Once you've enjoyed the release of a fast Turn Five, the next prospect is a short uphill sprint to the blind right-hand Turn 6. The car gets light, even in a slow Vega, and the diminished traction can sneak up and bite you.

We look toward Turn Nine, with the Seven dogleg in view. This is downhill, so you catch speed pretty quickly.

The Seven dogleg apex at left, entrance to Eight up there somewhere.

You're right: it is hard to keep track of the track from on track.

The MG lengthening its lead, beginning to move toward that outside apex.

The MG well and truly over there at the outside,
and far, far away. Pictures of the MG were not on the same lap as the others.

A flagman indicated "Stop." A minute or two later I saw this group gathered around a ball of chartreuse metal. Bummer.

Willow Springs -1-

We have crested the Six hill and can see where we want to go, as well as where we might have gone. It looks as if there might be a good view out toward Edwards Air Force Base; I don't remember noticing it while driving.

A closer look at the Seven-Eight relationship, showing what is a significant turn to fast cars. Not for Vegas, really.

The MG is pulling away. I'm not sure it's the same place on the track, but it seems right.

More track in Famous Turns Eight and Nine, Willow Springs.

Another of those situations where it is difficult to keep from making that late apex too early.

A much clearer picture of the track near the
outside apex. Why is it clearer? Next two
pictures, please.

The Datsun turned in too early and left the track at high speed. No life-threatening injuries. We don't actually get to see the Turn Nine turn.

Click this text to go to a KTUD page that has several delightful pictures of racing at Willow, Torrey Pines, and Paramount Ranch in about 1955

The "Typical" photo shows a view from Turn Four that includes Turn Three, Turn One and the access road from the South of the track. Note the flagman at the apex of Three.

The "Zoloton" photo shows the main straight and Turn Nine.