From a press release:

Willow Springs Motorcycle Club Starts 2002 With A Bang

Impressive Attendance, Limited Pit Space Mark Season Opener

The first round of competition for the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club began on an upbeat note this year, with strong attendance by both participants and spectators. While an exact figure was not available, it was conservatively estimated that well over 1,000 persons attended the opening round of racing at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park. The number who paid to enter the pit area, either to compete or to spectate, was 975. The remainder, who viewed the racing from the Turn Four “Budweiser Balcony” area, took advantage of the track’s program that allows spectators to watch the races at no charge.

“There were substantially more people here just to watch the racing than we would typically see for this time of year,” said a track spokesperson. “We noticed a good number of vehicles parked all the way around the Turn Four viewing area, quite a few more than normal. It looks like our free admission program is beginning to catch on.”

Pit space was also at a premium during this first round, leading more than one competitor to wonder whether pit areas will need to be assigned in the future. “There’s still plenty of room out here,” the spokesperson clarified. “If we need to juggle the rigs to be more efficient, that’s no problem.”

The free admission program, implemented by the park in December, 2001 was designed to help stimulate interest in the track’s many activities, as well as expose spectators to sponsors, whose contributions help keep motorsports alive and well. “This program was really designed to help people,” said track owner Bill Huth. “The economy needs a boost now, and this is our way of helping out.” The program is similar to one adopted by a major Los Angeles theme park, which is giving away a year’s free admission to anyone purchasing a single day’s pass. Huth wasn’t surprised that other businesses had adopted incentives. “It’s a good way to get things going again,” he added.

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, 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; two 1/4-mile paved ovals; a 3/8-mile clay oval; a .625-mile kart track; and the just-completed “Toyota Playpen,” a short course targeting beginning riders and drivers. The facility also has an off-road area for testing of off-road vehicles.

For more information on the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club or Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, please call 661-256-6666 or visit www.willowspringsraceway.com.