Willow Springs International Raceway has posted a $2000 winner-take-all purse for a Fastest Wheelie Contest to be held during the Willow Springs AMA Superbike National weekend September 15-16. Participants, who must hold a current WSMC Novice or Expert racing license, will attempt to record the fastest, controlled wheelstand down Willow Springs’ front straightaway while being measured by a radar gun at the start/finish line. Each participant will get two attempts. Any motorcycle may be used but motorcycles may not use wheelie bars, extended rear fenders, gyroscopic devices, or “any other method of wheelie assistance.” Riders must wear full race protective gear. There is no charge to enter the contest.

Finalists will be determined at qualifying events during WSMC race weekends. On Saturday, August 18, Josh Gooding, Tyler Paulson, Tommy McComas, Joe Bucaro and Janin Carlson advanced to the finals. Gooding was the fastest qualifier with a 101.7 mph wheelie down the front straightaway of Willow Springs on his Honda CBR929RR.

The next, and last, qualifying event will be held during the lunch break of the WSMC race weekend on Saturday, September 8. Each of the top five qualifiers earn $50. WSIR officials may also add riders to the finals at their option as the AMA race promoter.

But WSMC frowns on wheelies in their races. After winning his first race in 501cc-650cc Novice, Jason Britton celebrated with a wheelie across WSIR’s finish line. Britton was docked one position as a penalty. Britton is best known for his stunt riding appearances in X-Factor Videos such as “All Twisted and Pucked Up” and “Urban Assault.” Britton’s X-Factor video co-star and teammate David Sanders also won his race, 651cc to Open Novice. Britton and Sanders say that they will be back to race again with WSMC and to compete in the Willow Springs Fastest Wheelie Contest.