Open Track at Streets of Willow Springs

[Edley Rondinone]

The alarm on the clock radio went off at 5:30 AM, and I roused myself out of bed. The dogs heard the alarm as well, and they were up and "chomping at the leash", 'cos they knew a walk is the first thing on the agenda every day, and they were right. It is just getting light at 5:40 when we hit the streets, with the temperature in the high 40's. After a quick mile walk with the dogs we returned home and cooked a quick bowl of oatmeal, which I consumed as I read the comics in the newspapers. Gotta start the day off right! Hit the road in the Cobra at 6:45, on the way to Willow Springs Racetrack, about an hour north of my house in Sunland (on the northern edge of L.A.) It's a bit chilly on the freeway, but the heater was going full blast, and gloves kept the fingers comfy. Got to Willow just after 8 AM. Only eight cars for the day. A quick once-over with the rules of the track, two leisurely pace laps to get a feel for the track, then away we go! By now, the temperature is in the low 60's, with nary a trace of wind. Then reality sets in: Streets of Willow is a tight, 2nd and 3rd gear track, about a mile in circumference. After about 10 laps, I am close to being lapped by the Honda s2000s and Toyota MR2s. They cant catch me on the 400-yd straight, but they eat me up on the twisties! After a couple of laps with me leading thru the straight, (and watching them disappear in the mirror!) but getting caught in the curves, I call it a day! I ride shotgun in the MR2 for a few laps, and, boy, a properly set-up and -powered car is just a HOOT to be in! I wish the track was a two mile oval, then the Cobra could really stretch its fangs! It was a great day to be out and about, and to get some actual track time, I could not have asked for more! Speed is an addiction, I tell ya!!!