At an isolated location in Southern California, the flag is flying high. The mercury is rising, the pavement is drying and the atmosphere is electric. This is the site of Williams Grove Speedway, located in the heart of the California Desert. Now, more than 80 years after it was first built, this legendary motorsport compound is finally back on the scene. Now is the time to be there. There are many ways to experience the magic of Williams Grove Speedway, whether you are a seasoned dirt racer or a casual fan looking for a good old-fashioned drive to remember.
Why Williams Grove Speedway?
Williams Grove Speedway has been around for so long, it’s hard to imagine life without it. The story behind this legendary motorsport compound begins with an ambitious young man by the name of Elmo Gower. As a child, growing up in nearby Palmdale, California, Elmo was inspired by the cars he saw at the nearby racetrack. As an adult, he would visit the track regularly and became friends with the owners. After years of toying with the idea of building his own racetrack, Elmo finally decided to go ahead with the project. In the spring of 1941, the track was opened to the public for the first time. This was a huge milestone for a facility that had been in the works for so long.
Located in the Mojave Desert between Los Angeles and San Francisco, the compound’s natural beauty and isolation appealed to the military, which owned the land at the time. After the war, the military sold the property to a group of entrepreneurs who had connections to the racing industry. These men had a vision for how a race track should look and how it should operate. More than 400 acres were purchased, and a working group including representatives from the Ford, Chevy, Dodge and Plymouth companies began the process of designing and putting the track to use. The first annual Labor Day Classic was held in September 1948, and it was a success, attracting more than 50,000 spectators.
The Cars That Dare To Race Here
When you arrive at Williams Grove Speedway, the first thing you will notice is the beautiful cars. There are many different makes and models, and all are on display for your viewing pleasure. The highlight is obviously the racers themselves. Despite the wide array of vehicles, there is a common theme that ties the whole collection together. Whether you are a petrol head or a gear head, you will find something to pique your interest. The range of cars is so vast that even the most hardcore of automobile enthusiasts will be hard pressed to choose just one item to focus on. If you are into muscle cars or vintage models, you will have your pick of the litter. Also included are modern classics and even one or two experimental vehicles. It’s fair to say that there is something for everyone. If you love fast cars, this is the place to be.
One of the things I love most about Williams Grove Speedway is that even the most obscure models are displayed in abundance. There are literally thousands of automobiles parked in neat lines, all waiting to be toured around by curious visitors. Getting a close look at any of these unique machines is a thrill in itself, but getting to do so while the engine is running is a magical moment. Most of these amazing vehicles are raced frequently on the weekends, but even during the week there are usually a few cars out on the track. On a busy day, you could easily spend a couple of hours just peering through the glass windows of the vintage vehicles.
There are many other interesting things about this place that you must experience to fully appreciate it. One of the first things you will notice as you enter the compound is the large amount of signage around the track. This is because, before being purchased by the Walt Disney Corporation in the 1960s, the company that owned Williams Grove had a clear sign policy in place. One of the most famous slogans was “No Politics Or Religion On This Track.” This sign still stands today and perhaps this is why the track is so family-friendly. The surrounding signage is both historical and nostalgic, paying homage to the golden era of automotive racing.
Another unique feature about this place is the amount of space that is allocated to each type of racing. On one side of the track, you will find NASCAR, IndyCar and other forms of oval track racing. On the other, you will find the legendary drag races that took place here before the war. This unique design allows multiple types of racing to take place simultaneously. It’s like an automotive melting pot. Even if you are a seasoned professional, you will find something new to learn about.
What Will You Encounter On The Track?
The beauty of the design is that it allows the whole family to have fun, even those who are inexperienced drivers. This was a conscious effort on the part of the original track designers. Children especially will enjoy the opportunity to peek inside the engines of the cars and ask questions about how they work. There is also the added bonus of teaching the younger generation about automotive history. While the focus is on having fun, you must keep safety in mind at all times, especially when exploring the track in a group. There are many areas where the track slopes dangerously, making it easy for a child to slide down and become temporarily trapped. Thankfully, the rescue squads are often on hand to save lost kids, giving you hope that even the most dangerous parts of the track can be contained safely.
The Grand Prix Of Los Angeles
If you happen to be in Los Angeles anytime between now and October, you must attend the Grand Prix Of Los Angeles. This is one of the greatest road races in the world and it takes place in California, the home of Tesla and other EV manufacturers. Even if you are not a car fan, you will find the action exhilarating. The list of world-class drivers is incredible and the amount of experience these men and women have is incredible. You will leave the spectacle exhilarated and wanting more. If you are lucky enough to catch the Grand Prix on TV, make sure you don’t miss a moment of it. Even those who are not that familiar with motorsport will learn a great deal from this event. It truly is an amazing spectacle.
A Day At The Races
Perhaps one of the most unique experiences available at Williams Grove is a day at the races. On most tracks, the stands are located on one side only, leaving the other side open to the elements. The trackside seating at Williams Grove is both challenging and breathtaking. It’s an ideal place for a family picnic and, given a sunny day and a bit of planning, you could easily spend a couple of hours just sitting and chilling with your loved ones. If you want to learn more, this is the perfect place to do so. The seats provide an ideal vantage point from which to watch the races and, as you would expect, there are ample opportunities to ask questions. The layout is perfect for coaches as well, giving you the ability to watch and learn from the pros as they navigate the track, dodging traffic and keeping their cool.
Where Else Can You Visit?
While we are on the subject of places you can visit, let’s not forget about Disneyland, which is practically next door to Williams Grove. This is one of the greatest playgrounds ever created and it’s been around for more than 70 years. Anyone who has visited this place already knows exactly what I am talking about. For those of you who haven’t been there, put it on your travel itinerary. You will not regret it. Another place not to be missed is the Griffith Park. Not only is it home to many trees and pretty much any type of weather you could want, but it is also the location of many cultural attractions. If you have some free time on your itinerary, I recommend you spend a couple of hours there. It’s a great place for a picnic and, as I said, not that far from the compound. The best thing about these two locations is that they are both within easy reach of the San Francisco Bay Area. If you are visiting from out of state, you can arrive in San Francisco by plane and take a leisurely stroll to the top of the Golden Gate Bridge. From there, it’s only a short drive to the center of the city and to your hotel. You can’t miss your accommodation for this event. It’s the perfect way to end your first full day in paradise.
One of the things I love most about this place is that it is so representative of a bygone era. The vibe is old-school, vintage Americana. From the beautifully restored infield to the historical grandstands, everything about this place is vintage and it shows. The attention to detail, from the banner hanging from the top of the grandstand to the stickers on the cars, is incredible. Even those who have never been there will feel that they have somehow magically travelled back in time. It is quite a sight to behold.