Willow Springs Grand Prix 2026 - AHRMA

[SoCal250]

Yesterday Jeff (so-cal-sdr200) and I decided to ride out to Willow Springs for the final day of the AHRMA race weekend.



I rode up to his place and then we headed out to Rosamond via some of the canyons (Bouquet Canyon Rd, Spunky Canyon Rd, San Francisquito Canyon Rd, etc.) so we could avoid some of the freeways.

The weather was great, cooler than usual and just a little overcast. It can get really hot and miserable out there. Saw a lot of awesome vintage race bikes there and bumped into a few familiar faces.
It ended up being a really long day, but worth it. I was out the door at 8:30am and rolled back into the driveway that evening after 7:30pm, and 249 miles later.

Rest stop on the way there at the San Francisquito & Elizabeth Lake intersection.




This guy was missing the best the best part of this TZ running. It was LOUD! (The 2nd best part was the glorious smell!)

[SoCal250]

Talked to Clinton Whitehouse who used to race this same bike for MotoCarrera more than 20 years ago, back when Doug sponsored riders. Unfortunately, it suffered an engine mechanical in the Formula 500 race


Probably the coolest YL1 Twin-Jet I've seen


At the close of the race day Grand Marshall Thad Wolff, dressed in his vintage race leathers, took his restored Team Escargot GS1000 around the track for a few laps carrying the checkered flag. Sadly, this may have been the final motorcycle race held at Willow Springs. The property was sold last year to a private equity group who apparently plan to turn it into a 'private membership club' venue.

[busa1300]

Looks like a cool place to be for a Sunday 
Really wish there was interesting vintage bike event's anywhere close to me.

[JKV45]

Looks like a cool place to be for a Sunday 
Really wish there was interesting vintage bike event's anywhere close to me.

Not exactly close for you, but have you ever been to the Slimey Crud?

https://www.slimeycrudrun.com/

Happens the first Sunday in May and October in Pine Bluff, WI.





You never know what will show up.

[busa1300]

Looks more populated than the bike shows I do try and go to. 
Last year 2 of the 4 that are reasonably close, had rain... which does not help bring in a crowd.