 5th Annual Toyota 200, a 200 mile unlimited class Formula One competition that tests the mettle and metal of man and machine along Willow Spring’s famed 9-turn two and a half mile course. Upping the ante this year will be Rich Oliver, three-time winner of Roadracing World’s 250/50, and five-time AMA 250GP champion who has come out of retirement to run in both races in 2006. This could offer spectators a unique opportunity to see an iron-man attempt at back-to-back races encompassing 250 miles of 120 mph plus racing. Oliver will be putting his Yamaha TZ250 up against the biggest 1000cc super bikes on the planet. His strategy: A well-tuned machine and fewer pit stops. “Yamaha has been great, sending us a new engine and parts from Japan. I’ve been working hard to get back into shape,” says Oliver. “Our advantage will come when the big guys have to pit a second time for tires. Hopefully we can make up for what they have in power with our greater endurance.” Due to scheduling conflicts, three time Toyota 200 winner Josh Hayes will not be around to defend his title this year, opening up the competition to a wide field of top-notch racers. Early qualifiers included 2004 WSMC champ Marc Palazzo, Corey Sarros and Robbie Dowie. With a best time of 1:21.533 and an average speed of 110.385 mph, Palazzo earned himself a guaranteed front row slot for the race. According to Palazzo, it should be a good race. “I think there will be some strong competition in the early running, but as the race wears on, we should see a gap develop and hopefully I’m at the head of it!” Marc sees Rich Oliver as someone to reckon with and also sees Jeremy Toye and Jason Perez as key competition. In addition to Oliver and Palazzo racers scheduled to compete in the next round of Toyota 200 qualifying include many top AMA and regional circuit riders such as former WSMC champ Jeff Stern and his perennial Las Vegas rival Jack Pfeifer; AMA/WERA rider Hawk Mazzotta, plus a host of Toyota Cup regulars including Jason Caldwell, Anthony Lanzara, Chris Duran, Cesar Meza, Mitchel Wissner and Marcel Graeber. On the same bill, $30,000 will be up for grabs in the 4th Annual Roadracing World 250/50 race, the longest 250cc race held in the U.S. This race runs the best riders aboard exotic purpose built 250 Grand Prix race bikes known for outstanding maneuverability and exciting race action. Besides Rich Oliver competitors are expected to include USGPRU competitors Bruce Lind of Snohomish Washington and Clifton, Colorado based Daniel Qualtire, and Roadracing World publisher John Ulrich. Practice rounds begin on Thursday, September 14th, where riders and their mechanics will attempt to squeeze every ounce of power and agility from their steeds to achieve a winning lap time in Friday’s final qualifying sessions for the Toyota 200. Qualifying for Roadracing World’s 250/50 will be held on Saturday, September 15th. Saturday’s schedule also includes a full card of WSMC club racing including 30 classes of racing ranging from the high-strung 125 GP bikes to the heavy hitting unlimited Toyota Cup Formula One class that will offer a preview of Sunday’s main event. Another part of Saturday’s celebration will include the 3rd Annual “Roadracer’s Rendezvous” hosted by track owner Bill Huth at the Budweiser Balcony over looking the track. Food, live entertainment, and plenty of tales of racing lore will flow freely from the Balcony from 6pm. Special guests will include race legends Kenny Eggers, winner of the first motorcycle race ever held at Willow Springs; Eddie Lawson, four-time World Roadracing Champion; California Superbike School founder and author Keith Code; plus former World Superbike Champion, Doug Polen. Sunday’s schedule starts off with practice and three rounds of novice competition followed by Roadracing World’s 250/50 at approximately 1:00 pm. Toyota 200 racers are expected to hit the track at about 2:00pm. Spectators are encouraged to come early to find a great spot to view all the action along the 2 ½ mile track. Tickets for the three packed days of racing excitement are just $30 per person and include pit passes and free parking and camping. Kids 8 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. For a detailed schedule of events and directions please visit www.willowspringsraceway.com or call (661) 256-6666.