From a press release issued by WSMC:

2003 WILLOW SPRINGS WINNERS HONORED AT AWARDS BANQUET

Lancaster, CA. – Top motorcycle racers gathered at Lancaster’s Park Plaza Hotel Saturday as Willow Springs International Raceway honored the winners of the 2003 season of the Toyota Cup Series.

Winning top spot in overall track points and the #1 plate for the 2003 season was Jeff Stern with 603 points. Stern who is based in Las Vegas races a Sukuki under the Motul/EBC, banner. He earned his position by taking top honors in both the 750 Superbike class and Formula 40 series. Stern also finished second in Formula 1 and Open Superbike classes to secure his points advantage.

Second place honors went to Robbie Dowie with 538 points. Dowie, topped the Formula Two, 650 Superbike and 600 Modified Production classes and competed strongly in the Formula 1 series.

Third in the overall standings was Burbank’s Stoney Landers who managed to rack up 535 points throughout the season. Landers won the top spot in two classes – Open Mod Prod and Open Superbike, while finishing 3rd in Toyota Cup Formula 1 racing.

Finishing out the top ten overall were last year’s #1 plate holder Jeremy Toye, who was sidelined late in the season due to injuries, 600 Superstock champ, Chris Siglin in 5th, Tyler Paulson who topped the Open Superstock class finished 6th overall. Mark Watts who rode to the top spot in the 250 GP series and Formula 40 lightweights finished in 7th overall. Sam Carnibucci who enjoyed strong finishes in 600 Superstock, 600 Mod Prod and 650 Superbike classes earned 8th place honors while Clinton Whitehouse III who competed in eight separate classes racked up 413 points to earn the 9th slot. Corey Eaton of Placerville finished in 10th place overall with strong finishes in 750 SuperStock (1st), 750 Mod Prod (2nd), 750 Superbike (4th) and Formula 1 (4th).

Also leaving the banquet hall happy were Stephen Hewitt who won a Suzuki RM125 bike and Jack Pfeifer who was awarded a brand new Toyota Tundra pickup courtesy of Toyota Motorsports, sponsors of the yearlong Formula 1 series. A dozen other riders won free track time, merchandise and discounts from various sponsors.

Willow Springs Motorcycle Club sponsors motorcycle road racing in 18 separate classes including the no holds barred, Unlimited Formula One Series. This series leads up to the challenging Toyota 200, one of the most grueling road races around. The 200-mile contest commands more than just raw speed and power, it requires remarkable endurance and a skilled pit crew, elements unneeded in shorter races.

The rewards for success in the 200 can be substantial. With a $150,000 purse, the Toyota 200 is among racing’s most lucrative events. The winner will pocket $50,000 for his troubles, with second place earning a hefty $30,000 reward. Every qualifier is guaranteed at least $1,000 in prize money. This years running will be held October 17th at Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond.

Now in its second half-century as the “Fastest Road in the West” Willow Springs has over 100 motorcycle track days scheduled for 2004 in addition to numerous stock and sport car events, kart racing as well as vintage auto and cycle gatherings. The track is also a favorite with Hollywood and is often used as a location and training ground for movies, TV shows and commercials.

Round Two of the Toyota Cup will be held Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 13th-15th and will include special Street Rider’s Track Day on Friday and New Racer’s School on Saturday. For registration information call (661) 256-1234.

Spectators continue to enjoy one of Southern California’s best entertainment values at Willow Springs in 2004. Admission for an entire weekend of racing including pit passes and camping privileges is just $ 10/person. Kids eight and under are free. For ticket information, please call (661) 256-6666 or visit www.willowspringsraceway.com.