As diehard gearheads ourselves, we can’t stress enough the importance of finding a good track to scratch that lead-footed itch. All too often are enthusiasts injured or killed in things like street races or even simple bursts of spirited driving. Being a car guy without a race track is like being a baseball player without a diamond; it’s crucial to have a safe outlet.

Luckily for us in the South West, we have outlets aplenty. As some of you might know, Street Legal TV is based here in sunny Southern California. We’re fortunate enough to have a slew of race tracks within arms reach of our Temecula-Valley HQ, such as the Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, and the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

One of our favorites, however, (and consequently the one we spend the most time at) is the Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosamond. In the above video, /Drive host Mike Spinelli and track manager Christian Huth talk about the unique heritage of our beloved track.

Ironically enough, the same gearhead mindset behind so many garage builds and do-it-yourself engineering projects was behind the birth of Willow Springs as we know it today. Huth explains how his grandfather saw the track, had a vision, and got it done – with the same stubborn-minded, can-do attitude inherent to most of us car guys.

Today, Willow Springs is a hub for recreational track days, test-and-tunes, and simple camaraderie. Our own project cars have spent many a day traversing the Streets of Willow and Big Willow alike; the weather, atmosphere, and of course the drive always make for some great weekends enjoying the world of motorsport.

Regardless of where you live, if you’ve got a car and you like going fast then you should definitely find yourself a track. Keep the racing off the streets – it’s more fun on a track anyway.