Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

This just in:

The free practice days set aside for WSMC motorcycle racers at Willow Springs Raceway December 26-30 are also open to car racers, and sessions will alternate between motorcycles and cars.

Announcement of the five free practice days came as a surprise to WSMC Operations Manager Kenny Kopecky, who said he didn’t know anything about the program including WSMC motorcycle racers prior to the release, issued by Willow Springs owner Bill Huth’s publicist Jay McDaniel, showing up on roadracingworld.com.

Kopecky espressed concern about on how the combined car/bike program would be run and said he didn’t know any details, such as whether or not the course would be staffed with cornerworkers, etc.

Stay tuned for further developments.

The program for car racers was first announced with the following press release, originally sent to car publications:

December 18, 2001

Willow Springs Raceway Announces New Open-Wheeled Racing Association

Open-Wheeled Race Drivers can Ring in New Year with Free Testing, Tuning, Racing

Willow Springs International Motorsports Park owner Bill Huth announced today the formation of a new racing organization exclusively targeting open-wheeled racing cars. The new association, which will be known as OWR, or Open Wheeled Racers, will include all types of open-wheeled racing vehicles, from 125cc Shifter Karts to Formula One race cars.

Licensed professional or amateur drivers from any recognized auto racing organization will be able to attend OWR’s first event, a five-day fest of tuning, testing, and racing which will span the period of December 26-30, 2001. This event will be completely free to qualified drivers and teams, and will culminate in a series of informal, class-based races held on Sunday, December 30. Drivers and teams will be able to test, tune, and race on the historic 2.5-mile main road course as well as the technical, 1.5-mile Streets of Willow.

“The formation of this new association is intended to help promote all forms of open-wheeled racing,” said Huth. “The fastest, most advanced, best-handling cars in the world are open-wheeled cars. It’s a form of motorsports that is really on the cutting edge.”

An additional benefit of OWR is that it provides an opportunity for drivers of the most economical cars, such as World SuperKarts, to intermingle with teams fielding ultra-advanced machinery. Two of World SuperKarting’s biggest proponents are World Grand Prix Champions Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, who’ve made it clear they’d love to mix it up with some of the top drivers in the more prestigious classes. “This new association will make it a lot easier for the drivers to compare notes and trade knowledge,” commented Lawson. “It keeps the fun in racing, but it also helps up-and-coming drivers hone their skills.”

Rainey concurred, agreeing that the OWR concept is a good idea at the right time.

Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is a 600-acre complex of six racetracks embracing nearly every conceivable motorsports discipline. In addition to the historic 2.5-mile road course built in 1953, the Willow Springs facility includes the Streets of Willow, a 1.5-mile, 14-turn multi-configuration road course ideal for testing, club racing, and schools; a 1/4-mile paved oval; a 3/8-mile clay oval; a .625-mile Karting track; and just-completed 1/4-mile testing and tuning circuit which has yet to be named. The facility also has an off-road driving and riding area for testing of off-road vehicles. The park is located about an hour north of Los Angeles, California near Lancaster. Official headquarters for the first OWR event will be at Lancaster’s Park Plaza (661-948-0961).

Drivers or teams who want more information on Open Wheeled Racers and its inaugural five-day event should contact Willow Springs International Motorsports Park at (661) 256-6666 for more information.