Writing about motorsport, fandom, and fear by a flag marshal who's scared of driving.
Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is the oldest permanent road course in the United States, consisting of seven circuits nestled into the base of an otherwise unimpressive foothill in Rosamond, California. It is a state historical landmark, a filming site seen in Ford v Ferrari (Le Mans '66), Top Gear, and Jay Leno's Garage, and a perennial pain-in-the-ass for sim racers playing iRacing and Gran Turismo. Though not currently a professional-grade track, Willow Springs International Raceway—the longest and primary circuit, affectionately known as Big Willow—has hosted renowned drivers such as Nigel Mansell, Michael Andretti, Jimmie Johnson, and Dario Franchitti.