http://www.garagecompany.com/corsa2006.html
vintage racing at willow springs raceway, weekend of april 28-30th.
anyone planning on actually hitting this up?
Man, I have some incredible memories of attending the Corsa MotoClassica over the years...
Though I won't be in California to attend this year, I went to the first five events, and have only missed it twice (including last year). I hate to miss it again; this is one of the best AHRMA events in the US. The swap meet has something for everyone, from parts, to clothing and gear, to all types of motorcycles for sale (not just vintage stuff). Over the years, I bought factory repair manuals, a hand-built exhaust for my old cafe racer, jackets and helmets... too much to list, or even remember now.
For only ten bucks per person, you can have a great time. The price of admission allows you to walk through the pits and check out the hardware, and chances are you'll meet some legendary racers. I've met more than a few, though I don't want to be a name-dropper; let's just say some are in the AMA Hall of Fame, and most of the others will be sooner or later. You can see all types of racing exotica (Team Obsolete in particular has a lot of famous rides and riders), and there are always some home-brewed specials which will knock your eyeballs out. Hell, the eye-candy in the parking lot alone will amaze you...
The bike show is always worth a lot of pictures (don't forget to vote for your favorite), and the umbrella girls are easy on your eyes when the details get to be too much to absorb. I've seen several of the "Fast Dates" and "Lingerie and Lace" calendar girls in years past, though none in leathers or lingerie AFAIK; I have no idea what they were wearing underneath their street clothes...
You can see some really great racing from the grandstands, or from up on the Budweiser Balcony; in fact, you can see the entire racetrack from the Balcony. I always take binoculars with me, though I also use them to scout the crowd for friends and other objects of interest... I've met some incredible women that way.
If you drive over to the Balcony, GO SLOWLY (speed limit on the dirt is 10 MPH); you don't want to raise any dust, because it will blow across the track in the area of Turn Two, and the track marshals frown on that. The simple rule of thumb is to check your mirrors frequently; if you're kicking up ANY dust, come to a complete STOP (to break the dust cloud), then, continue at a slower pace.
In fact, I'd suggest that if any GSTwinners are planning to attend, you should agree on a meeting point and time; something like 2 PM at the Budweiser Balcony. Yes, you can ride your GS up the dirt road to the Balcony without a problem, just remember the rule about not raising any dust on the way up and back. For those who don't know, the road to the balcony runs along the south side of the track; the balcony is at the west end.
Concessions are available; the food is good, or at least, not bad at all, but not really cheap. If you decide to make the trip in a cage, you can save some cash by bringing your own food and snacks in a picnic basket, and cold drinks in a cooler with ice. I've done this several times; it helps you to avoid waiting in long lines just to get something to eat or drink. I prefer to bring food already prepared, though I've seen some people fire up a hibachi in the parking lot for some serious tailgating in years past... Though I've been known to consume alcohol on occasion, I NEVER do it when I have to ride or drive, and I hope everyone else will keep that in mind; you might WANT a beer, but you don't NEED one; it can wait until you get home. Besides, everyone knows the beer tastes best AFTER the ride...
You'll want sunscreen / sunblock, even lip balm wouldn't hurt... a bandanna or two to keep the sun from frying the back of your neck, a wide-brimmed hat to prevent sun-roasted ears, a long-sleeved shirt and pants to keep the sun from... you get the idea. Willow Springs has neither willows nor springs, but it IS in the Mojave Desert, so prepare for the trip accordingly. Though the weather is usually pretty mild at that time of year, it can be rather harsh, so a word to the wise...
Don't forget a camera, binoculars, cell-phone, cash, and a credit card (in case of emergency). I can provide some advice on good roads through Canyon Country in case anyone wants to avoid the freeways...
If you haven't figured it out by now, this is an event you shouldn't miss. I've been to events at racetracks all over the country; the Corsa MotoClassica ranks with the very best of them. It is sponsored by Yoshi Kosaka, who raced as an amateur in Japan in his early years; he owns the Garage Company in LA, which Pablo told me is a short drive from his office. Yoshi puts on a first-class event, and if you live in southern California, you should see it for yourself. Tickets are STILL only ten dollars, which is the best bargain in motorcycling...
thanks for all that awesome info.
I'm pretty sure that weekend I'm getting the whole thing off, and I won't even be on call.
First time since october...
Anyways... I'm planning on swinging by on at least one day
might be in on this one.....AHRMA?...they race the latest thruxtons right?.....wanna see how they go :thumb: